Sophie Ford
Ms Sophie Ford
Student Development Officer (Cultural Development)University of New South Wales Union
I had my first taste of Asia as an exchange student in High School when I went to Kyushu in Japan. Inspired by my year away, I went on to study Asian Studies at UNSW majoring in Political Science and Japanese.
After graduating I again travelled to Japan, this time as a Coordinator of International Relations on the JET program. I lived and worked for two years in Kisuki, a small town in the mountains of Shimane. My job was great - I spent my time doing the hokey pokey with kids, chatting to old people, and giving speeches on everything from human rights issues to Australian wines. I moonlighted as a cuisine guru, teaching housewives "traditional Aussie cooking" and even got to be Fire-Chief for the day! When not "working" I was busy organising raffles and food stalls to raise money for a house building project in the Philippines. Using the money for building materials I participated in a Habitat for Humanity Global Village project where I joined in mixing concrete and hauling bricks to build houses for local villagers. I loved it so much I went back a second time as group leader.
After finishing in Japan I travelled to Thailand and around China. Unfortunately time and money stopped me from exploring more of Asia but I am keen to do so in the future. I now work at the University of New South Wales Union as a Student Development Officer, coordinating programs and events aimed at increasing the participation rates of international students and students from culturally diverse backgrounds.