What inspired you to work for ISSOS International?
As someone who was once a young filmmaker attending summer schools and weekend classes, many of which were creatively hindered by the divide between tutors and organisations, I could tell straight away that this place was different. From day one, I have been encouraged to inject my own creative style and personality into my lesson plans and to never dismiss an idea that could benefit my students. During my interview, they mentioned that it would be "the experience of a lifetime," and they were right.
Being involved with such a fiercely loyal, compassionate, and friendly organisation has been a dream, and after three years, my inspiration to continue working for them has only strengthened.
Sean Langdon; Camera Workshop
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job is without a doubt watching my students' films play on a huge screen in the Buchanan Lecture Theatre at the University of St. Andrews during Creative Night. Witnessing the finished films and observing the delight on the students' faces, alongside the amazement of their friends, is an overwhelmingly joyful experience.
On that same night, elective teachers present awards to selected students, recognising their positive contributions to their classes. This is also one of my favourite aspects of the job, as after their films have been screened, the spotlight turns to the hardest-working and most passionate students whose contributions extend far beyond what the audience can see on screen.
There is something truly special about Creative Night; I know my other colleagues would agree with me.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Prepare to put your phone down, close your laptop, and embrace everything that life has to offer. It is a job that is so enjoyable you won't want your day to end. So pack your swimming trunks for some adventurous wild swimming. Bring your wallet to spend on some of the best ice cream in Scotland. And get ready to meet new friends for life.
But on a more practical note, make sure you pack everything from waterproofs to your favourite sunnies, as every day is different in St. Andrews.
Sean Langdon; Watching the Counsellor Fashion Show
Why should someone choose ISSOS International over competitors?
ISSOS is an award-winning programme recognised as one of the top summer schools in the world. Known for providing the best student experience in the UK, ISSOS is equally dedicated to ensuring a positive experience for its staff and is one of the highest-paying organisations of its kind in the UK. Every member of the faculty, from teachers to counsellors to programme office staff, is an expert in their respective fields. Being part of the team offers the opportunity to connect with these wonderful experts whom you may never have met, as ISSOS attracts the very best staff from around the world.
They are a pragmatic and transparent organisation that gives you autonomy and creative agency in your role, ensuring that you are happy and able to work to the best of your abilities. On a personal level, I don't know of any organisation that is so dedicated to the well-being of their staff as ISSOS. From a professional standpoint, you can't go wrong with such a prestigious position on your CV.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is straightforward: to provide the experience of a lifetime. The key to achieving this lies in allowing the students to shape their own experiences. We promote creativity and expression, and when the students express a desire, we do our utmost to bring it to fruition. We organise workshops, day trips, and activities all inspired by what the students request. The essential element in fulfilling this mission is that we are all one team, a collective, working together to do what is best for each individual student.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope they develop a curiosity for continued learning. Whatever they are studying—be it Film, Theatre, Golf, or Youth Leadership—I hope that when they return home, they feel inspired to keep exploring their subject and believing in themselves. For many students, this may be their first experience of independence, being away from family and friends, so I hope that when they leave, they feel proud and far more capable than they thought they were before.
Sean Langdon; On-Set Procedure Practice
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
The classic question asked by almost all students is: Can I be in a group with my friends?
It's not uncommon for students to arrive at ISSOS with siblings and/or friends along with the preconception that they will spend every waking moment together. I always respond with a polite but firm no; a stranger is a friend you haven't met yet. This concept is fully integrated into the ISSOS programme, starting from the point of admission. ISSOS ensures that no more than 10% of the total student cohort comes from any one nationality, fostering a wonderfully diverse experience for everyone involved in the school. By placing students in clan, academic, elective, and counsellor groups, each student continuously interacts with new students. This results in a unique atmosphere in which everyone supports one another.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
True learning and living cannot be achieved in a vacuum. Even now, the internet, which was originally created to provide those who do not travel with a connection to other parts of the world, has been turned against us, trapping us in a social bubble that expells new ways of thinking.
Meeting new people and experiencing new places and cultures is the only sure way to improve your perception of the world. In a world that is becoming smaller, somehow, people seem to be growing apart. The best way to combat this divisiveness, and to encourage a better life, not just for yourself but for everyone, is to travel and embrace new cultures while sharing your own.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is not defined by distance. You can spend a night in a nearby town and still have a meaningful experience. For me, it’s about travelling with an open mind and being receptive to your surroundings. Seeing the sights and speaking to strangers is sometimes all you need to create a lasting memory for yourself or someone new.
