What inspired you to work for Immerse Education?
Lots of reasons! I was immediately enthusiastic about the highly rewarding offering Immerse provides students and the care Immerse takes in delivering this. In addition, welcoming talented students from all over the world and being able to see them flourish was a big draw to the role.
It was also clear from the beginning that Immerse practices with the staff what they preach with students and encourages learning and development.
This was completing the GR20 route in Corsica, possibly my toughest challenge
Why do you do what you do?
I chose and stayed within this sector because it's fantastic to be part of making a difference to students' academic pathway. The success stories we receive from students stating that their Immerse programme has affected their route is a big part of this.
I also strongly believe that whatever role you choose you should:
- Enjoy it
- Be proud of being part of it
- Feel challenged
What is your favorite part of your job?
Meeting the students attending their course and watching them gain confidence in their ability. I enjoy sitting in on classes where I can, attending activities outside the classroom such as listening to inspirational guest speakers and classic Oxbridge activities such as punting and touring the impressive colleges.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Don't be afraid of attempting to speak the language. A little effort will go a long way and it's ok to not have the perfect pronunciation.
One of the best parts of traveling is immersing yourself in trying the food, don't hold back - try everything! Be confident with investing in experiences over objects.
Why should someone choose Immerse Education over competitors?
Immerse Education is the only academic summer school to enable students to build bonds with Oxbridge tutors and undergraduates, mentoring them throughout their programme and giving them a clearer vision on their academic pathway.
We also provide a wealth of free resources and an alumni community following on from your programme. This includes webinars led by Oxbridge tutors throughout the year.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to create a global footprint for academic course opportunities for students around the world. We continue to review and improve our offering, branching out into different corners of the world.
For example, 2022 saw the launch of the experiential learning experience of Career insights. A programme giving students the opportunity to meet industry experts in their chosen career field and really understand their potential hurdles within that industry.
Reaching the top of Kilimanjaro. I'm smiling but the altitude sickness is real
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Students take away so much from an Immerse programme.
The lifelong memories and friendships developed during summer school are invaluable. Immerse programmes are about stepping out of your comfort zone both academically and socially. Therefore students leave us with newfound confidence in their ability as academics as well as individuals about to navigate adulthood.
Academically we regularly receive feedback of the impact an Immerse programme has had on a students mindset to their academic route and how they approach their university application as well as their chosen subject - it's not uncommon that a student tells us they have changed direction in subject due to Immerse course highlighting a unexpected interest to them.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I have considered this question before and I think I would participate in 2 weeks of Philosophy followed by 2 weeks creative writing under our academic insights programme.
I'd choose Philosophy simply because I am fascinated with many areas and try to live day to day following the simple stoic rules.
Creative writing because although I thoroughly enjoy writing, I would love to improve my knowledge on how to write.
My favorite city in the world that I've been lucky enough to travel to.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It's important to experience different cultures, see how there are crossovers and why that might be. To truly appreciate the world is more than the town, city or country you live in - you need to experience it.
But most importantly, have you ever heard someone say they regret traveling and widening their cultural experience? - No
Have you ever heard someone say they regret not traveling and widening their cultural experience? - Yes!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is immersing yourself in the culture as opposed to being a tourist. This includes the areas you travel to, eating locally rather than global branded chains, not being afraid to speak the language, traveling on the local transport etc.
I'm also a fan of stepping away from our tech heavy lives for a few days. Putting our phones away to enjoy the present moment wherever in the world you are.
