Thank You

BCCIE would like to thank all of the presenters and delegates who contributed to the success of the Summer Seminar 2010. Online registration is now closed.

Below you will find information regarding the full BCCIE Summer Seminar 2010 itinerary, session descriptions, special events, as well as information about our BCCIE Summer Seminar Bursary program.

BCCIE Summer Seminar 2010 Registration Fees

Schedule at a Glance

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Note that the schedule below is subject to change.

Pre-Conference Schedule

Seminar Schedule

Pre-Conference Workshops

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BCCIE is pleased to offer a number of Pre-Conference Workshops immediately preceding this year’s Summer Seminar. Please note that these workshops have additional fees and have limited registration.

Tuesday, June 22 - 13:00-16:00       
Pre-Conference 1: Presentation Skills for International Education Professionals

The ability to engage in effective public speaking is a key leadership skill, and many believe that the ability to communicate well in front of groups will advance careers and success more than any other skill set. This session is particularly aimed at people who are called on to make presentations in public and who are not especially confident about doing so.

It is a hands-on session which offers strategy and tips to help prepare, write, rehearse and deliver public presentations and accompanying handouts or power points. Participants will be encouraged to speak with more confidence, clarity and conviction.  

The session aims to assist education professionals – who must often make presentations to students, parents, agents, partners, colleagues, administrators, peers or strangers at home and abroad – to communicate effectively and communicate a message rather than simple facts, so that others listen, understand and act.  This session can be a career enhancing opportunity for you; improving your presentation skills can help you achieve greater success.

Registration is limited to sixteen (14) participants.

Chantal BARRY
Director, Communication internationale
Sciences Po Paris

Tuesday, June 22 -13:00-16:00       
Pre-Conference 2: Building Blocks to International Education (A)

This half day intensive professional development session has been developed for early practitioners with less than five years of experience in the fields of international recruitment, marketing, and admissions. A lively, interactive, peer to peer model will see experienced recruitment professionals with experience in the language, K-12 and post-secondary sectors cover emerging topics and skills building in areas such as essential marketing tools, agent relationships, successful school visits, market planning and resources, communication planning, and identifying appropriate markets.

Registration is limited to thirty (30) participants.

Wednesday, June 23 - 9:00-12:00         
Pre-Conference 3: Building Blocks to International Education (B)

This half-day intensive professional development session has been developed for early practitioners with less than five years of experience in the fields of international student services, advising, and mobility programming. A lively, interactive, peer to peer model will see experienced student service professionals with experience in the language, K-12 and post-secondary sectors cover emerging topics and skills building in areas such as student advising, partnership development and monitoring, contract planning, communication development, and resources for intercultural support.

Registration is limited to thirty (30) participants.

Session Descriptions

Download Concurrent Session Descriptions

A1 - Best Practices for Sustainable Growth in International Student Mobility
Carol Zachs, University of British Columbia

In the current economic climate, many mobility offices are facing the challenge of reductions in budgets coupled with mandates to sustainably increase capacity and access to mobility programs while not sacrificing quality of experience. This roundtable discussion is intended to offer participants an opportunity to learn from peers across the province about best practices and ideas that address administrative efficiencies to thrive in these tough times.

A2 - Partnering With the US for a Magical Study and Work Abroad Experience
Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas, University of California - Riverside

Study abroad is unattainable for many Canadian students, for some because of the cost and for others because of the comfort of studying abroad. However, there are growing opportunities for Canadian universities and colleges to partner with US schools for study abroad that include the possibility for students to have an international experience, earn a credential from a top US school and undertake a paid internship at a Fortune 500 company. In 2010 Douglas College and North Island College have joined with the University of California, Riverside and the Disney College Program to provide their students the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management from UCR and live and work at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The program is cost neutral, with the fees paid recovered through the internship. The international experience allows students to gain meaningful work experience in an applied learning environment supervised by UCR and the home institution, the opportunity to earn credits towards their Canadian program, the chance to live and work with the 6000 international students who are part of the Disney College Program and the chance to earn a credential from a world class US University.

A3 - Digital Shift: The New Decade in Social Media for International Educators  
Rosanne Ng, Capilano University

MySpace? Facebook? That's yesterday's technology and it's time to freshen up on your skills for the new decade. Knowing when and how to apply micro blogs (i.e. Twitter), Wikis, VNRs, social media press kits and design marketing for mobile access is part of today’s communication skill set. Learn how to determine what social media tools are right for your function area, measure ROI and how to create a manageable 5-10 minute routine to support your new social media campaign.

A4 - Creating a Racism Free Environment for International Students                     
Thevi Pather, Camosun College

The purported violent racist attacks against Indian international students in Melbourne, Australia in 2009 resulted in a diplomatic rift between Australia and India, public demonstrations In India and a subsequent call for Indian students to return home. The negative impact from such an incident is obvious.  This session will examine steps to be taken to help create an environment that is open and welcoming to students of all backgrounds, ways to better prepare and inform students on issues pertaining to racism, and strategies for institutional responses to racism against international students.

B1 - The Past, Present and Future of the Coquitlam Confucian Classroom                            
Patricia Gartland, Coquitlam School District

The installation of a Mandarin language program under the rubric of the Coquitlam Confucius Classroom will be explored from the initial start-up to the present day and future operations. Ms. Gartland, Director of International Education and the Chair of the Coquitlam Confucius Classroom Board of Directors will speak to the issues of language training in the context of working with the official language departments of Chinese government offices.

B2 - Introduction to the Bologna Process I                                                                      
Chantal Barry, Sciences Po Paris

Part One of this two-part session offers an explanation, context and rationale of the Bologna Process (or Bologna Accords, or Bologna Declaration), arguably one of the most important shifts in global education in modern times.  Bologna was designed to harmonize the architecture of the entire European Higher Education system, to create a common European higher education area by making academic degree standards (including testing, contact hours, academic calendars, credit accumulation, etc.) and quality assurance standards comparable and compatible throughout Europe.

B3 - You Need Your Alumni…Trust Us!                                                                                              
Maki Natori, University of British Columbia

What can alumni do for you? What are some effective ways of engaging them? In this session, Maki Natori and Jon Wong from the UBC English Language Institute (UBC-ELI) will explore this topic in the context of ESL education and will share their experiences of working with alumni at the UBC-ELI.  

First and foremost, Maki and Jon will discuss how active alumni can help your bottom line in terms of their significant impact on student recruitment. Secondly, we will delve into some of the ways in which the UBC-ELI currently engages alumni. More specifically, the advantages and possible pitfalls of utilizing the internet and social media as well as using more “face to face” methods, such as holding alumni events locally or abroad, will be discussed.

Maki and Jon will also love to hear about your institution’s experiences with engaging alumni and will be available to take your questions.

B4 - Advising LGBTTIQQ Students on Study Abroad                                                    
Abu Arif, University of Victoria

We must ensure equal opportunities for all students when we are Charting the Path Ahead. We cannot deny the rights of sexual minorities in participating in our study abroad programs. However, in many cultures, rights of sexual minorities are not recognized. In some countries, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death. Nevertheless, this should not dissuade us from encouraging our sexual minority students from participating in our study abroad programs. In fact, this should persuade us to be more inclusive while advising students on study abroad programs. The purpose of this presentation is to promote international educators to be more inclusive in their endeavours.

C1 - Trends in International Education K-12                                                                    
Chad Holtum, Shawnigan Lake School

International education can be a sensitive and overwhelming topic.  As globalization pushes forward and students travel world-wide for education, we as educators must ask tough questions.  Why are we accepting international students into our school systems (K-12) and what benefits do they provide?  What impacts are we making around the world as we draw these students into Canada and specifically British Columbia?  Little research is available to answer these questions as international education is a relatively new phenomenon in our public and private school systems.  Yet the number of international students in BC school systems is rising and ultimately the associated revenues.  This presentation attempts to explore the repercussions of the international student phenomenon in BC and to further explain why schools are now actively marketing in several countries per year.

C2 - Introduction to the Bologna Process II                                                                     
Chantal Barry, Science Po Paris

Part Two of this two-part session takes Bologna to the practical level looking at the European and global ramifications of the Declaration; we will look at the state-of-play in Europe and also the potential effects of the Bologna Declaration on other systems such as ours.  To do this we will focus on some of the stated aims of the Bologna Declaration as presented in the first session and see what kind of an impact they might have on the recruitment of European students to Canadian universities and also whether or not  the building of a European Higher Education Area might have repercussions for Canadian universities either at home (recruitment) or abroad (marketing).

C3 - International Engagement: Working With Institutional Partners in Africa  
Kate Jennings, Simon Fraser University

This facilitated roundtable session is an opportunity for post-secondary sector colleagues to share their experiences working with institutional partners in Africa.  Through guided discussion, participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share ideas / best practices with colleagues.  The specific focus of discussion will depend on those in attendance, but could include such topics as research collaborations, contract training, student/staff/faculty mobility, internships, among other topics.

C4 - Leveraging and Networking Strategies for International Conferences                          
Stéphanie Mercure, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

DFAIT encourages international partnerships to support the internationalization of Canadian institutions. Given the rising importance of global events like NAFSA, APAIE, EAIE and the necessity for Canadian institutions to strategize their participation, this session is aimed at helping institutions increase their efficiency at these conferences. The Conference of the Americas on International Education, a Canadian initiative for October 2010 to encourage linkages within the Americas, will be highlighted to provide Canadian institutions with increasing opportunities on the continent.

D1 - Building Effective Orientation Programs for New Secondary Students                                         
Barbara Onstad, Vancouver School Board

Support for international students is integral to their success.   This may seem obvious, yet it is a constant challenge for school districts small and large to give international students the information that they need, in the language they understand best.  Also, it is essential that students know that a support system of counsellors, teachers and multicultural workers exists for them to access any time during their studies.  Orientation programs for new students to the district are a key link in the interlocking resources available to support overseas students.  

School districts in Canada with established international student programs see orientation as a time to impart information about the school system and school life here, to discuss issues such as homesickness, school expectations, communication with parents, graduation requirements, and other topics.  Students and their local custodians or homestay parents also attend information meetings.  Since the inception of the Vancouver School Board’s international education program in 1985, the district has taken care to give new international students a thorough and meaningful orientation, so that students know how to access the resources in place for them.  

The intent of this session is to provide two case study approaches to delivering orientation programs, which may be useful to other international education providers.

Defining Goals

1. What knowledge, understandings and experiences do you wish to provide for new students to your district?
2. What information does your district or your host schools need from the students?
3. What do you wish to provide for parents, custodians and/or homestay parents of the new students?

Panellists and participants will use these questions to share best practices and resources for effective student orientation programs.

D2 - Educate*Innovate*Connect: The Link BC Model of Sector Collaboration                    
Terry Bubb, Link BC

The LinkBC network is a unique one-stop-shop providing value-added services on behalf of the many tourism and hospitality management, culinary arts and adventure tourism programs across British Columbia. This presentation will highlight one effective approach to “Charting the Path Ahead”, and will provide other disciplines an opportunity to consider how this sector-specific model may be advantageous in the changing and competitive environment of post secondary international education.

The seminar will provide an overview of who we are and what we do, and will include video, power-point presentations and interactive discussion with panellists and audience.

Participants will receive a behind-the-scenes look at LinkBC and our four main strategies:

1. Promoting BC as a Tourism/Hospitality Learning Destination
2. Connecting Industry to Students and Graduates
3. Strengthening the BC Tourism Learning System
4. Acting as a Tourism/Hospitality Information Hub

The LinkBC team will provide participants with sense of the collaborative engagement of the 20 colleges and universities in the network, as well as the importance of relationships with such organizations as BCCIE, DFAIT, MTCA and ALMD.

D3 - Recruiting International Students in India: A Guide to Good Practice                                           
Pari Johnston, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

Everyone agrees that there is tremendous potential for increasing the number of Indian students coming to Canada.  India, however, is one of the most complex and challenging countries in which our institutions recruit. This session is designed to help international education practitioners to address some of these challenges and enhance their recruitment efforts.  The panellists will outline the main findings of a recent AUCC research project based on input from experts in the field and the experiences of several Canadian universities currently active in India.

The panellists will present an overview of good practices in effective marketing and recruitment in India, with a particular emphasis on acceptance and admissions methods, as well as advising and counselling students in the study permit application process.  Participants will be invited to provide their own perspectives to augment the AUCC research and stimulate thinking on how Canadian education institutions can better engage with India.

D4 - Internationalizing the Classroom - Intercultural Concepts for Teaching and Learning
Kyra Garson, Thompson Rivers University

TRU is proactive in creating initiatives that support intercultural competencies for faculty and students.  This session will present an accumulating number of unique initiatives for faculty professional development, as well as parallel initiatives to support both international and domestic students in our culturally diverse classrooms.  In 2006 TRU created a comprehensive resource for academic departments TRU: A Globally Minded Campus.  Building on this achievement, we have created numerous PD opportunities for faculty, our array of workshops include: Culture in the Classroom, Writing across Borders, Facilitating Multicultural Group Work, Internationalizing the Curriculum, and Academic Integrity—Whose Culture is it?  In 2009 a group of faculty and staff created classroom film scenarios entitled Culturally Diverse Learners. The Senate International Affairs Committee developed and proposed a Global Competency Certificate available to all students. Moreover, students in several of our programs are supported by intercultural seminars embedded into course content. We look forward to sharing both the product and process of these exciting achievements.

E1 - Students Behind the Wheel: International Students and Campus Programming      
Craig Wallace, University of British Columbia

How do we respond to the unique needs of international students through innovative programming? How can they become connected across campus?  Student-driven programming is an important element in helping international students create these connections and supporting their needs.  

International students bring with them significant expertise from their home countries.  As such, supporting international student leaders develop student-driven programming is a logical first step in engaging them in the campus community.  Advisors find that working alongside international students represents a more impactful and wide-reaching approach to internationalization.  Engagement of international students allows for the creation of an intercultural learning community on campus, a satisfied future alumni, and compelling recruiters for new international students.

E2 - Settlement in Smaller Centres for Middle Eastern Students
Gordon Shuster, Okanagan College

One of the fastest growing markets for recruiting international students is the Middle East.  If your institution is receiving students or planning to recruit students from this area, how are you responding to the numbers and unique needs of this student population?  Increase your institution's cultural awareness by learning more about how to best support students from this region. We'll discuss necessary steps within facilities, staff, curriculum and services needed to recruit and retain Middle Eastern students.

E3 - Building a Solid Foundation for Growth in International Student Recruitment
Tony Williams, Williams & Sjostrom Consulting

Many institutions struggle to sustain international enrolment growth over the long-term.  The best laid plans are often derailed by declining budgets, increased competition and a wide variety of internal barriers.  However, there are a few institutions, large and small, who continue to expand their international recruitment activities, increase enrolments and develop new markets.  What makes these institutions more successful than others?  Surprisingly it is not location, ranking or expensive marketing campaigns that set them apart; often it is the economic model, institutional policies and leadership support that makes them successful.  

Our presentation will take a closer look at the cornerstones of successful international recruitment campaigns, including:                

• International enrolment goals
• Tuition distribution models
• Building broader institutional support
• Partnerships

E4 - North-South Partnerships in Support of Internationalization: A Good Practice Guide
Pari Johnston, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

For several years, AUCC has been tracking trends in internationalization at Canadian universities. AUCC members have underlined their long standing commitment to development cooperation as part of their overall internationalization strategy. Looking to the future, what is the role North-South partnerships can play in supporting Canadian universities’ broader internationalization strategies?  

This session is designed to share good practice with international education practitioners resulting from recent research and policy dialogue activities carried out by AUCC, funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

The panellists will outline the main findings of a recent symposium exploring how North-South partnerships support Canadian universities’ internationalization strategies with a particular emphasis on innovative practices. Participants will be invited to provide their own perspectives to augment the AUCC research and to share lessons learned.

F1 - Cultural Connections: An Innovative Model of Intercultural Exchange
Jennifer Jensen-Richards, Vancouver Island University

The Cultural Connections program offered at Vancouver Island University is an innovative program aimed at providing educational experiences for everyone involved. Cultural Connections is a program that matches international students with Canadian students. This program enhances language and cultural exchange, promotes intercultural understanding, and helps internationalize the campus. Cultural Connections provides an opportunity for informal interactions between participants during the fall and spring semesters. The model used is organized and offers clear guidelines on the implementation of the program making it easily transferable to other institutions. This program currently engages many departments and students on and off campus. Students who choose to join the program can arrange to meet each other on their own spare time and/or join the many activities offered on campus. The Cultural Connections program offered through the International Education department at Vancouver Island University assists in reaching our internationalization goal and offer students of all cultures and ages an opportunity to interact, learn and have fun. The session will include information and details about program coordination, implementation, monitoring, current benefits and future ideas and plans around expanding further and Charting the Path Ahead.

F2 - Update on the BC Pilot ESL-Post-secondary Pathway Project                                            
BCCIE

International students often arrive in British Columbia for a short-term or summer language program, and then choose to continue their post-secondary studies in another province or country. In order to increase the number of students choosing to remain in BC following their language studies, BC is working on a number of initiatives to streamline the pathway process from both a student and agent perspective. This session will provide the history, overview, and future plans of an initiative to create a province wide pathway program from private ESL schools to BC’s post-secondary institutions.

F3 - Using Risk Management to Advance Our Internationalization Goals
Wayne Myles, Queen’s University

Risk management has often been portrayed as a barrier or limitation to the international education activities of institutions and organizations. Emergency plans, waivers, risk mitigation forms, pre-departure programs, travel insurance and recruitment disclaimers - all of these can make what should be “business as usual” into a myriad of hoops and hurdles that can stifle internationalization efforts. However, there is another possibility. The process of implementing risk management programs can be utilized effectively by leaders seeking to deepen internationalization at their campuses or institutions, by engaging key stakeholder groups in the process of creating healthy and secure programs. Examples of risk management program initiatives used at Queen’s University will highlight the discussion.

F4 - Internationalization and Immigration: Making the Connection                       
Bill Radford, Simon Fraser University

Most international students express a desire to immigrate, new immigrants often experience the same transitional issues as international students yet we continue to differentiate services and programming on the basis of their immigration status. This session will explore how we might better service both international student and new Canadian student needs through more inclusive programming and outreach.

Special Events

Wednesday, June 23 - 19:00-21:00        
Summer Seminar Welcome Reception

Admission to the BCCIE Summer Seminar Welcome Reception is included for all Summer Seminar registrants. Additional tickets are available at a cost of $75.

Honouring the legacy and spirit of BC’s First Nations heritage, the BCCIE Summer Seminar Opening Reception will take place at the spectacular Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre in Whistler’s Upper Village. This architectural masterpiece was built to resemble the traditional Longhouse and Istken dwellings of the Squamish and Lilwat Nations. Conference delegates will be welcomed into Squamish and Lilwat territory by a traditional drumming performance and will also have access to interactive exhibits in the Cultural Centre. Cocktails and a range of appetizers and refreshments will be served to provide you with the opportunity to relax, network, and catch up with colleagues in the field.

Thursday, June 24 - 15:40-16:40
Edu-Canada/DFAIT Update

Learn about the various activities of Edu-Canada/DFAIT’s missions around the world and highlights for 2010-11, including student recruitment events. Get an update on Edu-Canada’s marketing and promotion strategy for the Education au/in Canada brand as well as new initiatives such as Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

Stéphanie Mercure, Trade Commissioner, DFAIT

Thursday, June 24 - 18:30-21:00
BCCIE Summer Seminar Final Banquet and Awards Gala

Admission to the BCCIE Summer Seminar Final Banquet and Awards Gala is included in the registration fee for Summer Seminar registrants. Additional tickets are available at a cost of $100.

The BCCIE Summer Seminar Banquet offers the chance to wind down the conference in style. Proceeding the Final Banquet will be an open air Cocktail Networking Hour in the secluded courtyard of the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. We will then move inside for an elegant banquet of locally sourced and prepared food in the Mt. Currie Ballroom. During the final portion of the evening, BCCIE will celebrate provincial excellence in the international education field by announcing the inaugural winners of the BCCIE International Education Awards. Following the Awards Gala, there will be a chance to move back outside to the courtyard to enjoy the sunset with colleagues and friends or to gather around the outdoor fireplace.

Visit Quest University

Travelling to the Summer Seminar early? Why not make a stop in Squamish to visit Quest University Canada. Quest has offered Summer Seminar delegates three opportunities to visit the campus, meet with campus staff, and spend some time in beautiful Squamish. More information is available inside the registration site. Delegates interested in attending any of these three events should contact Keely Stott, Assistant Director of Admissions, at Keely.Stott@questu.ca to RSVP.