Coordination--Keeping Everyone Happy!!

Trying to make sure that everyone is happy is a challenging task at the best of times!

When I first starting working for the University of Winnipeg, I had an amazing job as a Socio - Cultural Assistant (2000 - 2001) in the EAL programs being offered.

Basically, I ensured that everyone was having fun during meals and activities. It was an ideal job for me because I met a lot of interesting people along the way.  (I still can't believe I was paid for that job!)  

Bottom Row: Me giving 'peace sign' beside the smiling Socio-Cultural Coordinator
Back Row: My fellow assistants

By the second year, I was asked to be the Socio- Cultural Coordinator (2001 - 2004) of three adult summer programs. What a fantastic opportunity for me!
 

Lower Fort Garry:
Me with Japanese students from Toyo Women's College, 2002.

In my new role, I developed many new skills:

• Designed and implemented socio - cultural programming for five week programs;
• Attended weekly staff meetings;
• Managed program budgets ranging from $3000 to $2500; and 
• Organized nine closing ceremonies for an average of 50 people per program.

Examples of the activities I organized with the program budgets:

• Meals at restaurants and university cafeteria;
• Trips to Imax theatre for educational programming:
• Gym or park space for sports;
• Venues for meetings, performances, and gatherings;
• Chartered buses for BBQ at the beach, Lower Fort Garry, plus horseback riding,and  farm visit;
• Unique experiences: horseback riding, farm visit with hayride, fencing, laser tag; and
• Other activities: line dancing, bowling, and movie night

Recommendation: 

• Explore your post-secondary institution to see if you can find similar employment opportunities! 
• Just take a look at some of pictures below, if I haven't convinced you already :)

Intensive English Language Program--BBQ outside Winnipeg, 2002

Fencing with Québécois students, 2003

Lunch at Sorrento's Pizza with Québécois students, 2004

Additional Coordinator positions I held at the University of Winnipeg:

Part-Time/Mature Students' Centre
April 2003 - August 2004; April 2008 - August 2009

Floor Supervisor/CSR at Beyond Words Bookstore
April - December 2008 (Term)

Acting Coordinator of Career Resource Centre
April - August 2007 (Term)
Even though I held these coordinator positions before becoming a Certified Teacher with the Province, I was able to interact and engage adult language learners.

Being with these students reinforced the idea of adults as continuous learners to me. Thus, in the Spring of 2004 and the Summer of 2009, it was my turn to participate in the Five Week Explore Program. 

Looking back, I really enjoyed my time in Chicoutimi, Qc improving my French and meeting people from across North America (US citizens included) and around the world!

Again, I would definitely recommend this experience to new educators, who are interested in teaching languages!