Friday, December 16, 2011

George Huang - It's all about talent!


George - Zheng Huang, from China, is doing his second program at Algonquin this year.  

He first  completed Event Management where he worked on a special fundraising event for the Children's Wish Foundation. 


George is now in the Food and Nutrition Management program.

Before coming to Ottawa, George studied in Switzerland and can speak French very well.  He also sings and plays guitar.  He sang Hotel California at the last Chinese New Year event at the College and is featured in a CBC news clip about the Chinese New Year.  

It's all about talent, and George's got it!!! 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Manager, International Student Services



Posting #:AP 78/2011
Posted:Dec 12, 2011
Employment Status:Perment Full-Time
Faculty:Not Applicable
Department:International Services and Programs Abroad
Grade:Job Group L
Salary Scale:
Hours of Work:
Start:ASAP

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Office of International Services, the Manager of International Student Services will play a key role as a resource to the international student population and University through counsel and guidance on issues such as immigration, cultural, and academic matters. The Manager will be responsible for developing and administering comprehensive services and programs to facilitate international student success at Brock and provide on-going program needs assessment and evaluation. The Manager will assist in planning the annual Global Transitions program. They will also serve as an advocate for international students both on and off campus. In addition, the Manager will co-ordinate and promote information sessions by government and community agencies that assist students with attaining their goals. Duties also include developing and administering on-going social programming such as excursions to Niagara Falls, sporting events, and volunteer opportunities through Community Connections.

For more information please click here: Job at Brock 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Graffiti Tour of Ottawa?



Thanks to friends and followers who have shared some of your best graffiti shots. I will be posting them over the next few weeks. Today’s photo was taken in the Gatineau area (Ottawa region) by Jari V.

Ottawa has three legal graffiti walls:
George Dunbar Bridge on Bronson Avenue, near Carleton University.
Ottawa Technical High School on Slater Street in Centretown.
A skate park at the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex in Orléans.

These is some of the Graffiti work you can find in Canada's capital city… perhaps you would like to take a Graffiti tour of the city: http://web.ncf.ca/bf250/mural9.html

There is debate about the difference between graffiti walls and murals, the usefulness of them and the effect they produce. According to a CBC story about Legal Graffiti Walls “Official graffiti walls intended to reduce unwanted graffiti in neighbourhoods have had the opposite effect”.

Toronto’s mayor Rob Ford seems to agree with that report. He has apparently hired Graffiti police just to keep the city under strict rule. What are your thoughts? What should be the approach?


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Ontario colleges join forces with Irish institutes of technology


(Toronto, Nov. 24, 2011) – Colleges Ontario, the organization representing Ontario's 24 colleges, is joining forces with Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI) to sign a unique agreement that allows Ontario college students to complete degree programs in Ireland.

In return, Irish students will ultimately be able to obtain graduate certificates from Ontario colleges...

 For the rest of the article  please click:  
Unique link creates student mobility between Ireland and Ontario


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hosier Lane, a place were Graffiti is encouraged...



A crisp cold morning in Australia’s second largest city. I go out for a walk without a Lonely Planet in hand. I like to explore “unknowingly” and discover things for myself, even if they have already been discovered by others and described on Wikipedia. Opposite to the entrance to the Atrium at Federation Square in Melbourne, I come across this interesting corner of the world called Hosier Lane. It is a much-celebrated landmark that I had never heard about. In the beauty of that August day, as the sun hit brilliantly above the cold breeze, the place opened up to me. There was my own fantasy book. If newly weds come to this spot to have their photos taken right after their service, why not me. I happily walked down that isle, taking my time to admire.

A few shots away and I was out of there. Photos are great time-immortalizers, but they cannot compare to the face-to-face experience. My images of Hosier Lane went into storage, until I unearth them the other day.

These are the only three images I could find. They are the reminders of that city installation of unique quality, of vibrant colours, textures and styles. That was an interesting spot worth stumbling upon, as I did. Here’s a link to a photography blog by Dev Wijewardane who also  “talks” about Hosier Lane. Enjoy!!!


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Graffiti in Libya, opening a new tab on Across Borders




Graffiti can be considered a form of art. I have admired colourful murals along subway tunnels or train tracks. It can also be understood as a mechanism for transgression. There is a saying in Spanish which states that “walls are the villain’s paper” (La pared y la muralla son el papel del canalla). In most places in the world, including Canada, Graffiti is banned as it is considered a form of vandalism and a violation of private property. Nevertheless, some very important statements have appeared in public spaces. There are voices that interact and coexist with passersby. Some pieces tell stories, raise awareness or communicate discomfort. Some others add mess, to an already chaotic environment.  

Graffiti, from the Italian graffito, can be a form of writing, scratching and drawing. It is said to be as ancient as Western civilization but popularized with the advent of pop culture. Nowadays, there are some spots in the world where graffiti is welcome. The Hosier Lane, in Melbourne is one of them. The main image chosen for this blog comes from there. I was amazed by the beauty of the different images displayed along this lane, which I stumbled upon by accident.

I find Graffiti on the borderline between art as a form of expression and art as a voice of contravention. I would like to explore that aspect by creating a new tab on this blog called Graffiti. If Facebook has created a “virtual wall”, made available for us to “leave a message”. I hope that the graffiti section on Across Borders, would inspire our creative minds to cross the boundaries of meaning and message as well. Whenever I, or any of my friends pass by an inspiring graffiti, I would like to bring it back here for discussion.



Sunday, November 13, 2011

Position Announcement - Northern Illinois University

Assistant Professor in Adult and Higher Education – Student Affairs 
Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education 
Northern Illinois University 
The Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education at Northern Illinois University seeks to hire an Assistant Professor with expertise in student affairs/higher education. The CAHE department is one of six units in the College of Education, and offers a master’s and doctoral degree in Adult and Higher Education. The qualified candidate is expected to teach graduate courses in Adult and Higher Education both on and off campus. This position is a permanent, tenure-track position with salary based on experience. Appointment will commence August 16, 2012. 


Required Qualifications: 
1. An earned doctorate (by the start of the appointment) from an accredited university in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Adult Education, or closely related field 
2. Professional work experience in student affairs 
3. Excellent communication skills 
4. Evidence of scholarly research 
5. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students from culturally diverse backgrounds 

Preferred Qualifications: 
1. Experience in a cross-section of postsecondary institutions 
2. Evidence of scholarly productivity related to student affairs 
3. Ability to contribute to program administration 
4. Successful experience teaching and advising at the graduate education level 
5. Experience using a variety of instructional technology in teaching and delivery methods 
6. Evidence of published research, grants and conference presentations. 

To apply: Send a letter of application addressing qualifications, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references. 
Adult and Higher Education Student Affairs Search Committee Chair 
Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education 
200 Gabel Hall 
Northern Illinois University 
DeKalb, IL 60115-2867 
cahe@niu.edu 


Deadline: Review of applications will begin on December 1 and continue until the position is filled. 


Questions: Contact Dr. Carol Patitu at 815.753.7608; E-mail: clpatitu@niu.edu 
Pre-employment criminal background investigation required. 
Northern Illinois University is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. The Constitution and Bylaws of Northern Illinois University afford equal treatment regardless of political views or affiliation and sexual orientation. NIU recognizes dual career issues. 

Friday, November 4, 2011

Manager, International Partnerships and Programs Algonquin College



Job Posted Until: 09-Nov-2011 (noon)



Job Description  
Reporting to the Director, International Education Centre, 
Manager International Projects will be responsible for overseeing initiatives of 
the International Education Centre in the areas of programs and partnerships.

Responsible for analyzing and developing international programs 
and partnership opportunities, formulating proposals and working with academic personnel 
to design proposals and partnership models, and for developing, managing and sustaining 
the College’s international partnerships in key markets around the world.

The incumbent will be responsible for business development, dissemination of marketing materials, 
development and coordination of program and partnership proposals, development and maintenance 
of partnership implementation plans and travel for the development and managing of program and 
partnerships. He/ she will work closely with various academic departments and services of the College 
in order to ensure programs and services meet the needs of international students. 
He/she will be responsible for gathering intelligence and informing the Director of new trends, 
opportunities and potential business in markets abroad.



For more information click here

Vacancy at Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia)

The International Centre (formerly International Student & Exchange Services) has a job opening for an International Student Advisor. 
The full job posting and details about applying can be found at http://staffingservices.dal.ca/vacancies.php  Please note, a detailed job description 
is available by request-- recruitmentandretention@dal.ca 
 
Please note that the position closes on Thursday November 17, 2011. Only candidates who are shortlisted for interviews will be contacted

Monday, October 31, 2011

Students Push Their Facebook Use Further Into Course Work


By Alexandra Rice

College students are taking social media to a new level, using Web sites like Facebook to communicate with other students about their coursework, according to results of a new survey on student technology use.
Nine out of 10 college students say they use Facebook for social purposes, like writing status updates and posting pictures. And the majority, 58 percent, say they feel comfortable using it to connect with other students to discuss homework assignments and exams. One out of four students even went so far as to say they think Facebook is “valuable” or “extremely valuable” to their academic success.
The survey was conducted in June by the Educause Center for Applied Research, and was taken by 3,000 students from more than 1,000 colleges. The results show how technology is shaping students’ lives both inside and outside the classroom.
For the entire article please click here

Friday, October 28, 2011

Full-time Regular Partnership Officers needed at University of Calgary

University of Calgary International (UCI) www.ucalgary.ca/uci has openings for 2 positions: Partnerships Officer.
 
Please review the posting on http://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/careers . Partnerships Officer, Job ID 1499
 
These positions are classified as Ĺ’Specialist Advisor Phase 2‚. Salary and benefits info at: http://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/staff/support_staff 
Application deadline: Nov 8, 2011.
 
Position Overview 
University of Calgary International is currently seeking  two Full-time Regular Partnership Officers.
The primary purpose of this position is to ensure development, successful finalization, and administration of international partnerships/agreements and protocol areas through coordination and interaction with administrators, faculty, staff, academics and international partners.
 
Position Description 
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
  • Provide leadership in the establishment and monitoring of University's international academic partnerships.
  • To be a resource and provide excellent support for faculty and staff  in developing international partnership agreements and related activities.
  • Coordinate and collaborate partnership activities to support a University of Calgary international activity agenda.
  • Develop and monitor international standard agreements/contracts and maintain liaison with contract specialists in Legal Office and Research Services.
  • Create policies and procedures for international linkages, data management and reporting including continuous streamlining and managing administrative processes.
  • Assist with the research, compilation and writing of linkage reports.
  • Prepare, coordinate and monitor the institutional agreements related to partnerships and linkages, including MOU's, Exchanges, joint degree programs and agreements which promote overseas programs and opportunities.
  • Organize, participate  and assist in protocol activities as related to international linkages, delegations and visitors. 
  • Handle internal communications with campus community regarding international partnership activities and opportunities

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Director ESL Services needed at Brock University


Posting #: AP 66/2011
Posted: Oct 13, 2011
Employment Status: Permanent Full-Time
Faculty: Not Applicable
Department: ESL Services, Student Services
Grade: Job Group Q
Salary Scale:
Hours of Work:
Start: ASAP

Job Summary

Brock University’s ESL Services has offered non-credit English courses to students from all over the world since 1982. Through a mixture of formal classroom instruction and socio-cultural activities, students are able to gain confidence and proficiency in their English abilities. Approximately 500 students enroll in the ESL program per trimester.

Reporting to the Vice-Provost and Associate Vice President, Student Services, the Director of ESL Services will provide leadership to the ESL unit in the areas of enrolment management, program delivery, staff supervision, professional development and financial oversight. The market for ESL recruitment is highly competitive and it is critical that the instruction and program delivery are of high quality in order to recruit and retain students.

Responsibilities will include managing growth of ESL enrolments; hiring and professional development of employees; allocating resources for staffing and operations; ensuring program quality and competitiveness; developing annual and multi-year budgets; implementing policies and procedures including administrative structures and practices; introducing new and expanding existing programs; researching national and international trends; and planning strategic directions for the unit. The Director will work closely with International Admissions and International Market Development to monitor enrolments and to facilitate the transition of students into academic programs. The Director will ensure that students have access to support services during their ESL studies.

For qualifications and additional info click on the following link: Brock

Job Posting for the University of Western Ontario


The following Western International Education job opportunities have been posted on the Human Resources website and will close on October 28, 2011:
·         Manager of International Learning, continuing, reference 2992
·         Administrative Officer, contract, reference 2994

To  find out more details these positions, click on the following link to go directly to the Working at Western website: Western




Saturday, October 1, 2011

About CITIZENS OF NOWHERE

I recently finished reading CITIZENS OF NOWHERE, From Refugee Camp to Canadian campus by Debi Goodwin. It was a gift from my dear friend Nadia. This is a fantastic, if sad, recount of the lives of 11 Somali students from Kenyan refugee camps and their journey into different Canadian institutions. Goodwin knits contrasting snapshots of life during their first school year in different corners of the country (from Victoria to Halifax). Goodwin tells this story with compassion and detail, at times bringing tears and excitement to a concentrated reader. I not only recommend the book (Anchor Canada/Random House) but would also like to reflect on an issue that concerns me. That is the way students cope and adjust to their new circumstances once they have bravely left their home countries to venture into what they expect to be a better life (at least one with plenty of opportunities). Most of the young women and men in Citizens of Nowhere have left their roots, families and hostile realities to face new challenges on their own. In a way, their journey is very similar to that of any international student. While it is true that most international students in Canada come from more privilege contexts, their process of adjustment to a new environment remains equally difficult.

Goodwin is a documentary producer and former CBC journalist. Her documentary “The lucky ones” inspired this book. You can hear from Debi and two of the students at: CBC.ca | The Sunday Edition | Somalia - Chimps - Emily Dickinson

For more info on the program developed by The World University Service of Canada, you can visit this link: (WUSC)

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Latin American Countries Push More Students to Study Abroad

This is an interesting article from The Chronicle by Andrew Downie on Scholarships for Latin American students. Increasing interest and mobilitiy from the region as the economy improves in places like Brazil and Chile.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

The Travel Clinic

I recently came across TheTravel Clinic an interesting site intended for anyone wishing to learn about the health risks that may be encountered when travelling, and to find out how to minimize or manage those risks.
The Travel Clinic also features an interesting blog (drwisetravel.com) by Toronto family doctor Mark Wise.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Thinking Right: Coaching a Wave of Chinese Students for College in America

Last November, the Institute of International Education announced that there were now almost 130,000 Chinese students studying on American campuses, making them the largest international contingent. While this represents a significant cash flow out of China, Beijing supports this trend because the Chinese economy is in desperate need of globally educated Chinese.
For the rest of the article please click on link below:

Monday, July 25, 2011

Canada's Conference on International Education 2011

Canada's Conference on International Education 2011 is the place to reflect on our ambitions and achievements, set new goals and consider innovative approaches.

CBIE supports the education sector in the pursuit of excellence in international education with a conference packed with information, learning, and networking opportunities.

For more info click here: Canada's Conference on International Education 2011

Woment in Advertising today

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Regional Director, International Educational Outreach & Recruitment

This company is
seeking a highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for international education to join a vibrant and fast-paced workplace at GlobaLinks Learning Abroad as a Regional Director. 

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad is an international education organization providing opportunities for study in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, Asia and Europe.  In its 20th year and having successfully sent more than 20,000 students abroad, the company is an application centre in Canada for 38 different Australian, New Zealand and UK universities and facilitates direct enrollment into Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D./Doctorate level degree programs.  The organization also offers semester and year abroad programs, summer short course programs, specialty academic semester and non-semester programs, custom faculty-led short courses, and internships.

The main office is located in Westminster, Colorado.

Position:  Regional Director

Location:  Vancouver, BC or Calgary or Edmonton, AB

Start Date: Open

Position Responsibilities:
The Regional Director position is part of the Marketing/University relations position and reports directly to the Director of Canadian Institutional Relations.  This position is responsible for the marketing of all programs to North American universities including both advisors and students within a particular geographic area.  Our Regional Directors act as primary contact for university career counsellors, college articulation advisors, and secondary school guidance counsellors as well as study abroad advisors/directors, with responsibility for quality service and support to all relationships; primary focus on development and expansion of existing, as well as new, partnerships in full degree and study abroad.

Specifically, this position requires an enthusiastic and experienced professional who will operate independently and proactively with counsellors, advisors, students and staff.   We encourage participation in the nationwide and local international education organizations like CBIE and CACEE.  The three person Canada team works collectively on development; supporting the organizational mission and developing new programs and opportunities.

Required Skills and Qualifications:
-          Bachelor’s Degree.  Masters Preferred
-          Previous experience studying, traveling, working or volunteering abroad
-          Prefer 2 years experience minimum within the field of international education as evidenced by involvement with other related organizations, presentations, or service to the community.
-          Strong recruiting skills and background
-          Strong written, oral communication skills and presentation skills
-          Demonstrated interpersonal skills
-          High level of integrity and dependability in a non-structured work environment
-          Commitment to an extensive travel schedule (approximately 40% annually with intensive travel throughout multi-province region in fall and spring in accordance with Canadian university, college and secondary school schedules).
-          Proficient computer skills are required, including knowledge of Microsoft Office package, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
-          Supervision and leadership skills
-          Administrative talent and expertise, multi-tasking approach
-          Self-starter and self-motivated
-          Ability to travel domestically & internationally
-          Flexibility
-          Deadline oriented
-          Sales background
-          Team player and team leader


Send a cover letter including salary requirements and resume to Chad DuMond at cdumond@globalinksabroad.org by the end of the day on Sunday, 31st of July.


Additional Information:
  • Competitive Salary based upon experience with benefits including short and long term disability, RRSP benefits, educational and wellness benefit opportunities, 15 days vacation per year, paid holidays.
  • Please no phone calls about this position
  • We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Job Posting: Manager, New Canadian and International Student Services at Mohawk College


JOB CLASSIFICATION:
Manager, New Canadian and International Student Services

POSTING DATE:  
May 27, 2011





POSITION NO:


CLOSING DATE:
June 3, 2011





COMPETITION NO:


HOURS OF WORK:
Monday - Friday





RATE OF PAY:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience

CAMPUS:
Fennell





PAYBAND:
CAAT Band 10

STATUS:
Full Time





DEPARTMENT:
International Student Services

EFFECTIVE DATE:
June 15, 2011


























JOB
SUMMARY:
The Manager, New Canadian & International Student Services is accountable for the efficient operation of international student services and new Canadian student services through the provision of efficient, effective and high-quality services and support. These services will be provided to those international students who have already been accepted to Mohawk (through the IP&R department), and to immigrants who are potential students, registrants or current students of Mohawk. The incumbent will work with other members of the Student Services Division (SSD) team to ensure that services and academic supports are offered seamlessly. The incumbent will be conversant in all applicable policies and procedures within the College and all levels of government. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing advising and engagement activities with a special focus on the transition to the Canadian experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful applicant will have:
An Honours Degree or equivalent in such disciplines as Social Studies, International Political Sciences, Linguistics or a related field, and will be expected to be fully competent in:
·         Negotiation skills.
·         Conflict resolution skills.
·         Customer service focused software and Microsoft applications.
·         Cross cultural awareness and sensitivity.
·         Front-line management skills.
·         Knowledge of policy and regulations around international students and related immigration areas.
·         Experience in budget preparation would be beneficial.