Welcoming our SEDS delegation from Indonesia

This article originally appeared on Humber Communiquè

The International Development Institute is pleased to welcome 28 of our Indonesian partners from the Sulawesi Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) project to Humber from May 12–June 21, 2014. The SEDS project pairs Humber with 7 universities in Sulawesi, Indonesia, to increase the capacity of the partner institutes to foster entrepreneurship within their student bodies, and to bolster small and medium    size enterprises (SMEs) in the community.

Following two Training-of-Trainers workshops conducted by Humber faculty in Sulawesi, the delegation of Indonesian lecturers will spend six weeks in Toronto experiencing first-hand how entrepreneurship is taught and fostered at Humber, as well as interacting with the wider business community and visiting successful local SMEs.

The SEDS delegation will be working with Humber staff and faculty from many departments, including the Centre for Teaching and Learning, the International Centre, the Business School and more. Their visit provides an exciting opportunity for our visiting partners, and Humber faculty and students to learn from one another, exploring best practices in Canada and Indonesia. We hope you will join us in welcoming them, and please stop by and say hello if you are at the Lakeshore Campus!

For more information on the SEDS project please visit: The International Development Institute's website

Gangham Style Gyeranbbang on my Mind

Gyeranbbang. Do you know what on earth that is?

After some research we found that it is something very delicious, mouth-watering and exotic from Asia. A popular street food from South Korea, Gyeranbbang is basically an egg bread, or egg on bread or bread on egg. Oh well, you can decide!

 

Gyeranbbang: GyeRan is Egg and Bbang is Bread (courtesy: Aeris Kitchen).

Tightly secure inside a sweet succulent muffin, the egg peeps through a fresh and hot slice. The peculiar thing about Gyeranbbang is that a savory egg is held in between layers of batter that bake together into a very soft, steaming muffin.

Why are we talking about Gyeranbbang anyway? We are very envious of our team member, Linda Chao, who got to experience this wonder muffin on a recent recruitment trip to the Gangham District in South Korea and left much for us to imagine.

“One of my favourite street foods in South Korea was Gyeranbbang. The egg was cooked perfectly, not too hard, not too soft, it was just right. I found this at nighttime but it would be great for breakfast too with a cup of coffee! Why don't we have this in Toronto?”

If you can show us the way to a yummilicious Gyeranbbang in Toronto, please connect with us - we promise to share!Finding Gyeranbbang

If you are confident of your Gyeranbbang-making skills, that’s good. If not, we recommend that you first check the recipe before you do so.

About Linda

Linda Chao is Manager, International Recruitment & Market Development for East & South East Asia. She frequently travels to meet prospective students and promote Humber internationally.

Meet Our New Staff

Hello Friends,
The International Centre is always booming with a growing team that adds to the global flavour at Humber. What's new now, you may wonder?
Well, please put your hands together (if you can leave your gadget or keyboard just for a few seconds) to welcome our new team members.
Let's get to know these friendly faces!

Meet Natasha Haniff, International Enrolment Officer 

Year I joined Humber: 2000

The countries that have seen me: British Virgin Islands, Greece, Guyana, Jamaica, United States

I can’t go without these cuisines: Japanese, Indian, Thai.
What human qualities does Humber represent? Humber is friendly, forward thinking and connected.

Take my word: Graduation day approaches quickly. Appreciate every day in the classroom and soak up the knowledge and experience you receive. It’s a time in your life when your mind is open to new ideas and you question everything. Education changes your life profoundly.

Meet Clarissa Scarelli-Wuertz, International Enrolment Officer

Year I joined Humber: 2013

The countries that have seen me: USA, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, England, Denmark, Norway, Czech Republic, Poland, Indonesia.

I can’t do without these cuisines: Thai.


What human qualities does Humber College represent?
Humber College is very supportive. It does not matter what kind of challenge you have, there is always someone willing to help.

Take my word: Be prepared for the longest and coldest winter of your life in Toronto! Canadians help you take it as it is, not as hard as it seems to be. Enjoy as much as you can the opportunity to live in one of the most multicultural cities in the world and be open to make friends from other cultures and with different beliefs.

Meet Matthew McDonald, International Student Advisor

Year I joined Humber: 2013

The countries that have seen me: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.

I can’t do without these cuisines: Korean, Thai, and Macedonian

What human qualities does Humber College represent?
Warmth and friendliness. As a recent newcomer to Humber, I can attest to how kind people have been and how quickly I was treated as “part of the family.”

Take my word: Get outside of your comfort zone—socially, academically, culturally, geographically… Challenging yourself it the only way to grow. It won’t take long for you to get comfortable in your new Canadian home; that’s exactly when you need to resist the urge to get to comfortable and stop growing. 

Meet Daniella Cross, Manager, International Marketing & Communications

Year I joined Humber: 2014 (I was also a student at the University of Guelph-Humber from 2003-2007 in the Media Studies program)

The countries that have seen me: I have travelled to almost 40 countries (on every continent except Antarctica and Australia): the USA, Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, St Maarten, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Domica, Martinique, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, Mexico, Venezuela, Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Holland, Spain, Canary Islands, Greece, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Turkey, Dubai, Morocco, Taiwan, and Japan.

I can’t go without these cuisines: I love Japanese, Mexican, and Italian but I’m always up for trying new things!

What human qualities does Humber College represent?
Drive, ambition, and innovation. I am inspired by the students at Humber and their desire to succeed and become leaders as global citizens.

Take my word: Enjoy your adventure at Humber and make the most of your post-secondary experience! You will cherish the memories of the activities you participate in and the friendships you make could last a lifetime. Take risks, study hard, and enjoy the ride!

Meet Diane Simpson- Dean, International!

Humber College and I have been together since 1998: I came to Humber as a post-graduate student in our International Development program and then joined the Business School to manage international programming within the school.

The countries that have seen me: I have visited a number of countries throughout South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia

I can’t do without these cuisines: Hmmmm that is a hard one – I love all cuisines, if I had to choose a favourite I guess it would be Japanese.

What human qualities does Humber College represent?

According to Diane, Humber College is nurturing. It is here to ensure your success!

Take my word: "During your time in Toronto, make sure that you do one thing that you never would have imagined doing before - this could be skating or skiing or learning a new language or skill. Embrace your time here and enjoy!"

International Recruitment Team

Meet Linda Chao: Manager - International Recruitment
 
Humber College and I have been together for: 8 years
 
The countries that have seen me: China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Thailand, India, Russia, Dubai, Kuwait, Oman, Trinidad, Jamaica, St. Vincent and USA, UK, Italy, France, Germany, Holland
 
I can’t do without these cuisines: Vietnamese Pho, Chinese Peking duck, Japanese Sashimi, and Korean BBQ
 
What human qualities does Humber College represent?
 
According to Linda, Humber College is very thoughtful about what you need, in both academic and personal wellbeing. It also strives to provide the best services!
 
Take my word:"Dress up and have a “treat or trick” at Halloween. You have probably never experienced it in your country. It is fun and you get lots of treats like candies in the end!"


Meet Amanda Koski: Manager- International Recruitment


Humber College and I have been together for: 12.5 years 

The countries that have seen me: I've been to 50 countries around the world. Not every continent yet, though! So far: Asia, North and South America, Africa, and Europe. Countries ranging from St. Lucia to Uruguay to Malaysia to Russia to Mexico.

I can’t do without these cuisines: My favourite cuisine depends on my mood: usually Thai, Indian, or Sushi, but sometimes in the summer there's nothing better than a nice fresh salad or piece of fruit!

What human qualities does Humber College represent?

According to Amanda, Humber would be like an unexpected visit to your favourite relative's house. You are always welcomed, and sometimes there are unexpected surprises!

Take my word: "Dare to step outside of your comfort zone! Whether that means approaching that unknown student in the cafeteria, riding a challenging ride at Canada's Wonderland, or tasting some new cuisine, get out and experience all that Humber and Toronto have to offer!"


Meet Tania Spoljaric-Sherwood: Manager- International Recruitment

Humber College and I have been together for: 4 years

The countries that have seen me: India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, China, Croatia, Romania, England, Egypt, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Syria, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Guyana, Dominican Republic, the United States, South Africa, Iceland, Germany, and Greece

I can’t do without these cuisines: Mediterranean

What human qualities does Humber College represent?

According toTania, Humber exemplifies honesty, trust, reliability, stamina, and endurance.

Take my word: "Don't sweat the small things in life. Put your energy into the bigger things that you're most passionate about."


Meet Rebecca Fitzgerald: Study Abroad Officer

Humber College and I have been together for: 1 year

The countries that have seen me: Japan, Eritrea, Iceland, Ghana, Egypt, South Korea, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, England, Ireland, Greece, Scotland, and the United States. 

I can’t do without these cuisines: Japanese, Greek, Lebanese, Indian, and Ethiopian

What human qualities does Humber College represent?

According to Rebecca, Humber represents a garden tended by gardeners of every gender and ethnicity. A garden that will only grow and flourish through dedication of skills, time, passion, and creativity and that will reward new skills, memories, friends, and career prospects.

Take my word: "Say 'yes!' to any invitation that you receive - within reason! In other words, make every effort to experience as much as you can. Aim to create memories that will last for your lifetime. Your opportunities to learn and grow are not limited to within the walls of a classroom." 

Meet Helene Espinosa: International Recruitment Coordinator 

Humber College and I have been together for: 14 years

The countries that have seen me: England, Mexico, the United States, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia

I can’t do without these cuisines: I have no favourites- I enjoy cooking and eating

What human qualities does Humber College represent?
 
According to Helene, Humber was like an older sibling when she was a student, always guiding her and showing her the right path. Later, after her getting her first real job at Humber, Humber was like a mother to her, always showing pride and confidence in her. Now, Helene feels that Humber offers peace and fulfillment, relating to all aspects of life.
 
Take my word: "Always do what you like no matter how meaningless it looks to others...who goes to work happy will enjoy life more than the one who gets the biggest pay!"
 
 
Meet Reema Patel: International Recruitment Coordinator

Humber College and I have been together for: 5 years

The countries that have seen me: Kenya, Tanzania, The United States, India, England, The Netherlands, and Mauritius
 
I can’t do without these cuisines: Italian, Mexican, and Indian

What human qualities does Humber College represent?

According to Reema, Humber represents many human qualities: respect, kindness, understanding, and support related to not only academic, but personal growth. The diversity of all campuses creates a compassionate and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and at home.

Take my word: "Make the most of your time here in Canada. Focus on academic success by studying well, but take the time to enjoy all the activies and things the city offers. Step out of the box, make new friends, experience the diverse cultures found at Humber and in Toronto, and you'll gain a lifetime of memories and special moments. Have fun!"


Meet Jennifer Zhang: Liaison/International Recruitment Officer


Humber College and I have been together for: 3.5 years

The countries that have seen me: England, Switzerland, Spain, the United States, China, and Korea

I can’t do without these cuisines: Asian

What human qualities does Humber College represent?

According to Jennifer, Humber is friendly, committed, devoted, open-minded, energetic, enthusiastic, and honest.
 
Take my word: "Sail on Lake Ontario and go hiking!"


Meet Kyoung Heo (Sydney): International Office Clerk


Humber College and I have been together for: 3 years

The countries that have seen me: Australia, South Korea, the United States
 
I can’t do without these cuisines: Japanese

What human qualities does Humber College represent?

According to Kyoung, Humber College is very welcoming and informative. It is very open-minded. Humber is a good listener and is always there to help you with your problem.

Take my word: "Try everything! Go out there, meet new people, volunteer, get to the know the Canadian culture and the Canadian experience!"

Meet Juan Cisneros: International Purchasing and Shipping Analyst

Humber College and I have been together for: 2 years

The countries that have seen me: Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Spain, and the United States
 
I can’t do without these cuisines: Mexican- I love the real street tacos you can find in Mexico and Mexican dishes like mole, chiles en ahogada, and enchiladas

What human qualities does Humber College represent?

According to Juan, Humber is the energetic and friendly person always willing to meet new people and learn new things. One main quality is that it is adaptable to current circumstances.

Take my word: "Go to the trips organized by the International Centre. These trips are affordable, you can have a lot of fun, and they are an excellent opportunity to make new friends."

Behind the Faces at the Humber International Centre

A bit of anxiety and loads of excitement await you as you set foot into Humber College.

Here, you will meet new people, experience different cultures, walk new roads and feel a fresh wave of excitement.

Humber College boasts of a strong international community that thrives on student and staff diversity, coupled with local Canadian flavor. Its staff and teachers strive to build an interactive student community and ease your transition into the new academic life.

You may have Google-d your classmates, your teachers and everything else about the College. You may have by now already seen a lot of new faces. While it is difficult to keep track of all the new names and faces at College, those that you cannot get over are that of the International Centre staff! Remember the ones you interacted with prior to securing admission to Humber College? The Interactional Centre! Don’t you want to see the real faces behind those voices?

Let’s read a bit about them, right from their mouth!
 
You have interacted with the International Centre staff either through web or on phone. These guys have handled your admission process and have had you in mind, at least during their office hours. It is but natural both for you and the staff member to have attached a certain face to each other’s names, based on the interactions. A pleasant face who wrote you a congratulatory email; or a grumpy one that constantly reminded you of your missing documents?

Whosesoever face that may be; there is someone, from some part of the world, who is gorging on some exotic lunch and thinking in their mother-tongue, that is writing to you from out there… here, the International Centre.

What makes the International Centre international?

Is it the different countries represented in here?

Is it the different languages spoken here?

Is it the delightful exotic snacks served at the back office?

It’s a bit of these and a lot more. It’s the coming together of different people, cultures, reasoning and regional perspectives on one table… actually, many tables. It’s their ability to understand, address and take care of international student community, and the motivation to handle individual concerns, needs, doubts and inhibitions.

Here’s an exclusive peek at our International Centre staff that will be with you through your academic journey!

So, let’s see them all, one by one!