We have picked the Director of Studies at the Vancouver Campus for the monthly interview. Greta Borick-Cunningham was born in Port Pirie and grew up at a world-famous destination for travelers – the Gold Coast, Australia. She came to Canada 5 years ago to help opening up the ILAC Campus in Vancouver. Today she is the head of Studies Department in the West Coast, looking after issues related to students’ learning experience.

The Director of Studies role ranges from managing the teaching team, organizing curriculum and class schedules, to monitoring students’ development.

ILAC Times spent some time on the phone with Greta and is glad to share some information on her life… enjoy it!


ABOUT YOU

ILAC Times: What is your zodiac sign?
Greta: Virgo.

ILAC Times: Where were you born?
Greta: Port Pirie, Australia.

ILAC Times: Do you have brothers or sisters?
Greta: 2 sisters.

ILAC Times: What do you miss the most about home?
Greta: Besides my mum and dad, the smell of eucalyptus trees and the surf beach near where I used to live.

ILAC Times: What’s the best place to go in your hometown?
Greta: I was born in Port Pirie but left when I was 2 years old. I grew up on the Gold Coast which is a world-famous destination for travelers. For me the best place is the Tallebudgera Creek estuary – beautiful clean sparkling waters to swim in and great hiking trails around some parks.

ILAC Times: Are you married? For how long?
Greta: Yes. 5 years.

ILAC Times: Any kids?
Greta: No children.

CANADA

ILAC Times: How long have you been in Canada?
Greta: 5 years.

ILAC Times: What do you like the most about Canada?
Greta: The diversity of people, the fantastic scenery in different provinces and the chance to experience different kinds of seasons.

ILAC Times: What cities have you been to in Canada?
Greta: Big cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg and small towns like Kingston in Ontario and Tadoussac in Quebec. Lots of traveling in BC like the Kooteneys, Rockies, Vancouver Island, Okanagan Valley to name a few.

ILAC Times: Any favorite city?
Greta: Vancouver, of course!

VANCOUVER ILAC Times: Why did you choose Vancouver to live? Greta: We moved out here to open up the new ILAC Vancouver branch. ILAC Times: What do you like the most about Vancouver? Greta: The mountains and easy access to them. Feeling really close to nature and being able to ride my bike everywhere! ILAC Times: Where to go? Greta: Try rafting down the Elaho River, or swimming in the huge saltwater pool at Kits beach or hiking up the Stawamus Chief (huge granite mountain!). The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is fantastic too!

ILAC Times: Don’t go to?
Greta: Haven’t found any “don’t go to’s” yet




CAREER

ILAC Times: What is/are your major(s)?
Greta: Masters in Education (Teaching Second Languages).

ILAC Times: Where did you work before ILAC?
Greta: Before I moved permanently I worked in Australia for a large training college in the ESL department and before that, Japan for 2 years teaching English.

ILAC Times: How long have you been working at ILAC?
Greta: A little over 4 years.

	ILAC Times: What is your position? Greta: Director of Studies. ILAC Times: What are the challenges? Greta: Trying to balance the needs of students, staff and teachers. ILAC Times: What are the rewards? Greta: Meeting people from all over the world and seeing how they become the best of friends with each other. Working with a fantastic team of people – I’m really lucky!

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ILAC Times: A Hobby?
Greta: Hiking and running.

ILAC Times: A Movie/Show?
Greta: I just saw some great old film noir, The Big Sleep and Gilda. Old black and white films but so classic.

ILAC Times: A Song/Singer or Band?
Greta: Amy Winehouse, “Rehab” – check her out, she has a great voice!

ILAC Times: An idol?
Greta: People I admire include Maya Angelou and anyone working to save the environment like Paul George of the Wilderness Committee.

ILAC Times: Your passion?
Greta: Discovering new cultures and traveling!

ILAC Times: Thanks Greta!
Greta: You’re welcome!