VIU grad selected for Students Without Borders in Vietnam

Jan Beecher’s bags are packed and she’s ready to go.

With the ink barely dry on her Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Journalism from Vancouver Island University, Beecher leaves for Vietnam Jan. 5. She’s been selected for a three-month internship to teach English with the Hanoi Community College as part of the Students Without Borders (SWB) program.

“I am totally excited, but shell-shocked,” said Beecher. “It all flew together so fast. I haven’t had time for second thoughts.”

The placement is through World University Service of Canada (WUSC) which collaborates with the Ministry of Education in Vietnam to implement the Skills Training for the Labour Market Project. As a volunteer intern, Beecher will work closely with WUSC staff, Hanoi Community College’s education leaders and teachers.

Beecher recently spent a week in Montreal for training. “We learned about World University Service, and did inter-cultural training which was amazing and thought-provoking.”

While in Vietnam, Beecher will support Vietnamese English teachers in improving their English language skills, help teachers to improve teaching and learning methods, help them improve skills on basic communication  such as greetings and shaking hands and support the faculty in events planning and administration.

The WUSC program covers the cost of return airfare, Beecher’s visa, vaccines, accommodation, health insurance and a living allowance. Beecher contributed $3,000.

“I think this a good way to contribute to a developing country,” she said. “I will bring back knowledge of that country, gain experience teaching English as a second language and experience another culture that will help me become a better world citizen.”