Georgia Papamichailidou

Find out how studying at the University of Birmingham helped Georgia achieve her career goals.
  • Georgia Papamichailidou

    My Graduate Story

    My name is Georgia Papamichailidou, and I completed a Masters in TEFL/TESOL at the University of Birmingham in 2012.

    I currently work as a International Education Leader and Teacher Trainer at Kaplan International Languages.

A Day in my Life

For many, the role of a Principal might sound routine, but it’s anything but—it’s about shaping lives, solving problems, and building a vibrant community. No two days are ever the same, which keeps the role exciting, challenging, and deeply rewarding.

Mornings often begin with a focus on the operational aspects of the school—reviewing attendance, addressing immediate priorities, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly for both students and staff. As a leader, I dedicate time to supporting my staff, whether it’s through coaching, brainstorming innovative ideas, or creating opportunities for professional growth. For our students, I focus on their welfare and success, offering guidance and support, especially as a trained Mental Health First Aider. Being there for them in meaningful ways is one of the most fulfilling parts of my day.

Afternoons are often spent planning and improving the academic experience, from designing curriculum initiatives to overseeing cultural activities that inspire learning beyond the classroom. This balance between strategy and personal connection keeps me engaged and motivated.

Evenings often extend into my volunteer work as a Trustee for IATEFL. I organise IATEFL Live shows to connect educators worldwide and contribute to developing policies, such as sustainability guidelines for school leaders, helping to shape a better future for education globally. It’s a role that challenges me to think big, push boundaries, and create lasting impact.

 

My Journey to Kaplan International Languages

Having a master’s degree from the University of Birmingham certainly opens doors, especially in Greece. Immediately after submitting my master’s thesis, I was offered the position of Director of Studies and exam preparation teacher at a prestigious language school in Greece. It was an incredible opportunity to put my skills into practice and grow as a professional. During the winter, I dedicated myself to developing high-achieving students, while in the summer, I worked as an EFL teacher at Downe House School in the UK. This seasonal balance allowed me to experience different teaching environments and cultures, enriching my professional journey.

My degree from UoB was instrumental in helping me secure my first permanent role in the UK as a Senior Teacher. From there, I progressed to Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS), Acting Director of Studies (DoS), and now Principal at Kaplan International Languages. Each step has been a testament to how the strong foundation I built during my time at UoB has enabled me to achieve my goals and thrive in diverse educational contexts.

 

My Birmingham Experience

The learning experience at the University of Birmingham was truly transformative and prepared me exceptionally well for my career. The course wasn’t just about gaining theoretical knowledge—it was about applying that knowledge in practical, real-world contexts. The emphasis on critical thinking, research, and collaboration shaped my ability to analyze problems deeply and develop creative solutions, skills that are crucial in my role as a Principal.

The support and mentorship I received from my lecturers were invaluable, especially Dr Crayton Walker and Dr Jeannette Littlemore. They encouraged me to push boundaries and think beyond traditional approaches, which has been a cornerstone of my leadership style. Modules on curriculum design and assessment, for example, directly informed my ability to design innovative programmes for students and staff.

Perhaps most importantly, the course taught me how to adapt to diverse educational settings and work with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds. This has been vital in my career, especially in managing teams, supporting students, and contributing to global projects like my work with IATEFL.

Looking back, I can see how the University of Birmingham equipped me with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing educational landscape.

 

Birmingham's Impact

Beyond the formal services, the networking opportunities the university provided were outstanding. Meeting alumni and industry professionals during events gave me insights into potential career paths and helped me understand how to leverage my degree in real-world settings.

A personal highlight came 10 years after my graduation, when I had the honour of interviewing Dr. Crayton Walker at the IATEFL Conference. It was a full-circle moment that reminded me of the incredible foundation the University of Birmingham gave me—not just in knowledge and skills, but also in the confidence to engage with leaders in the field.

 

My Achievements

My biggest achievement during my course was my master’s thesis on growing your professional learning network through social media. Back in 2011, there wasn’t much bibliography on the topic, which made it quite challenging to find resources. However, the process was incredibly inspiring. It pushed me to connect with ELT experts in the field for my research, which was an absolute eye-opener. These connections not only enriched my understanding but also laid the groundwork for how I approach networking and professional development today.

I was fortunate to have a thesis instructor who didn’t oppose such an unconventional topic at the time. Instead, they encouraged me to pursue it with passion and curiosity, which gave me the confidence to explore new ideas and take risks. Looking back, that thesis was the first step toward achieving a fulfilling career in ELT. It shaped my understanding of the power of professional networks, opened doors to invaluable opportunities, and ultimately led me to where I am today as a leader in the field.

 

Advice for Students

Embrace every opportunity: Whether it’s a job, a volunteering position, or further studies, every experience has something to teach you. Be open to roles that may seem outside your comfort zone—they’re often the ones that help you grow the most.

Build your network: Connect with peers, professors, and professionals in your field. Relationships matter, and you never know where a simple conversation or connection could lead.

Stay curious and keep learning: Graduation is just the beginning. Invest in your professional development, attend workshops, and stay up-to-date with trends in your industry. Lifelong learning will set you apart.

Take care of your wellbeing: Balancing ambition with self-care is crucial. Your career journey is a marathon, not a sprint, so make time for the things that bring you joy and keep you grounded.

When in doubt, step back in time: Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look back. Retrace your steps, revisit where your journey began, and you’ll often find the inspiration you need. I recently did this when I visited the University of Birmingham after 14 years for the Baggs Memorial Service. It reminded me of how far I’ve come and reignited my sense of purpose.