Eluisa Rivera was born in the Philippines together with her 3 other sisters. She came to Toronto at the same time she got married…15 years ago. She has been working at ILAC for more than 8 years and looks after issues related to the students’ accommodation experience.

The Homestay Director’s role ranges from finding good Homestay families and residences to fitting the right student with the right accommodation.

ILAC Times had a quick chat with Eluisa and would like to share a bit of her life with you… hope you enjoy it!


ABOUT YOU

ILAC Times: What is your zodiac sign?
Eluisa: Leo.

ILAC Times: Where were you born?
Eluisa: Philippines.

ILAC Times: Do you have brothers or sisters?
Eluisa: 3 sisters.

ILAC Times: What do you miss the most about home?
Eluisa: Family, food and being pampered when I am sick.

ILAC Times: What’s the best place to go in your hometown?
Eluisa: WOW! Many places.

ILAC Times: Are you married? For how long?
Eluisa: Yes. 15 years.

ILAC Times: Any kids? How old?
Eluisa: A 10-year old son… Louis Alfonso Rivera.

CANADA

ILAC Times: How long have you been in Canada?
Eluisa: 15 years.

ILAC Times: What do you like the most about Canada?
Eluisa: The four seasons. We do not have that in my country.

ILAC Times: What cities have you been to in Canada?
Eluisa:Let me see… not too many: Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and short trips to north Ontario such as Algonquin, Muskoka and Barrie.

ILAC Times: Any favorite city?
Eluisa: Not really but Old Montreal is nice to visit.

TORONTO ILAC Times: Why did you choose Toronto to live? Eluisa: It was not a choice for me really because my husband lives in Toronto. At one point, we contemplated on moving to Vancouver before we had Louis. At that point, we sort of have our roots here already so we decided to stay. We had never looked back since. I love Toronto, truthfully… swear… ILAC Times: What do you like the most about Toronto? Eluisa: Multiculturalism.

ILAC Times: Where to go?
Eluisa: Personally, fine dining restaurants and theatre (musical).
For students, many interesting places.

ILAC Times: Don’t go to?
Eluisa:You mean places I do not go to or frequent? Hmmmm… a lot!


CAREER

ILAC Times: What is/are your major(s)?
Eluisa: I have a Bachelor degree in Science in Education and a major in Mathematics. I also have a specialization and certification in Early Childhood Education.

ILAC Times: Where did you work before ILAC?
Eluisa: I was a stay-at-home mom for my son.

ILAC Times: How long have you been working at ILAC?
Eluisa: As a Homestay Provider, almost 10 years, Airport, almost 9 years, Homestay Department more than 8 years. This is my 9th summer at ILAC.
Whew! I am old…

ILAC Times: What is your position? Eluisa: Homestay Director. ILAC Times: What are the challenges? Eluisa: Ultimately, making the students happy and comfortable in their accommodations arrangements. A happy student means happy parents and a happy agent. It is a service that we provide. Achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction I guess-that is the CHALLENGE. I also need to make sure that both the Homestay family and the student are happy with my booking… And in between these two, many little challenges that really make my life interesting…

ILAC Times: What are the rewards?
Eluisa: When on the last day, the student would say to me “I had the best experience of my life!” That is the greatest…
And ironically, when a student who changed Homestay comes back the following day to my office and say thank you because he is now happy with the new family…


101

ILAC Times: A Hobby?
Eluisa: Work, work, work… And then I love dancing, drawing, reading “garbage” books as my Literature Professor calls it. Actually if I have a lot of time, I love needle work…

ILAC Times: A Movie/Show?
Eluisa: Mamma Mia Musical, Movie: I like chick-flicks, feel-good movies. I hate horrors…

ILAC Times: A Song/Singer or Band?
Eluisa: You may not know it, AIR SUPPLY.

ILAC Times: Your passion?
Eluisa: My work… ILAC!

ILAC Times: Maraming Salamat Elu!
Eluisa: You’re welcome!