We’re half way through the 2018-19 BCCIE mentorship program! Paired by common interests and goals, mentors guide their mentees into new phases of their careers, help their mentees meet key contacts in the international education sector, and provide support and guidance in various other capacities.

What’s it like to be part of the program as a mentor? Read our Q+A with Laurie Waye, Dean of Instruction at Coast Mountain College, to find out. And, in case you missed it, here’s part one, of our two-part series with her mentee, Anna Korman.

Q) Tell us a bit about your career background.

A) I've always been a teacher. I started tutoring when I was a teenager. I became an ESL teacher in Japan in the early 90s. From there, I found my way teaching high-level ESL and first year composition at the college and university level, both internationally and in Canada. After working at the University of Victoria, I moved to Terrace in 2016 to become the Dean of Instruction at Coast Mountain College.

Q) Why did you get involved with BCCIE’s mentorship program?

A) I think it’s important to give back. The idea of working with someone who is new to the field of international education was a draw for me. I keep thinking, what if I had this resource when I was younger and starting my career? I know the value of mentoring. I really feel that it’s not just my gift to give but my obligation as well.

Q) What’s been one of the highlights for you thus far as a mentor?

A) It would have to be when I met with Anna in Vancouver and we spent the day together. I asked her to design the day, and I was so impressed with the thought she put into it. Half the day was spent doing professional development; she came along with to take part in meetings at Emily Carr University of Art + Design to meet with peers in the sector and find out what challenges they're facing.

Q) What have you learned from Anna since you started your mentorship?

A) Since starting my mentorship with Anna, I’ve been reminded of some key principles. One of them is that it’s so important to be willing to learn. I think that any mentee, like Anna, who is asking for guidance from a mentor is brave. And I think bravery is so important. It’s important for learning. I was so impressed by that in her.

The BCCIE Formal Mentorship Program runs on an annual cycle and matches mentors and mentees based on their experience levels and goals.