Articles on this page are listed in the order in which they appear.
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Scroll down to see all the articles published in Waves Magazine that we have on-line at the moment . . .
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Articles for Waves Magazine by Michael Ramsay
WHAT IF?
By Michael Ramsay
VIHAN, Vol. 1, Issue ii.
Consider the following..
During a 3-week programme, a female student is happily placed with a couple and
their young child. The host mother finds out that she must be out of town for a
few days, while her husband and child remain behind. What about the student?
Should she miss a few valuable days of school to go with her host mother? Should
she stay behind with the host father and child? Should other arrangements be
made that might disrupt the student?
In cases like this, it is of the utmost importance to seek the advice of the
student＊s school immediately. Some programmes would encourage you to bring your
student with you if possible 〞 the student may learn a lot and enjoy herself!
Another possibility is a sleepover. Consider asking a classmate's host family to
look after your student for a few days. It is likely that both students would
really enjoy that. Also, some schools would have no problems leaving the student
with your husband and child but again, it is important to ask your school.
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By Michael Ramsay
VIHAN, Vol. 1, Issue iv.
Christmas can be a lonely time. especially, if you are away from home. Many
students have some feelings of loneliness when they are studying abroad at
Christmas time. Even if they are from a culture that does not celebrate either
the birth of Christ or the coming of St. Nick, it is hard not to miss your
family when surrounded by the exciting family-oriented events that are a part of
Canadian Culture.
If you have a student this Christmas season we invite you to make an even more
special effort to include him or her in all your family activities. The
following are some events that you may wish to ＆take in＊ with your student this
Christmas season.
A trip down Candy Cane Lane: Enjoy the fantastic light display that they always
put on at the end of Tattersall Drive. It is always amazing and it is free!
From the 18th to the 24th and on the 26th of December one can join the Victoria
City Christmas Lights Tours with Gray Line of Victoria. Some highlights of this
tour include a tour of Candy Cane Lane and a chance to view the annual Ships
Christmas lighting. Tours are at 7 p.m. daily and cost $13.00 for adults and
less for juniors and children. Some of the proceeds support the Mustard Seed
Food Bank. For more information or to book a seat, please call 388-5248.
If you enjoy these light tours you may also wish to see the lights at Butchart
Gardens and Butterfly Gardens: tours run at 6:30 daily and tickets are $30.00.
Call 388-5248.
On December eighteenth you can skate with Santa at Pearkes Arena (388-6664) and
on the twentieth you can enjoy Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle(592-5323).
You may also wish to investigate Helmken House (361-0021) and Point Ellis House
(385-1518) this holiday season.
Also any number of churches in Victoria will be putting on pageants and special
Christmas Eve services. This may be an important part of Canadian and western
history and culture that your student has never experienced before.
Whatever you decide to do with your student this season, all of us here at the
Vancouver Island Home-Stay Association would like to wish you the best of the
Season. Merry Christmas.
Providing tips and information to new host families is one of the services that
we at the VIHA value greatly. If you are a host family or a staff member of one
of the Vancouver Island language schools and would like to share some of your
insights with us and our readers we would greatly appreciate it.
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NOTES ABOUT THE SEASON
REMEMBER THOSE IN NEED
During this time of celebration of Christmas with friends, family and students
we at the Vancouver Island Home-Stay Association ask you to remember those less
fortunate and donate to organisations such as the Salvation Army and the Mustard
Seed. Thank-you.
GOOD WILL TOWARDS MAN
Everyone seems to be preparing for Christmas. Parking lots are full. Traffic is
backed-up for blocks. There are crowds of people everywhere. We must remember to
be patient. We must remember to leave earlier than we usually do when we are
driving places this Christmas season so that we don＊t become aggravated because
traffic is moving slowly this time of year. We have to be careful and be aware
that many people are in a rush this time of year and not paying attention. We
also have to be aware of those who may have had too much Christmas Cheer before
getting behind the wheel of a car. If we do leave earlier than usual to go
places, we will find we are more relaxed and more alert. We may also find time
to be nice to our fellow drivers by allowing them to change lanes and make left
hand turns. This Christmas, please be safe.
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SAFETY FIRST
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN,
Vol. 1, Issue iii.
Victoria is safer than many places in North America; however, one still needs to
be careful. Recently, I have heard reports of a man, who has been ※hanging
around§ schools downtown. The following are some tips that host families may
wish to reinforce with their students:
• Do not pass out your phone number or address to strangers.
• Do not get into a car with a stranger.
• Excuse yourself and politely leave, if you feel uncomfortable in a situation.
• Report any strange people or activities to your host family and to your
school.
• Remember, all city buses are part of the emergency network in Victoria. Use
them if you ever sense danger!
• In case of a real emergency pick-up a phone and dial 9-1-1.
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BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 2, Issue ii.
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Without bringing any further of a spotlight to the family, friends or school involved by mentioning any names, we felt that we would be remiss in not extending our condolences and sympathy to all affected by the tragic drowning earlier this season.
We cannot comprehend the grief that a family must feel to lose a child. One must feel a certain helplessness as well as sorrow, particularly when the child was travelling abroad.
We also cannot understand the sorrow of the staff of the school: the horrible ※only if§ thoughts. It hurts to lose a friend. That much we do understand.
We would like to extend our sympathies, thoughts and prayers to all those touched by this tragic event.
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MIGRANTS: WHAT IS AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 2, Issue ii.
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Over the past months the shores of British Columbia have had a few visitors. Visitors that are evidently unwanted by forty-nine percent of Canadians and - judging by the coverage by the Time-Colonist - an even larger portion of Victorians.
I realise that there are a number of reasons for this and even more excuses. Some people feel threatened by large numbers of immigrants from a particular nation. They are afraid of an escalation of crime. They are afraid of violence rising from racist reactions. They are afraid of prejudice against other members of the community. They are afraid that we will have to pay an excessive amount of money to process the newcomers. They are also afraid that our welfare system will have to support them. I am sure there are many more concerns as well.
Our laws, such as they are though, provide that people who come to our shores are entitled to an immigration hearing to determine if their claims are legitimate. Would you want anything less? Would you rather send legitimate refugees back to a situation they needed to flee? If, indeed, these people are not legitimate refugees, they will be sent back and will face consequences from their country of origin. Honestly, the cost of supporting each potential immigrant is negligible.
However, whether you support the attempts to immigrate or not, our laws permit each person a fair hearing. If anyone desires anything less it is his responsibility to advise his MP to change the law. I understand that Keith Martin is already drafting proposed changes pertaining to immigration. I just encourage you, regardless of your stance, to be wary of prejudice and racism. Please, I encourage you not to let reactionary emotion replace intelligent compassion.
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BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 2, Issue iii.
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May of this year saw the historic visit of a Japanese Naval Squadron. The first one to visit our shores in over 50 years. The friendly crew used their best English to try to communicate about the ship to those of us who had the time to visit. The sister ship to the Amagiri, the one we visited, had among its successes the sinking of a torpedo boat which was captained by J.F. Kennedy, the future American president. This ship however was much more modern complete with rockets and helicopters as well as a Canadian designed ※Bear Trap§ (a devise used for making landing helicopters easier). This is one more indication of the growing co-operation and friendship our nations are experiencing.
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KOSOVO - International Events and International Students
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 2, Issue iii.
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The NATO attack on Yugoslavia this Spring effected the world greatly. Right or wrong, it is the first time that NATO has assaulted another country and it has served to divide the world powers again after a term , albeit a short one, of co-operation.
It is not my place to pass judgement on Yugoslavia (read Serbia), the K.L.A. (Albanian Terrorists) , or NATO (read the U.S.A). The information and opinions we have heard from all over the world are varied and confusing. The VIHA has this comment to make in light of all this - and I believe that it is important.
Whether the K.L.A. was right to attack Yugoslavians or the Yugoslavian government was justified in its response or whether NATO was justified in bombing Yugoslavian cities, I do not know. We do not know. Though many of us have many different opinions and many of us feel quite passionate about our opinions. That being the case, no matter whose argument you believe to be true (if it is necessary to discuss it with members of the international community), please bear in mind that whomever you are speaking with may have a differing opinion and, who knows, the historians may decide that his or her opinion is the correct one.
As we all know, there is more than one side to any story. Particularly when we are dealing with people from all over the world, it is important to remember that our friendships and responsibilities are much more important than our politics. If everyone put people ahead of politics, think what a better world this would be.
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AN INTERVIEW OR TWO: PROFILES OF TWO STUDENTS
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 3, Issue iii.
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The Vancouver Island Home-Stay Association had the privilege of interviewing two students who attend the Four Corners Language Institute this March: Yukari Morimoto and Masafumi Ida.
Masafumi Ida is a student from Tokyo, Japan. He is a university graduate who has studied both French and English.
This is not his first trip to Victoria. He has been here twice before. Last time he stayed for an entire year.
Previously he has stayed with wonderful host families; however, he thought he could save some money on this trip by renting a place with some friends.
Masafumi Ida loves studying, learning new things and travelling. He has even taken a travel course in Victoria for native English-speakers. He hopes that this will help him fulfil his dream of working abroad; however, he acknowledges the difficult job market in Victoria - particularly if English isn＊t your first language.
A parting comment that Masafumi has for us: He is happy that Canada won the Gold Cup of Soccer this year and hopes that this will inspire Canada to develop the game.
Our second interview is with Yukari Morimoto.
She has been here for two months and will return soon to her home in Japan, where she is a tour guide.
This is her third visit to Victoria. She came here once to visit her sister and another time she brought a tour group. She is back this time to study English.
Yukari finds Canada a safe place and a friendly country. Her favourite place in Victoria is the Inner Harbour. She enjoys the performers in the summer time. She also enjoys the view of the Parliament buildings and the lawn where everyone gathers. Another highlight for Yukari is the food. She really enjoys afternoon tea at the Blethering Place,
(Masafumi mentioned Cafe de la Lune - Douglas & Pandora as one of his favourite places).
Yukari is staying with a wonderful host family. They have three children: nineteen, sixteen and eleven. Homestay has greatly enhanced her trip.
Thank-you Yukari and Masafumi!
If you would like to share your experiences as a student, host family, teacher or ESL sponsor, please submit an article to Susan Ramsay at havelock@islandhosting.com
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SPEND THE DAY ON THE PENINSULA
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BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 3, Issue iii.
There is a lot to do and see in greater Victoria, as any experienced host family will gladly inform the newer ones. One place no one would dare omit when recommending Victoria＊s most precious sites is the Butchart Gardens. They are beautiful to see anytime of the year. When you are sharing this wondrous site with your students you may wish to share some of the gardens＊ history with them.
Robert Pim Butchart, owner of the cement manufacturing plant and limestone quarries that would become the gardens, was born in Owen Sound Ontario in 1856 (Nine years before confederation). He moved to the Saanich Peninsula around the turn of the twentieth century, completed his home in 1904 and shipped out his first barge of cement in 1905.
Mrs. Jennie Butchart accepted, from a friend, some sweet peas and a rose. This was the start of the famous gardens. Gardens then started to pop up everywhere! Soon news of the Butchart＊s gardens spread all over the island - and then the world. As early as 1915 it is reported that tea was served to eighteen thousand people.
After the Butcharts passed away the responsibility for the magnificent gardens passed to their grandson, R. Ian Ross. From the moment that he (and his wife, Anne-Lee) accepted the challenge of improving the now famous gardens he always strove to warmly welcome and entertain each and every visitor to The Butchart Gardens.
En route to the Butchart＊s Gardens do not forget the Butterfly Gardens. If you have never had one of these amazing creatures land on your arm as you are walking along, you don＊t know what you are missing.
They import between 250 and 300 butterfly pupae on a WEEKLY basis from all over the world.
The home of these butterflies is almost as impressive as the creatures themselves. Butterfly Gardens features a variety of orchids and tropical plants, trees, bushes, vines and creepers from all over the world.
This provides visitors with a rare and unique experience to enjoy the beauty and dazzling colours of the exotic butterflies as well as cockatiels,cockatoos,quail, finch, budgies, canaries, koi, carp, and goldfish.
After visiting the Gardens, why not stop by Hill House Chocolates (6991 East Saanich Road) for some great chocolate made right there. If you call ahead, (652 8171) they may even give you a free tour!
After this exciting morning of admiring the beauty of the wonder of the peninsula, why not finish your visit in style. When you have tasted all the chocolate you desire, continue along East Saanich Road until you hit Woodgate stables (652 0287). There you can experience some spectacular trail riding. If you have never ridden before - all the better - Shirly and her assistants are more than willing to offer lessons in riding, grooming, tacking-up, trail riding and much more.
Enjoy your day on the peninsula!
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BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 3, Issue iv.
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How did the old ritual of afternoon tea all begin? Let me tell you.
Anna, Seventh Duchess of Bedford, is reported to have originated the idea of afternoon tea, in the early eighteen hundreds. The reason being that she grew very hungry between lunch and dinner, and therefore conceived the idea of having tea served around two o＊clock in the afternoon to ward off hunger pangs. More to the point, she conceived the idea at approximately the same time the Earl of Sandwich invented the concept of putting a filling between two slices of bread. These new habits quickly became very fashionable and afternoon tea became a great opportunity for meeting with friends and having a good old ※blether§!
One can still experience a full afternoon tea at the Blethering Place on Oak Bay Avenue. When we surveyed various students in Victoria about their favourite places, the Blethering place was named as one of the restaurants that one wouldn＊t want to miss.
As well as the afternoon tea ritual, the Blethering Place Tea room sponsors many exciting events. They were gracious enough to host a special ESL evening for us in November and are looking forward to inviting ESL students back again in February for a very special event.
A few performers that frequent the tea room are the acclaimed harpist and songwriter Sheila Ryan and Eric McQuillan and Mike Edwards with their ＆Wig and Thistle Show＊. Eric and Mike provide a lively exciting show that encourages laughter, singing and great audience participation. Sheila presents an enjoyable evening of lively Scottish and Irish music for all the patrons. Welcome to Oak Bay and the Blethering Place,
We look forward to seeing you.
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WHO ARE WE, ANYWAY?
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 4, Issue ii.
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The Homestay Association is NOT a traditional homestay company. A number of ESL schools got together in 1997 and spoke about creating an organization to assist the schools in working more closely together. We originally charged a nominal fee to our member schools but have since dropped that fee and now provide our services, which are mostly free of charge, to each ESL and homestay programmer on the island.
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One of the services that we have been providing over the past years is homestay referral: we will gladly refer quality families to each of the homestay companies in town.
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We will also provide emergency homestay: if you need to place a student in a hurry and your first rate families are unavailable, call us - we can help! If we don＊t have someone readily available, one of our associated homestay companies will.
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We offer special rates at local activities. When planning your outing and / or school curriculum, how would you like to save a significant amount of money? Look through the Programmers＊ Guide and the advertisements in this newsletter to see what our sponsors have to offer. You can call us anytime to find out what coupons or deals we can offer you from our sponsors. We regularly have new discounts or coupons. Whether you are a student, host family, school programmer, homestay co-ordinator or anyone else for that matter, we welcome your requests for discount rates from our supporters or even an updated list of our sponsors as their numbers grow everyday.
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We sponsor special events for staff and students alike. In the past we sponsored a fantastic High tea at the Blethering Place and a Christmas Light Tour from Wilson＊s Transportation for the students from different schools. We are currently discussing the possibility of sponsoring the next meeting of the BC Homestay Association and are working on a ＆fam＊ tour for the schools.
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We work to help everyone in the international education business through networking. Our events, services and special deals often provide opportunities for students, staff and families from the different programmes to meet one another.
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We produce a number of interesting publications. This newsletter often contains interesting tips for families and students. It also has many coupons and important advertisements. The Programmers＊ Guide delineates our sponsors and the services that they have to offer. As our association has become quite popular, we thought this was the best way to make known the many businesses that are willing to offer special deals to the international education community. For more information, please view our web site (www.havelock-viha.com) or call our Vancouver office (604) 730 6181.
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ADVICE FOR THE NEWLY ARRIVED INTERNATIONAL STUDENT.
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 4, Issue i.
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Canada is a very friendly place.
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It is quite easy to ＆get along＊ here. For those of us who have been here for a while, however, it is easy to forget some of the basic things one will need to know before they arrive.
Vancouver Island is significantly different from the rest of Canada and the new student will need to be aware of some of the basics of how to prepare for a trip to the Canadian South West. Newly arrived students and host families writing to soon-to-be-arriving students should find the advice contained here particularly interesting.
When not a work or formal activities, Canadians often dress quite casually. Most restaurants do not require a tie or jacket.
Although the climate is moderate, there are seasons in Victoria. In the Summer, the days are usually long, warm and sunny. Nights are cool and clear. Spring and Fall are also comfortable, with moderate temperatures and occasional rain. Snow can make a BRIEF appearance sometimes during December OR January OR February.
You might encounter a cool breeze at any time of the year, especially at night, or near the ocean. The best way to prepare for this is to wear more than one layer of clothing. This way you can add or remove clothing as the weather changes.
When you arrived, you met your host family. They are as excited about this visit as you are. They want to hear all about your family, friends, pets and school back home.
If you have any difficulties communicating with your host family, DON＊T GIVE UP! It is very normal to have some difficulty in the beginning. The more you speak with them, the easier it will become.
Make sure that you ask your host family about any house rules that they may have as soon as possible. You will feel more comfortable knowing what is expected. Some standard rules are no smoking, drinking, or drugs. It is also encouraged to only speak in English.
Should an emergency arise where you need to contact the Police, Fire Station, or Ambulance Service call 9-1-1.
Transportation. BC Transit is very good. The bus drivers are able to provide assistance in case of emergency. The bus is also an economical and easy way to see Victoria. Please see the advertisement on page 3 of this edition of the V.I.H.A.Newsletter.
To protect against lost or stolen items record the numbers of your credit cards and passport. label your valuables and do not take money or jewellery to public places if you can avoid it.
Many places also offer a discount to E.S.L. students. There are many coupons in this newsletter. The coupons / advertisements are definitely worth paying attention to. Also if you want more coupons or special rates from any one listed in this newsletter, please call us (604) 299 0521) and we will be happy to help.
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BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 4, Issue iii.
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Vancouver Island was first sighted and recorded in 1774 by Juan Perez of Spain who was searching for the N.W. passage. Four years later, Captain James Cook, who landed on Vancouver Island added it to the world＊s maps.
Many fur traders met with the local Coast Salish people who lived in the Victoria area which they called Camosun. It wasn＊t until the 18th and early 19th century that the Europeans began to view the island as a place to settle. In 1821 the Hudson＊s Bay Company merged with its old rival the North West Company. Originally this new improved H.B.C. was to have its headquarters in what is now Vancouver, Washington. However with the invasion of American settlers, a more secure base for operation was needed. In 1843 Sir James Douglas commenced the building of Fort Victoria. In 1846 the Americans were given the land south of the 49th parallel - except on Vancouver Island. And in 1849 the British government established the colony of Vancouver Island.
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A New Era of even Greater Co-operation!
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 4, Issue iv.
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November 8th, 2001 saw the largest gathering of Victoria-area homestay-related organisations that we have ever organised: twenty-one representatives from homestay companies and international language schools came together to discuss standards and risk-management in the homestay industry.
We had a wonderful English Tea that was provided by the staff at the Princess Mary Restaurant. There were goodies enough for everyone and the service and treats were excellent.
Susan Lawrence (Victoria International School Program) organised a skit to stimulate the discussion. JulieAnne LeRose (VISP) played an international student who had had a serious incident occur during her homestay. Susan, while portraying a crown prosecutor, extracted the details from her and Michael Ramsay (Vancouver Island Homestay Association), who played the Homestay Co-ordinator. Lyle (Judge Gallows) Garraway oversaw the proceedings.
After having enjoyed our treats while watching this performance, Michael Ramsay facilitated a useful discussion about how to avoid homestay problems and what to do when they occur.
It was great to receive insights from some of the city＊s largest and most experienced homestay companies and international language schools. It was also encouraging to hear some fresh input from some of the ＆new kids on the block＊. Many interesting points were made and the discussion was actually quite enlightening
A number of strides towards an even more effective, co-operative homestay industry were made. Those in attendance shared their contact information and each person present expressed an interest in future meetings to discuss important issues that face us all.
We also agreed to help each other as much as possible by sharing useful forms and procedures that we have collected over the years.
It was an enjoyable, productive afternoon. We look forward to a new era of even greater co-operation!
If you were not in attendance at this meeting and would like to find out more or if you would like to ensure that you don＊t miss the next one, please contact us at conference@havelock-viha.com
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BC Transit Welcomes International Students.
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
VIHAN, Vol. 4, Issue iv.
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BC Transit is the public transit system in Greater Victoria. While international students are not eligible for the discount fare, the adult monthly bus pass is a good deal for someone who wants to get around and see the sights. BC Transit＊s fleet of buses is clean, safe and reliable.
The transit system operates double-decker buses. For a fabulous afternoon exploring the area, climb up to the top of the 61 Sooke double decker bus and head for the Sooke hills! Sit in the front seat of the top deck for a truly rewarding bird＊s eye view. To find out where and when to catch your bus, call the busline transit information line at 382-6161. Calling transit information is a good way to use your English and ensure that you get the information you need so that your adventure on the by-ways of the southern island is enjoyable and worry free. Or use the website: www.bctransit.com
- A BC Transit Safe House
Every transit bus is designated as McGruff Safe House, a safe place to go if you need help. The program began in 1986 when Victoria City Police and BC Transit staff joined forces to offer a safe place for children. Since then, transit drivers have helped lost children and people who are ill or frightened. The McGruff Safe House applies to international visitors too!
If you need help just ask your transit driver. Each bus is radio equipped with direct contact to local police, ambulance and other emergency services. Transit drivers are well trained to assist a person in difficulty. Victoria＊s clean, comfortable and safe buses are a great way to get around.
While international students are not eligible for the discount fare, many international students rely on the transit system and are pleased with the safe service and clean buses. The McGruff Safe House program is one more good reason to feel safe and comfortable travelling around Greater Victoria.
Busline offers automated schedule information or if you need to talk to a operator, just listen for the instructions on the phone, 382-6161 or check out the BC Transit website at www.busonline.ca
- Monthly Bus Pass
Discount transit fares are only available to people aged 15 to 21 who are enrolled in a program where they will be receiving the British Columbia Grade 12 High School Diploma.. To be eligible for the discount fare on the bus, a passenger must show a High School GoCard when boarding the bus.
While most international students are not eligible for the discount fare, the adult monthly bus pass offers unlimited rides all month long. To make a pass purchase equal to the same cash fare, you need to ride the bus 31 times in the month. For a scenic ride to Sooke or Sidney, or for a short trip between Eaton Centre and Mayfair Mall, having a BC Transit adult monthly bus pass in your pocket is a great way to get to know your ※home away from home.§
You can also use your pass for a free swim at many pools around Victoria. Just present your expired previous month＊s expired pass at recreation centres.
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IN THE NEWS . . .
How does it effect us?
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
Waves Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue i.
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A number of interesting topics surrounding international education have arisen in the media already this year: self-regulation, corporate sponsorship, sexual assault even. We are a growing industry. We have some serious things to consider here.
Self-Regulation
The most immediate concern for British Columbia is self-regulation: The Private Post Secondary Education Commission will cease to exist. This is one result of the administrative justice review by the attorney general＊s office in Victoria; it was announced February 7 of this year.
PPSEC (The Private Post Secondary Education Commission) has been in operation since 1991. Now we will have a new structure with which to work. What will the new model look like? How will it be structured? How will it affect teachers, students, host families and schools? We have no predictions 每 only questions.
PPSEC, and all of the legislation and regulations surrounding it, will remain in place until the transition is completed. During the transitional phase, students who attend institutions currently registered with PPSEC will still have their tuition fees covered by the existing consumer protection system.
We have been notified that consumer protection will cover students in the new system. We are also informed that the government will try to ensure that the new board sets appropriate standards for voluntary accreditation of the institutions that wish to be part of the BC student financial assistance programme.
How this all will unfold in reality, we don＊t know but we certainly are anxious to find out. We truly hope that this change is carried out in a slow, careful manner that reflects the importance of private post-secondary education in this province. We really do encourage a reflective, methodical approach. It is certainly preferred to a reckless, careless style that can sometimes tempt those whose main desire is to do something quickly rather than to something correctly.
Corporate Sponsorship
Friday, January 11th, 2002 the Ottawa Citizen reported that their public schools are looking for creative funding ideas. British Columbia is experiencing a round of cuts to services and controls that surpasses any in recent history in severity and depth. Entire limbs of government service and financing are being amputated. Will we be able to continue without them? Will they grow back like a starfish＊s limbs or will they be replaced by an expensive artificial (contracted-out) limb? There are many questions.
Special programmes and teaching staffs are always at risk in times of cutbacks. What about our students? What about international education? Will the costs of international education be raised? Will the public schools be able to maintain the same high level of education that they have been providing thus far? Will the public sector be forced to seek private, corporate sponsorship 每 as was one suggestion for Ottawa 每 or will they remain relatively unscathed under the new regime in BC. We＊ll have to wait and see, of course, but in the meantime do not shy away from asking pressing questions and seeking guarantees from our local politicians and officials.
Appropriate Behaviour - opinion
A Canadian teaching in the United Kingdom was recently cleared of sexual assault (statutory rape, to be precise) charges. She, however, confessed to having sexual intercourse with a 16 year-old student. This is not acceptable. Teachers are in a position of responsibility and 每 as such 每 should act responsibly. When one is in an elevated position, such as that of a teacher, one should not risk betraying that trust. On should not even risk an appearance of betraying that trust. If one has any doubts that this act at least appears to be unacceptable, just look at the attention the teacher received in the international press.
＆In Loco Parentus＊ is an expression with which elementary school teachers in this province are familiar: it means ＆in place of the parent.＊ The teacher has the same responsibility as a reasonable parent to protect their students. Each of us as educators, parents, administrators and homestay families want to do our best to preserve the integrity and reputation of the industry in BC and Canada. That being said, it is my opinion that we should avoid all situations that may lead to compromising situations or even situations that may appear to lead to compromising.
As a person in a position of responsibility, please avoid being alone with students of the opposite gender. Students (and teachers and hosts) if you start to feel uncomfortable, leave! You can very graciously and politely excuse yourself. Further, if something doesn＊t feel quite right, please, tell someone. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Discussions
Recently, in Great Britain again, an international student passed away. It was not the responsibility of the host family but it did underline a few questions that the international education has been looking at for a while: particularly what standards and quality controls can be implemented? At a meeting in Victoria, a couple of months ago, the Michael Ramsay of the Vancouver Island Homestay Association facilitated a discussion on just that topic. Twenty-two representatives of educational and homestay organizations on the Island met. It was the largest meeting the Association has coordinated to date: it was a beginning. There are more than 150 International student programmes in British Columbia. Please see Suggested Guidelines (page ) for some of the ideas that were introduced to that meeting. We need to increase the cooperation and communication in the industry. Only then can work effectively to ensure that students and families have the highest-quality and safest stay possible in our province.
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BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
Waves Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue i.
International education has been growing in importance around the world. Globalization〞whatever form it takes 〞is clearly becoming an inevitability. And that inevitability is facing us now. One of the best ways to prepare for increased global cooperation is to to facilitate communication through international education.
British Columbia is on the forefront of international education. In B.C., there are no fewer than two hundred colleges and other institutions or companies dedicated to providing or supporting international education.
In the closing months of 2001, international events caused educators and students alike to raise questions about international education: Is it safe to travel by plane anymore? Is it safe to visit North America? How would the Americans respond to the hijacked planes crashing into buildings in New York and Washington? Who will the U.S. invade next? Will someone retaliate against America by attacking Canada? What forms will terrorism and America＊s War on the Third World take? What about the anticipated economic problems in Canada and especially British Columbia? What about the disunity of the Provincial Governments and their apparent lack of loyalty to Canada as seen in Russia recently? How will all of this effect international business, transnational travel and international education?
In British Columbia, we had a couple more questions to deal with at the same time: what will the new provincial government do? What about the lay-offs and cutbacks? What about BC＊s desire to be declared a have-not province and receive federal hand-outs? How will that effect us〞particularly in that it couldn＊t be timed any worse given the aforementioned economic slow-down?
Many of these questions, of course, remain unanswered. For international education in British Columbia, however, all indications are that the future really will be brighter than ever.
Canada is still seen as among the safest English-speaking countries in the world. Students are still eager to travel and parents are more willing to support travel to British Columbia. Our dollar is very competitive. Our education system is one of the best in North America.
Host family applications have also increased all over the lower mainland and Vancouver Island as families are interested in broadening both students and their own horizons.
Please join us in our support for international education.
Michael Ramsay
WAVES / VIHA
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THE JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
LAUNCH OF THE MAGAZINE
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
Waves Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue ii.
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The Princess Mary Restaurant hosted the official launch of our new magazine in Victoria on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 (see advertisement in this issue). A number of representatives of the language schools and homestay organisations joined our staff, sponsors, contributors to our magazine and a few homestay families for a nice afternoon of conversation over tea, coffee and sandwiches.
It was a drop-in event that lasted for the entire afternoon. This provided plenty of opportunity for us all to circulate, meet, greet and get to know almost everyone there a little better. We each were able to catch up about what was happening in the industry. The future seems bright for all of us! This is always encouraging to learn.
These mixers always provide a great opportunity to make valuable contacts with those not only in the ESL field but also those who would like to help us. Some of our sponsors had the opportunity to find out how to tailor their services in order to serve the International Education Community even better. Some school activity planners were able to find new, inexpensive and interesting things for their students to do while they are here.
As you know, the Homestay Association has been serving the international community in BC for quite sometime now. Our newsletter has simply expanded beyond what its pages could bear because so many of our sponsors have special offers that they like to share with the international students, their host families and the schools.
We always appreciate the many contributors we have had and look forward to a few new columns and even some new staff members. We hope to have our official Vancouver launch later in the year. If you have any questions about our magazine or the other services that the Vancouver Island Homestay Association provide, please call us.
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High-Fun-aided Canadian Culture
HAVING FUN AT AN ITALIAN-CANADIAN WEDDING
BY MICHAEL RAMSAY
Waves Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue iii.
Canadians, you＊ll notice are rarely JUST Canadians. Most of us hail from
someplace else. Even those of us who don＊t are proud of the societies that our
ancestors abandoned or fled. There is no shortage of Ukrainian-Canadians (some
of whose families have been here since the 18th Century), French-Canadians (some
of their families have been here since the 1500s), or even Aboriginal-Canadians
(who have been here longer than they can even trace their own history). It is
rare that you will find just a Canadian. I have often wondered though. What if I
immigrate to New Zealand? Do I become a Scottish-Canadian-Kiwi?
Weddings. Wedding ceremonies are an important part of any culture. People will
often try to reach back to their roots and family traditions for their weddings.
You will often see Atheists being married in churches or people named McThis or
MacThat who have never even visited Scotland donning a kilt for the ceremony.
Recently my wife and I had the privilege of attending Tony n＊ Tina＊s Wedding.
The Hoarse Raven Theatre Company and Artificial Intelligence put on a great
show. Michael Fera and Tanya Dixon-Warren must have had some difficulty, one
would assume, at first directing such a skilfully choreographed performance. It
was a lot of fun. This was a mock Italian wedding like you＊ve never seen before.
Actually, you may find it eerily like weddings and receptions that you have seen
before. You had a Priest and a Nun singing a chorus of, ※What if God was One of
Us?§ There were the obligatory scripture readings that were carried out as
skilfully as many at other weddings. The rebel was hanging out at the back,
waiting until the reception to come out of his shell. Speaking of coming-out . .
. there is a lot that you don＊t want to miss at this hilarious dinner theatre.
The ceremony takes place at St. Andrew＊s Wesley Church on Burrard at Nelson in
Vancouver. It is a good setting. Then they move the performance over to the
Century Plaza Hotel for the reception.
You might wish to stay at the Century Plaza if you are visiting Vancouver to see
the production 每 but probably not. I don＊t think that I have ever paid more for
less in a hotel in my life. That being said and giving credit where credit is
due, the babysitting service was excellent and the lady manning the front desk
on the day we departed was very pleasant. Unfortunately, she wasn＊t manning the
desk when my wife checked in. She ran into inconsiderate front desk people and
rude, seemingly incompetent, management. The bellhop who directed me to my
luggage thought it appropriate to tell me how much he hates his job and the
cleaning staff bled all over our light switch. I can go on about the Century
Plaza but I won＊t.
Back to the wedding. As I stated earlier, weddings are an important part of any
culture. One of my first jobs, actually, in the ESL field was teaching about
wedding ceremonies and acting out mock weddings. Tony n＊ Tina＊s Wedding
certainly is one mock wedding worth attending. If you are planning an evening
out this is a great way to spend it. If you are looking for entertaining
activities for your students, you can＊t go wrong exposing them to this
High-Fun-Aided Canadian Wedding.
To inquire about or book Tony n' Tina's Wedding for a private party or a special
event call the Hoarse Raven Theatre production office at 604 258-4079.
Otherwise, you can book your specially priced group tickets by calling the Group
Ticket Centre at (604) 709-4122.
For more information, we invite you to visit their website at www.horseraven.com
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Safety First, Thank You
by Michael Ramsay
Waves Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue iv.
In the New Year we hope to host a few events. The University of Victoria Business Co-op Department would like to get to know many of the schools and businesses involved in international education. Chapter＊s would like to show off some of its educational supplies to those in the homestay industry, as would Schoolhouse Teaching Supplies. We hope to host events with each of them this year.
February 22nd, however, will be the next major event planned by the Homestay Association. You are invited! We are putting it on in association with the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) and the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society.
Shirley Lang, of Shadow Dancer Productions, is working with us to plan a major event at the Princess Mary Restaurant in Victoria. The purpose of this event is four-fold:
One, it is always important for the schools, families, students and others involved in the International Education community to get together. As we get to know each other more, we can better work together and this becomes a better industry and life for all of us.
Two, safety is important. Many schools in Vancouver have been asked to make the students more aware of safety. The press has been diligently covering incidents involving international students. We have even run a few articles on the topic over the past years. We will look at ways to be aware, alert and safe without being afraid.
Three, we would like to raise money for a FREE self-awareness programme for international students complete with multilingual counsellors.
Four, we would like to thank all those involved in international education in BC 每 schools, families, students and businesses. We would also like to take this opportunity to honour those who have been supporters of ours through the years.
What will the conference look like?
We are still planning it. The rough outline is as follows:
In the Morning.
We will have activities, speakers, discussions around safety and self-awareness. We intend to have leaders from the community represented as well as a speaker from the RCMP. There will be awareness activities and even a self-defence workshop. A special session for the Homestay Co-ordinators will be held as well.
Each of the more than 80 sponsors of the Vancouver & Island Homestay Association have been invited to display their wares and donate gifts and prizes for the event. You don＊t want to miss this if you are a Programme Co-ordinator 每 or Homestay Family, for that matter.
The Princess Mary will cater this event.
In the Evening.
We will have an appreciation dinner. During this wonderful dinner catered by the Princess Mary Restaurant, we will present some of our long-term supporters with tokens of our appreciation. There may also be a silent art auction featuring, among others, internationally acclaimed Victoria artist, John Freeman, of John＊s Marvels, and Al Williams, owner of the Vining Street Studio (see ad on page 12).
There will be more great door prizes as well!
That night.
We will have a dance. Some of our sponsors＊ booths will still be open for viewing and we will have one or two more door prizes to give away.
Tickets are only $80.00 for this all-day event. That includes dinner, dancing, gifts and prises as well as the conference itself.
We are hoping that Proceeds will go towards setting up the International Students Self-Awareness Programme. This is a free programme for students of international programmes. They can learn basic survival skills for West Coast Canadian cities and general self-awareness. We will have multi-lingual counsellors who they can turn to in a crisis. The Intercultural Society has graciously agreed to donate the space.
For tickets, please call 1-888 每713-0038 or 382-2055 in Victoria or else e-mail us at safety@havelock-viha.com.
We will see you there!
Michael Ramsay.
Director, VIHA.
Publisher, WAVES.
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Just Who is Visiting Us, Anyway?
By Michael Ramsay
Waves Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue iv.
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WAVES Magazine and the Vancouver and Island Homestay Association completed some useful research this fall. Citizenship and Immigration Canada had compiled statistics on who 每 in the past 每 has come to Canada. It based its numbers on the number of issuances of student authorizations to people from overseas. This does not include all ESL students, of course, as not everyone needs a student authorization. It also does not concentrate on the two most popular cities for students visiting BC 每 Victoria and Vancouver.
How did we gather our information?
Stephanie Engerer, on behalf of WAVES Magazine: the Journal of International Education, approached more than 50 of the international schools and language programmes in and around Vancouver. Michael Ramsay analyzed that data. It was our goal to find out exactly who visited Vancouver this past year. This information should help us plan our programmes in general and organize our marketing efforts. It can also help individual schools to further develop their specific niches. If you would like a copy of the actual data collected, you can e-mail us at eslreport@havelock-viha.com
Where are the students from?
It should be no surprise to anyone that the vast majority of students visiting Vancouver are from Asia (59%). It may surprise some of us that Japan is no longer far and away the most common home to our international students. Korea is supplying a comparable number of students. CAIPS, in a 2001 report, placed South Korea as the number one point of origin for our long-term students. According to our data, Korea just edged out Japan: 29% of students studying in Vancouver originated from Korea and 28% came from Japan. The People＊s Republic of China also ranks a lot higher on the list than some of us who have had some dealings with China in the past may realize. The students from China, at 8%, more than doubled the 3% from Taiwan that are studying in Vancouver at any one time.
Stephanie Engerer, who collected this data for us, was part of the 9% of our international students here from Germany. Europe, including Germany, sends us 18% of our students. North American students make up 15% of our student body. Mexico supplies 9% of our ESL students. Quebec, we found, provides 6% of the students studying English here at any one time and 5% of our students originate from Central America. Eight percent of our students come from South America.
How old are the students and how long do they stay here?
Students come here for anywhere from a couple of days through to the length of time it takes to complete a degree programme. Parents have sent their 10-year-old children here. Seniors also enjoy visiting our beautiful country. The average age of an ESL student is 20 (mode) or 21 (median) years old and she stays for 3 每 6 months.
Which programmes attract students to the West Coast?
More than one third of the schools in Vancouver offer the popular internship programmes. These are work experience placements that may or may not be paid positions. It gives the student a chance to really develop her English and learn about contemporary Canadian lifestyle. This is usually a rewarding situation not only for the student but also for the employer. Some of the degree-granting universities even offer practicum placements for international students. VIHA has hired students from the University of Victoria for work in both Vancouver and Victoria. The Co-op Department staff has been quite helpful. We have also referred our sponsors who wish to have international students working with them to a number of institutions that find placements for students. You may wish to call our head office in Victoria at 1 888 713 0038 or 382 2055 for more information
Almost 2/3rds of the schools offer general business classes and practically all of the language schools offer TOEFL. Twenty-seven percent offer TOEIC. One of every five schools offers TESOL and eleven percent of schools teach Cambridge English.
Do many students stay with Homestay families?
Yes. About 74% of all students stay with a Homestay family for at least part of the time they are here.
Almost 75% of the schools in Vancouver have their own Homestay Co-ordinators. The rest of the schools that offer Homestay placement contract out the position to independent Homestay Companies.
Why do students like the West Coast?
The natural scenery and clean, safe cities were cited quite often as a reason why students chose BC to study.
What do the students like to do while they are here?
Students like to visit the big tourist attractions in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. (See related article in this issue). They also like to take day trips to the Rockies for skiing or sightseeing.
Has September 11th or the War on Terror negatively affected business?
Only one school noted a significant negative change. Almost half of responding schools said that this was their best year ever. The remainder of the schools didn＊t notice any affect on their enrolment.
Have most of the schools been around for a while or do they come and go?
Of the schools that we interviewed, the average (mean) start date for their Vancouver offices was a decade ago (1992). The most common foundation date was 1996-1997 每 the same time that the VIHA was founded.
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