UAlberta International has a friendly team of professionals that focus on various areas of work that support internationalization at UAlberta. Let's spend a few minutes getting to know Khadija, Recruitment Coordinator!
What different languages do you speak?
French, Spanish, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Kutchhi (my mother language) and a little Turkish, Portuguese and Punjabi for good measure :)
Have you ever lived/studied/worked/volunteered outside of Canada? If yes, tell us when and where, and share one key life lesson from your experience.
I worked as an English teacher on the JET Programme at Shuri High School in Okinawa, Japan from 2006-2008. It was by far the most challenging, yet most rewarding experience of my life and not a day goes by that I don't think about the tropical paradise I called home and the beautiful, incredible people I met there. One key life lesson would be: No matter how self-conscious you are about speaking in a foreign language, just go for it! Chances are you'll surprise yourself - they'll understand you and you'll make a new friend!
What is your favourite space on UAlberta campuses and why?
Quad - always serene and peaceful even when busy and bustling! I have so many memories from my student days and it even looks beautiful in the winter!
What do you like most about your work at UAlberta?
I love being a global ambassador for the university, the city and the country! I love that I am able to share my passion for my alma mater with people from all over the world and hopefully change the course of students' lives by encouraging them to study at U of A. I always feel so proud to see international students I have recruited graduate as I feel connected to a small part of their journey and love to see how far they've come!
What's something that has surprised you about your chosen career path?
I always wanted to help others, be involved with youth, travel internationally and be a changemaker. I thought that would happen through law, international development, humanitarian work or as a teacher - but somehow the universe aligned those opportunities in other ways at UAI. So the surprise is: it wasn't exactly my chosen career path, this career path chose ME, and I think it's a pretty great fit!