UNews - Diane Minamide

Martin Parnell headlines as speaker at 27th Annual International Dinner

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 21:58:48 +0000

He’d been called crazy even before he decided to run a marathon in Afghanistan in a quest to fight for women’s rights and gender equality. Martin Parnell never let that stop him, and over the course of time, his efforts raised millions of dollars and gave the gift of hope to people all over the world.

Parnell will bring his “Finish the Race Attitude” to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge on February 25, for the 27th Annual International Dinner. The evening features an array of international foods from LA Chefs, a silent auction in support of the International Students’ Emergency Bursary and a featured talk from Parnell as he details his Afghanistan adventure along with a myriad of quests that have impacted children throughout the world.

“We’re thrilled to bring a speaker of Martin’s calibre in for our dinner. His message of perseverance, hope and a willingness to give of yourself to benefit society is so important in today’s world,” says Diane Minamide, education abroad coordinator – incoming, for U of L International. “His impact on the international community is immeasurable and worth celebrating.”

Parnell talks about helping people set goals, overcoming obstacles and achieving outstanding results.

In 2010, following a 25-year mining career, Parnell started his Quests for Kids initiative. Over the next five years, he completed 10 quests, including 250 marathons in one year, setting five Guinness World Records and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours. At the end of 2014, over $1.3 million had been raised for the humanitarian organization Right To Play and 27,000 children had been given the gift of hope.

Parnell was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in October 2012. In January 2013, he was named one of the Calgary Herald’s 20 Compelling Calgarians.

He has written a trilogy of books detailing his marathon exploits, beginning with Marathon Quest in 2014. He followed that up with Running to the Edge in 2016, and then released the final book, The Secret Marathon – Empowering Women and Girls in Afghanistan through Sport, in 2018. A documentary, The Secret Marathon, was released in Fall 2019.

The 27th Annual International Dinner will be held in the Science Commons main atrium at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Tickets are $75 each ($50 for students) and are available by contacting international@uleth.ca or visiting the International web page uleth.ca/international. Tickets may also be purchased at the Scotiabank West Lethbridge Branch (Towne Centre, 550 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Dr. W.).

Six U of L alums now teaching in Japan through JET

caroline.zentner — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 22:00:09 +0000

Six ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumni are off on the adventure of a lifetime after being accepted into the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET).

The day before JET participants flew to Japan they attended a reception hosted by Mr. Shigenobu Kobayashi (right), the Consul-General of Japan in Calgary. Attending the reception were, from left, Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman, Roisin and Miller Wiens, Diane Minamide, Michelle Boivin-Carriere, Gemma Amoruso, Emily Kenney and Andrew Spearman.

They left for Japan at the beginning of August following a reception hosted by the Consul-General of Japan in Calgary — Mr. Shigenobu Kobayashi and his wife, Mrs. Keiko Kobayashi. The six U of L alums were among 36 Canadians selected from the Western Canadian region, which includes Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

“We are very proud of these graduates who have been accepted into the JET program,” says Diane Minamide, a coordinator with International Student Services. “We know they will be excellent ambassadors of the U of L, Lethbridge and the country as a whole.”

Minamide, herself a JET alumna, says participating in the programme provides an experience that won’t be soon forgotten. Being accepted into the program is the result of a rigorous process that includes writing an essay and doing an interview. Minamide and Dr. Abby McMeekin, a professor in the Department of Modern Languages, help prepare the students.

“Students who go on the JET Programme will have so many opportunities to interact with Japanese languages and culture,” says McMeekin. “This complements what they have learned in their courses at the U of L on a level that not many people get to experience.”

Miller Wiens (BSc ’19) and his wife, Roisin (BFA ’18), had their desire to return to Japan cemented after they spent a month there as part of an exchange program.

“Both my husband and I went on the exchange to Hokkai-Gakuen ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and we fell in love with the culture, the food and the rhythm of day-to-day life,” says Roisin. “This was a really great opportunity for us to continue that relationship between Canada and Japan.”

She and Miller will be living in Kasukabe, a city northwest of Tokyo, and teaching at five schools in the Saitama Prefecture. Miller, who studied kinesiology, had dreams of being a personal trainer but that all changed when he took a Japanese course.

“McMeekin sensei is one of my role models. I admire the way she teaches Japanese and gets students engaged,” he says. “I absolutely loved her language classes and I took all the classes I possibly could.”

Gemma Amoruso (BA ’19), who’ll be teaching at two elementary schools and a junior high in Sendai, took Japanese history courses while at the U of L and also participated in the Hokkai-Gakuen ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ exchange.

“When I was there I knew I had to go back,” she says. “After learning about the culture and meeting my host family and friends, I knew I had to go back eventually.”

Knowing about her interest in living in another country, the spouse of a co-worker recommended JET to Michelle Boivin-Carriere (BA ’18).

“I wanted to experience a different culture and go abroad. I applied last year and was an alternate. I reapplied this year and I’m off to Toyooka,” says Boivin-Carriere. “I will be working at a middle school, along with two elementary schools. I’m very excited. I’ve had experience with elementary schools before and I’m also looking forward to the challenge of a middle school.”

Andrew Spearman (BA ’17, BEd ’18) will be teaching English at a middle school and four elementary schools. While he’s not fluent in Japanese, he’s familiar with its traditions.

“Growing up, I was fortunate to be part of the Judo Club. Japanese culture and customs are very near and dear to my heart and they evolved once I hit university,” he says. “Diane Minamide has facilitated the importance of friendship internationally and I’ve seen the fruits of that, as well. We here in southern Alberta have a very important history with Japan. As somebody who’s got an education degree in modern languages, it’s important for me to come back and teach Japanese and to teach something that is more exclusive to this region.”

For Emily Kenney (BA, BEd ’18), participating in the JET programme represents a long-held wish. She’ll be teaching at a junior high school in Haebaru, Okinawa, Lethbridge’s sister city.

“My practicums through education gave me the opportunity to work at an elementary school, a senior high school and a junior high school,” says Kenney. “In Lethbridge, many students are not native to Lethbridge; they come from Syria and Africa. When I was teaching them, I wondered how I could relate to them because I’ve only known the Canadian perspective. In my essay when I applied for JET, I wrote about my desire to grow that ability to relate and understand what it’s like to be a new person in a new country where you might not speak the language, you don’t know the culture and you don’t know anyone. I’m so excited. This is such a great opportunity and I’m so blessed to be able to have this chance.”

The JET programme has been giving students the opportunity to travel to Japan and work in Japanese schools and cultural organizations for more than 30 years. Students initially sign on for one year but can return for up to five years.

“If there are any students who think that this is something they might want to do or if they want to travel, they should apply for it,” says Amoruso. “When I applied, I didn’t think there was a shot that I was going to get this, even after the interview. There’s support at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and you can get involved in clubs, all these opportunities are open to you. Just go for them and don’t dream too small.”

The next JET recruitment session begins this fall. Anyone interested is invited to attend an information session on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from noon to 1 p.m. Those interested can sign up with Career Services.

Study tour gives students direct cultural experience

caroline.zentner — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 18:21:03 +0000

Participating in a course like the Study Tour of Japan gives students an education that goes beyond learning in a university classroom and the typical tourist experience. Students gain firsthand knowledge of life in Japan from those who live there.

“The purpose of the trip is to provide students with an initial exposure to Japanese culture and society,” says Dr. Catherine Kingfisher, a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge anthropology professor, who, along with Diane Minamide, co-ordinator of International Programs and Exchanges, took 14 students to Japan for almost four weeks of intense learning this past summer. “For me as an anthropologist, I couldn’t think of a better way to teach a course than on site.”

Before they left, the students received training in Japanese language and did preliminary research on Japanese culture and society. The U of L has a longstanding exchange agreement for both students and faculty with Hokkai-Gakuen ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Sapporo. Every two years, the U of L sends a group of students for a summer cultural program. Students stay with Japanese host families during their time at Hokkai-Gakuen.

Dr. Catherine Kingfisher, front row left, and Diane Minamide, front row right, posed with students from the U of L and Hokkai-Gakuen ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in the tea ceremony room at HGU.

Myles Shirakawa, a third-year U of L student studying French, went on the study tour because of his interest in the culture and language and his familial roots in Japan. His great grandparents left Japan for Canada in the early 1900s. As a southern Albertan used to wide, open spaces, Tokyo’s dense population came as a shock.

“For example, when you take the subways or trains, especially during rush hour, you have to get used to a different dynamic,” he says. “This dynamic also reflects in the culture and the language where you have to be more cognizant of the relation between yourself and others.”

Dana Grinde, a third-year U of L student majoring in anthropology and psychology, took the course as a way to gain international experience without the time commitment of a whole semester abroad.

“The highlight of my trip was getting to know a group of U of L students in a different context. Travelling with the group was the best part for sure,” says Grinde. “We worked together really well and it was just a lot of fun travelling with them.”

The group spent its first four nights in Tokyo. They visited a number of sites, including an urban collective housing community where Kingfisher is conducting research.

“I’m interested in looking at models of well-being that aren’t based on individualism and personal satisfaction,” says Kingfisher. “Diane (Minamide) was absolutely essential to this trip. Her Japanese is very good and she could translate and interpret when it was necessary. She was pivotal, and the students just loved her.”

After Tokyo, the students made their way to Sapporo where they lived with host families and attended classes at Hokkai-Gakuen ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for two-and-a-half weeks. Shirakawa says everyone was kind and went out of their way to make him feel welcome.

“I had read and studied about Japan but I had never been before so it was interesting to see how they live firsthand,” he says.

“I had all these pictures in my head about what Japan would be like. Then you go there and you realize it’s not at all what you picture,” says Grinde.

After leaving Sapporo, the group visited Kyoto before returning home to Canada. One of the students’ favourite activities was going to an onsen, or hot springs. Each gender has its own pools and people must bathe thoroughly before entering the pools.

“It’s a different kind of experience. You have to go in nude and, sure, it can feel a little awkward at times but at the same time it’s rather quite soothing,” says Shirakawa.

“There’s a Japanese word for naked relationship. That was new for all of us,” says Grinde. “The idea is that when you’re in the onsen with other people, you’re all equals.”

“The whole experience was amazing,” says Shirakawa. “If any other students are considering taking part in the Japan study tour, do try and fit it in. It is a bit of an expense but it’s wonderful to go and experience the culture.”

The students received help with funding from the Campus Alberta Grant for International Learning (CAGFIL).

“They were the most dedicated, fabulous bunch of students I’ve ever worked with. They participated in everything; nobody ever missed a class or event,” says Kingfisher. “They worked really hard and had to give speeches in Japanese at different events. Every single one of these students came up to me at some point and said ‘my host family is the best host family.’”

A number of the students have maintained their interest in Japan and plan to return to teach English or for further study.

U of L student receives scholarship from Korean government

caroline.zentner — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:44:07 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student Braden Alexander had lived in Canada most of his life when he decided a change of scenery would broaden his learning.

“��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a time where we, as students, should learn about ourselves and expand our horizons. What better way to do that than an exchange overseas?” he says.

Alexander opted to do an exchange at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Ulsan (UOU) in South Korea. He’s been living in Ulsan since the end of August, taking business, sociology and Korean language classes. Recently, at the recommendation of UOU, he received a $1,200 US scholarship from the government of South Korea.

“I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I got it. I knew that quite a few students applied for the scholarship, so I wasn’t anticipating receiving it,” Alexander says. “I was told that my personal statement about why I came to Korea and what the exchange would do for my personal growth was exceptional.”

UOU, with a student population of about 16,000, is located in Ulsan, a city built around the Hyundai Motor Company. Alexander has been soaking up the exchange experience, both on and off campus.

Alexander has enjoyed visiting temples in South Korea, including this pagoda containing ancient Buddhist relics.

He has found a vibrant student life at UOU with many activities on campus, including English lessons, music performances and club events.

“I find it kind of neat that there are dedicated buildings for clubs and student groups. I saw some student elections and the campaigning is much more intense than Canadian student elections,” he says.

Alexander has met other students at UOU through a program where English speakers are paid to tutor UOU students.

“If a student knows you are an English speaker, they want to get to know you, be your friend and learn English. It’s not uncommon to have other students approach you and practice English or for a professor to ask an English-speaker to talk to some of their students,” says Alexander.

The ability to speak English is important in Korea. Alexander says resumés must include a TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) score to be considered by a Korean company. As a result, English cram schools and conversation groups are very popular, as are English speakers themselves.

“It’s nice to see older Koreans practice their English when they see you and their smiles grow even wider when you speak to them in Korean,” says Alexander.

While at UOU, Alexander has been living in the dormitory and enjoying Korean food, especially the trend of having food delivered.

“You can have food delivered to the soccer stadium, a movie theatre or a classroom. Even McDonalds delivers here in Korea,” he says.

He’s also managed to get in a few sightseeing trips, both around Ulsan and to Busan, South Korea’s second largest city after Seoul. Alexander says he plans to visit Seoul over the winter break. Travel opportunities to other Asian destinations like Hong Kong or Singapore are within reach because of reasonable travel costs.

Alexander does not hesitate to recommend the exchange experience.

“Being abroad not only gives you a chance to look at different perspectives around the world, but the people you meet and the memories you acquire stay with you for a long time. I’ve only been here for three months and I am already counting the things that I’ll miss from Korea,” he says, adding he plans to return to Canada early next July.

The U of L’s International Centre offers exchange programs to six other universities in addition to UOU, including Southern Cross ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Australia, Otto-Von-Guericke ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Germany, Hokkai-Gakuen ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Japan, Muskingum College in the United States and, newly available in the fall of 2015, Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo in Mexico, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Essex in the United Kingdom and Gakushuin Women’s College in Japan.

“An exchange semester abroad gives students an experience that is not only rewarding academically, but also personally,” says Diane Minamide, the U of L’s International Programs and Exchange co-ordinator. “When students come back to see me after an exchange semester they have changed. Studying in another country opens a person to new perspectives and viewing the world from a different framework.”

In addition, the International Centre offers shorter Study Tours to Japan and South Korea and can facilitate internships and externships. The Faculty of Management also offers full semester exchanges with partner universities in more than 20 countries.

The deadline to apply for an exchange program is Feb. 15. Interested students can contact the International Centre by sending an email to exchanges@uleth.ca

UNews - Diane Minamide

Martin Parnell headlines as speaker at 27th Annual International Dinner

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