I have always loved learning languages from a young age. As part of my degree (which I studied at the University of Birmingham), I spent one year studying abroad at a prestigious university in Sao Paulo, Brazil. So, like all of our BIA students, I have been an international student in a classroom using a second language. I remember the struggles, as well as all of the rewards from going outside of my comfort zone in this way.
Upon completing my degree, I entered the work world at full force and worked my way up the corporate ladder until one day, I decided I wanted to go back to my language-learning roots, and teach English to international students. I took the leap and gained more language and teaching qualifications, at the same time as volunteering as an ESOL teacher for refugees and immigrant families in my hometown.
I have worked with the BIA since 2015, both on the pre-sessional and in-sessional team, and I am currently working on the new Academic English Enhancement Programme which launched this year (2024).