Gary Towne
Gary Towne, BA ’93, works in ESL for Asian immigrants. After graduation, he taught in Indonesia for a year, and much later, in China for 3 years. Currently living in Vancouver he is looking at some entrepreneurial possibilities in China, some with current and former students of his.
Jonathan Trefz
BA ’13 (Asian Language & Culture). “I think the ability to suspend investment in the values and perceptions one is accustomed to and to try to see the world through another cultural lens on its own terms is a rare and valuable skill”
Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with North K. Compton
North K. Compton, BA ’99, has lived in Tokyo for the past 14 years. He has worked in multiple capacities in recruitment, but for the last 8 years he has done Franchise Development for MRINetwork.
Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with Fongyee Walker
Fongyee Walker, BA ’93, began her study of fine wine while studying for her PhD in Classical Chinese at Cambridge University. She is now an accomplished wine educator and consultant based in Beijing and Asian Studies has caught up with her to learn and share her story.
Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with Agnes GoWoon Kim
Agnes GoWoon Kim returned to Korea after studying at UBC and is currently a Ph. D. student at Seoul National University. Even though Korean herself, she discusses the challenges and rewards of returning back home.
Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with Paula Bennett
Paula Bennett, BA ‘ 73, has been working for various departments related to Immigration Canada since 1973. She has worked all around the word, from the US to Africa to Asia, and is currently the First Secretary for the Embassy of Canada in Beijing.
Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with David Moreton
David Moreton, BA ’95, is back for another interview. This time he discusses how he began working abroad after graduating and how life is like in Japan as a foreigner, particularly in a small town.
Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with Oliver Ormrod
Oliver Ormrod, BA ’02, after graduating, secured a scholarship from the Korean government to pursue an MA in Korean language and Literature. After completing his graduate studies he began working for a PR firm in Seoul and has since moved to Tokyo where he is currently working on the Corporate PR team for UNIQLO.
Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with Mark Williams
Mark Williams, BA ’97, began working after graduation as an English teacher in South Korea. After spending the better part of 7 years abroad he returned to Canada and has since built a successful career in education.
Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with Richard N. Liu
Richard Liu, BA ’93, has been residing in Beijing for nearly 20 years and has developed a rewarding career in alumni relations. He discusses his passions and experiences living in China.