Meet OCENET: Insook Bowman

Meet OCENET: Insook Bowman

Insook Bowman,
Project Administrator, Short Term/Group Programs

 What are some of your main roles at OCENET?

IB: I am in charge of the registration of short-term individual students and small groups of students. I also deal with various projects as a member of the exchange and project team at OCENET, which includes teacher delegations from overseas. I work closely with the OCENET staff, school staff, the admissions team, Ottawa Public Health, agencies, students’ families and their host families.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
IB: My job enables me to meet people from all over the world and get to know their cultures and languages. It requires me to handle a variety of unexpected tasks and activities that have enhanced the scope of my main job responsibilities. For instance, I have to be an orientation presenter, a tour guide, an interpreter or a counselor. Sometimes, I feel quite challenged but at the same time extremely joyful when each project is successfully completed.

What have been some of your accomplishments at OCENET that you are most proud of?
IB: I have taken part in events I cannot forget. One memorable event was when I had an opportunity to teach Korean language and pop culture to students who participated in the International Education Fair hosted by OCENET last year. It was a great chance to utilize my teaching experience. I was delighted at how appreciated Korean pop culture has become among young people all over the world and that I was able to share my culture and mother tongue with them.

What new projects are you working on at OCENET?
IB: I am currently working on a new project, which will be the second year of hosting principals and delegates from Jeju, Korea. Last year, we had thirteen principals and delegates from Korea. During their visit, I had to act as an interpreter for their workshops and school visits, which gave me an opportunity to deepen my knowledge of Ontario’s educational system and to admire how much effort school principals, teachers and staff in the OCDSB make for students’ success. Once again, I feel very lucky to be a part of our educational system and the opportunity to share it with our visitors.

What are some of your interests outside of work?
IB: I am a yoga addict and a certified yoga instructor. I practice yoga as much as I can and cannot think of my life without it. I am also a trained musician and enjoy playing piano, flute, cello and violin whenever I have a chance. I love to travel and have been to parts of Europe, Asia, and North and Central America. I hope to travel to Oceania, South America, and Africa in the future. My greatest joy of all, however, is every precious moment I spend with my two wonderful boys and supportive husband.

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