Experience

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  NorthWest Student Exchange

  • Seattle, Washington, United States

  • International Program Coordinator

    • Mar 2018 - Present
    • Seattle, Washington, United States

    • Review exchange student and host family documentation to ensure compliance with CSIET and Department of State Regulations for J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs• Interview potential exchange students via Skype to evaluate their level of spoken English and ability to meet program standards• Communicate with U.S. high schools and school districts to obtain exchange student admissions• Coordinate health insurance, visa applications, and travel for exchange students• Monitor student exchanges by reviewing monthly reports and communication from local coordinators and participants, and helping to resolve any issues that arise• Communicate with overseas partners and families, providing information in a timely, helpful, and professional, manner• Collaborate with team members on team projects• Accurately maintain database records

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  Consulate General of Canada, Seattle

  • Consular Assistant

    • Nov 2016 - Mar 2018

    • Duties of Acting Consular Officer and Consular Program Assistant combined

  • Acting Consular Officer

    • Jun 2016 - Oct 2016

    • Examined passport applications to ensure completeness and authenticity of documentation proving Canadian citizenship• Responded to emergency situations involving distressed Canadians (e.g. illness, death, arrest/detention, child welfare, victims of crime/accident, destitution)• Researched and provided information to Mission management in support of the Mission Emergency Plan• Provided legal/notarial services as authorized under the Canada Evidence Act• Served as lead for Consular Social Media campaign• Assumed responsibility for the efficient and effective operation of the Consular Program in the absence of the Consular Program Manager

  • Consular Program Assistant

    • Dec 2014 - May 2016

    • Assisted in the processing of temporary/emergency passports by creating files, entering data, scanning documents, and conducting guarantor and reference checks• Pre-screened regular passport applications for completeness• Responded to passport and other enquiries via e-mail, phone, and in person• Provided administrative support by handling budget-related issues and ensuring timely completion of travel claims and credit card logs

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  Consulate General of Canada, Seattle

  • Program Assistant - Foreign Policy & Diplomacy Service

    • Feb 2014 - Aug 2014

  • Administrative Assistant

    • Nov 2013 - Feb 2014

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  Consulate General of Canada, Seattle

  • Program Officer - Immigration

    • Aug 2007 - Feb 2013

    •Administered immigration laws, regulations, and policies by assessing, and approving or refusing, applications for permanent residence, visitor visas, study permits and work permits•Reviewed applications for compliance with medical, security, criminality, and financial requirements•Conducted interviews and anti-fraud investigations to verify client information and documentation•Researched and prepared statistical data and reports on immigration-related issues•Managed locally-engaged staff•Prepared case summaries and affidavits for applications subject to judicial review

  • Immigration Program Secretary

    • Mar 1998 - Aug 2007

    •Served as Program Manager’s assistant with responsibility for ensuring smooth operation of Immigration Section and providing administrative support•Implemented new policies and procedures•Coordinated work of four program assistants to ensure adequate coverage of essential day-to-day duties•Trained new staff•Maintained and updated Immigration budget•Administered Immigration Section’s web pages•Liaised with government offices, international agencies, and university officials in Canada, U.S., and abroad•Planned and organized annual Canada-U.S. Cross Border Luncheon for 60-100 guests

  • Immigration Program Assistant

    • Jul 1996 - Feb 1998

    •Assisted in processing of immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications•Checked in-person and mail-in applications for completeness and entered client details into immigration database•Responded to general and case-related enquiries verbally and in writing•Identified and resolved problems causing undue processing delays

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  Narashino Municipal Board of Education

  • Narashino, Japan

  • Assistant English Teacher

    • Jul 1990 - Aug 1993
    • Narashino, Japan

    •Taught English at city’s seven junior high schools•Planned and conducted city-wide English teachers’ workshops and annual International Seminar•Acted as liaison between Assistant English Teachers and Board of Education•Promoted understanding of American culture by participating in activities of Narashino International Association•Assisted in coordinating sister city exchange programs