Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with Mark Williams

Interested in what you can do with a degree in Asian Studies? In our Alumni Spotlight Interview Series, we ask our alumni about their career paths, how they became interested in Asian Studies and for any advice they would give to current students. This interview features Mark Williams UBC Asian Studies BA 1997. Williams is currently the Director of Student Services at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine.

Who are you? Can you describe your career path after graduating?

My name is Mark Williams. I currently live in Burnaby. After graduating in 1997 I moved to Pusan, Korea, where I taught ESL for a year. I returned back to Canada in 1998 and moved to Toronto where I worked for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in the luxury boxes at the Maple Leaf Gardens and the Air Canada Centre. I then returned to Pusan, where I stayed for four more years teaching. I spent my last two years at Tongnae Elementary School, a reputable private school in Pusan. I really enjoyed my time in this role as the educational philosophy of the school and the work environment focused on student engagement. I also studied Korean at Pusan National University. When I returned to Canada in 2004 I moved back to Vancouver where I worked as the Head Program Coordinator at Bodwell’s University Summer Programs, which is one of the largest and longest running English summer programs in Canada, which attracts students from over 40 nations. From there I moved into an admissions role at the Art Institute of Vancouver where I spent four years, the final two as the Assistant Director of International Admissions. I now work at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine as the Director of Student Services. I have been at the Boucher Institute for over four years and I am a member of the Leadership Committee and also chair the Admissions Committee. The Boucher Institute is an independent, non-profit institution and Western Canada’s only accredited college of naturopathic medicine. It offers a four-year program which culminates in the “Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine” designation. It is truly a wonderful organization to work for as the students are amazing.

Why did you decide to teach English after graduating? Why in Korea versus elsewhere?

Prior to enrolling in UBC’s Asian Studies program, I had travelled through South East Asia and Australia for six months immediately after high school. I really enjoyed experiencing other cultures and interacting with people who have different world views and experiences. My time at UBC further developed my interest in learning and experiencing more overseas, so as soon as I graduated in 1997 I decided to move to Korea to teach. I had focused on China and Japan throughout much of me degree, and didn’t know much about Korea, so an opportunity to teach there also allowed me to learn about this fascinating country and culture. I also had a few friends from university that were teaching in Pusan and said it was a fun and interesting city to experience.

How did you start working abroad?

Prior to my return to Korea in 2000 I completed a TESL program which helped me develop the skills to become a better instructor. While in Korea I volunteered some time teaching doctors at a hospital which really strengthened my teaching ability. My degree in Asian Studies was the best preparation, however, for living and working abroad as it provided a rich context for understanding and interacting in a foreign country.

How was working and living abroad as a foreigner?

Living overseas was perhaps the most rewarding life experience to date. I made a concerted effort to interact with Koreans and experience the country first hand by traveling extensively throughout the country by motorcycle. The greatest reward was meeting people who have become lifelong friends, both Koreans and teachers from other countries. I resided in Korea during the Asian economic meltdown of 1997-98 which greatly impacted Korea. There were many stories in the news, and firsthand, of how the economic challenges changed the lives of Korean families forever. It was definitely a difficult period to be in Korea.

Any advice for other alumni that are hoping to go abroad?

Go overseas with a commitment to engaging and interacting with the locals. All too often people travelling or working overseas choose to interact almost exclusively with other Westerners, which from my perspective really detracts from the whole idea of going overseas, as countries are about the people and their culture and getting to know them.

Why did you decide to return to Canada?

I wanted to become more than just an English teacher. I wanted to return to Canada to start a family and a career. It was a difficult transition, as being away from the Canadian workforce for the better part of seven years necessitated starting in contract positions and slowly working my way up to where I am today. Although I always knew I would be returning home and I had mentally prepared myself for what I needed to do.

Any last advice to our students who might want to teach English abroad?

Do your research on where you want to go and what the teaching opportunities and working environment are like. If possible, go as a tourist first, check out the city and job market before committing to any type of job contract, because in many countries you cannot break the contract if you are unhappy in the job/city.