What inspired you to work for Immerse Education?
I had worked in the industry for a number of years, in sales for the most part, during periods of significant change, from a shift to online learning, international expansion, changing trends in education and most recently the pandemic.
I felt it was time to take everything I had learned and join a team where I could have a significant impact on students around the world, developing programmes that really responded to the needs of the education industry.
Describe a typical day at work.
I usually start early, we have team members based around the world in different time zones, so it's a good start to the day to be able to check-in with them and catch up.
My day will usually start with emails and getting a handle on the meetings and presentations of the day ahead. We have recently launched a programme in Sydney, so early morning meetings have become commonplace!
External meetings will take up most of my afternoon as we discuss proposals for new programmes, and start to shape plans for the future.
Exploring Tepoztlan, Mexico City
Why do you do what you do?
Summer schools are naturally a very seasonal business, with a huge amount of time preparing for a relatively short delivery period - however, being able to see the impact of our work during the summer, and all the hard work paying off, is a pretty good feeling.
Being able to travel and meet students, parents and educators around the world is a unique experience and offers something that really changes the future of our participants. This makes me proud to do what I do.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Formal halls during the summer in the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge University, joining our students to celebrate their hard work and achievements.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My teaching background is invaluable in developing new programmes, especially having traveled and seen different approaches to learning around the world. My English degree and masters in Professional Writing also help me communicate new ideas and connect with heads of school, teachers, and students.
Snorkeling on Gili Air, Bali
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
It's always tough to prioritize when it gets busy, but I try to think what advice I'd offer someone else, and take note of that myself. In the summer months work can become all-consuming, but making sure we support each other as a team and taking time to reflect and enjoy successes is key to a successful summer.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Write everything down, it's the details of traveling that bring back all the memories years later. Pack light, carry snacks, and always tuck your trousers into your socks on a night bus.
What makes Immerse Education special?
The people. We're a small but quickly growing team, and each time someone joins it's so clear what impact they will have on the team. Each person is an expert in their area but so clear on the shared values and goals we have as a team.
Kampung Ayer, the floating village in Brunei
Why should someone choose Immerse Education over competitors?
At Immerse, everyone's opinion matters, genuinely. Different experiences always offer new insight, so everyone is listened to which helps us to develop excellent programmes.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Taking time to listen to the people you meet and to understand what drives them and what they care about. I think meaningful travel is about the connections and experiences that last long after you've left a place.
How is your company handling Covid protocols? What should participants know about your Covid readiness? How are you assisting participants with navigating the new travel landscape?
Families have had an incredibly tough few years in a number of ways. At Immerse, we're in a position to support them to make up for lost time, and to be flexible and support our students to access exceptional education experiences, be that online, in-person or through our educational platform.
