Get to know Steve Eden

Steve Eden is the Head of International Student Programs at Concordia College and member of the Educate Plus SA/NT Chapter Committee.

Ana Gozalo, SA/NT Chapter Chair recently sat down with Steve to find out a little more about him…

What has been your pathway into the education and advancement sector?

After leaving school, I completed an apprenticeship as my parents believed once you have a trade you’re set for life…probably true at the time. In the years to follow, this provided me with the opportunity to work in community services where I supported people with a disability to find employment and relocate into the community and out of supported facilities – known as sheltered workshops at the time. At the same time, I enrolled to complete a bachelor’s degree at the University of South Australia. From here I spent many years in the VET sector managing several Registered Training Organisations who delivered community services qualifications.

It wasn’t until 2015 when I was employed to start Adelaide International School located in Rundle Mall to deliver ELICOS programs and the SACE. Being an international school, I travelled overseas often and quickly became quite versed in different cultures and working with offshore schools and agents. Today, I work for Concordia College as the Head of International Student Programs. A far cry from leaving school to become an apprentice.

What’s your favourite place of all the places you’ve travelled?

It would have to be Vietnam. It is such a beautiful country with so much to offer. The people are so humble and obliging and the food is out of this world.

If you were immortal, what age would you choose to stop aging at and why?

30 – you are old enough to have benefited and experienced from life’s learning yet young enough to enjoy what life throws at you.

What was the worst job you ever had?

None…every job is an opportunity to learn and grow.

If you could choose any two famous people to have dinner with who would they be?
Robin Williams and Jesus Christ. I believe Robin would pose some very interesting questions to Jesus Christ and it would be a very entertaining and thought-provoking dinner.

If you could change places with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Richard Branson. He has the ability and capacity to advance society in many different ways, from science, to space flights and his humanitarian and philanthropic pursuits.

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Mastering different languages.

If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be and why?The dishes…and I have a dishwasher…go figure…!

What was your favourite game to play as a child?
Red-Rover

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
See everything as a challenge…a chance to learn…and not a burden.

When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?
Helping the vulnerable and those in need.