Katherine Noble,
Program Administrator, Short-Term/Group Programs
What are some of your main roles at OCENET?
KN: I communicate with and respond to agents, school group leaders/chaperones, homestay coordinators, school staff and OCENET staff regarding the placement and operations of our programs. This includes admissions, immunization information, course interests, activities, custodian information, and transportation arrangements (especially for elementary school bus requirements). I also input, process and update data for the Short-term and Group Program Management database.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
KN: OCENET gives us the opportunity to meet people from around the world. I love talking with our clients, both the students and adults, and learning about their countries, language and culture.
What have been some of your accomplishments at OCENET that you are most proud of?
KN: I have been fortunate enough to work in all three of OCENET’s departments. I began my career at Young People’s Language School, and then moved over to Ottawa International Projects and Exchanges for short-term student and teacher training projects. Last Fall, I had the opportunity to work in Ottawa International Student Program for one semester and worked on processing applications from full-time students. We have an amazing, talented staff and I’m proud to be part of this organization.
What new projects are you working on at OCENET?
KN: We have begun piloting a new registration spreadsheet for groups. The goal is to make the application process more efficient for agents and their clients by reducing the number of forms they need to fill out. So far, the feedback from our clients has been very positive.
What are some of your interests outside of work?
KN: I really enjoy the outdoors, so walking, hiking and spending time at our (rustic) cottage are favourite pastimes. Reading and listening to music are my “couch-potato” activities, and I have been known to binge-watch Netflix on occasion!