What inspired you to work for Immerse Education?
My own experience of studying at Oxford University led me to found an educational organization that helped aspirational young students from all over the world.
Why do you do what you do?
Education has the power to transform lives. It may sound like a cliché but I've experienced first hand how intensive, experiential learning can benefit you. We're all students for life, and I hope that Immerse Education is the first time for many that they consider education outside of their books at school!
What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing the reactions of students who have been through our academic programmes is definitely my favorite part of having founded Immerse Education. To see first hand the impact that our programme has on students at a pivotal moment in their life makes it all worthwhile!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I studied at Oxford University before leading the university's entrepreneurship society as President. My dad was the first in his family to go to university and my mum's Malaysian heritage instilled a strong work-ethic and sense of pride in my work.
After a long hike in Hong Kong!
What makes Immerse Education special?
We have a strong focus on quality at Immerse Education. If it's not high quality, let's not do it - that's one of our guiding principles. Furthermore, we believe that everyone (both our team and students) are individuals; there is no one-size-fits-all approach and the way we design our programmes reflects this.
Why should someone choose Immerse Education over competitors?
Immerse Education has been established for 10 years so we must be doing something right! With this comes a wealth of experience, not only in ensuring a high quality academic experience for every student but also ensuring the safeguarding of students under our care too.
What hopes do you have for the future for Immerse Education?
We want to extend our reach and impact. Over the past few years, we have grown our programmes for younger students and plans to grow our programmes for older students too.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Immerse Education's mission is to deliver exceptional educational experiences that make a positive difference to every one of our students. This is our north star that guides the development of our programmes and the way in which we interact with each of our students too.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Inspiration, confidence, and new mental models to help them to succeed in higher education and their career. Just as important as the academic side of the programme, it's really important for us that our participants develop and grow as individuals.
Attending a reunion in Oxford
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go to our programmes in Oxford University - I may be biased as I am an alumnus of the university. All of our other programmes are fantastic though and I'd be particularly interested in trying our new programme in Sydney!
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
In the highly polarized world we live in, it's really important for students to be able to have the experience to realize that we all belong to the same world.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
I would say to go for it! Studying abroad, even for short periods of time, can be an eye-opening and transformative experience. Don't believe me? Check out some of our testimonials.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is travel that changes you for the better. It's to return from your travels with new perspectives - with new knowledge, new ideas, and new friends.
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?
We take the safety of our students very seriously. We have therefore implemented covid protocols that ensure that all of our in-person programmes can run safely. We have a generous refund and deferral policy if students are unable to travel due to coronavirus.
