Success at Selkirk College

From Selkirk College

Selkirk College is located in the beautiful West Kootenays of Southern British Columbia. The location provides students with a unique opportunity to experience a rural lifestyle while enjoying recreational activities such as golf, skiing, camping, and hiking in a world class, spectacular natural setting. Selkirk is known for its integration of International Students into both the internal and external community. The following article from the student newspaper articulates the experiences of five graduates from the Resort and Hotel program.

After two years in the Resort and Hotel Management Program, international students William Chou, Taka Iishi, Ed Lau, Christina Lu and Yoko Kamoda will be graduating and going out to take up positions at various resorts and hotels in Calgary, Kananaskis, Banff and Vancouver.

During their studies in Nelson the students have enthusiastically participated in a wide range of hospitality projects from serving in and operating the 'Scholars Dining Room' and hosting events, including the National Hockey Day in Canada Gala Event and the KSA Dinner. They have also each completed a five month work study at various resorts and hotels in Canada.

Initially these five students came to Selkirk College, Castlegar campus. Christina first studied Early Child Care and Education while the other students studied English. During the time they studied, they each took seminars in Newspaper, Volunteer and Leadership as well as Business English to supplement the full-time English program. When asked about his impression of these students instructor John Armstrong said, "They threw themselves into the life and community of the college and the events. They were all willing, dynamic and positive communicators.

Yoko Kamoda was a past editor of the International Department's "What's Up?" newsletter. In a discussion prior to publication, I asked her for her thoughts on her studies in English Language and the Resort and Hotel Management Program at Selkirk College. Without hesitation she said, "I enjoyed my courses a lot, made best friends, and it was the best life experience I could give to myself." Yoko has been extremely successful in the Hotel Program, receiving much praise for her positive attitude and very hard work; especially for her valuable contribution to the National Hockey Day in Canada Gala. She felt that her experience in the English Language Program did much to prepare her for these successes. She felt that her studies in writing, literature, and most especially business communications, gave her the confidence, skills and background to excel and to cope with the challenge of finding a job and preparing for interviews. It was in the international English Language Program and college community where she had a chance to become part of this warm and friendly community and "know more about other cultures and help establish a base … a home... in Castlegar."

By Shana Rablah, Instructor
English Language Program

Photo: William Chou, Taka Iishi, Ed Lau, Christina Lu and Yoko Kamoda.