Bournemouth Staff

Roland, School Director

Welcome to our new school in Bournemouth, the perfect town for you to improve your English. Here we combine the experience of British Study Centres with the youth and excitement of one of Britain's freshest and most famous seaside resorts.

Our English language courses will give you the skills to progress. Whatever your needs may be, we have the knowledge and ability to challenge you and ensure you make the most of your opportunity here. We have the right class for everyone, all in a brand new school just a few minutes walk from perfect sandy beaches.

Whether this is your first time away from home or you are an experienced traveller, you will feel safe and part of a large international community. It really could not be better!

Please take a look at our photograph library and see what is waiting for you in Bournemouth.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

Vania, Marketing & Project Manager

I joined BSC in 2002 as a teacher at our Oxford centre, where I taught and organised the social programme. In 2004 I moved to the Marketing Department and helped set up our London school.

After leaving BSC to work for Kingston University, I have now rejoined the team and am helping set up our very exciting new school (opening Spring 2010) on the sunny Bournemouth coast.

I am involved in the logistical set up and will initially help in all areas of the school but with a specific focus on marketing. You can contact me for any general enquiries and all marketing enquiries.

At BSC we have a 'can do' culture where anything is possible, this is reflected in the huge growth we are seeing within the group. We are one big family and customer satisfaction is our aim.

In my spare time I enjoy decorating my house, gardening and cooking. I have two little boys who keep me on my toes.

Jessica, Head of Student Services

Hi, my name is Jess. I've just joined the British Study Centre team as Head of Student Services. If you have any questions about enrolling, course fees, and extending your stay then see me.

I've been a Bournemouth girl all my life but my family roots are in Spain. I am fluent in Spanish. My father comes from Galicia, in the north of Spain and my mother from Cadiz, in the south.

I graduated from university in 2006 with a degree in Spanish. During my studies, I lived in Granada, for a year where I studied at the Translation and Interpretation school. After finishing my degree, I completed a CELTA course and became a teacher of English. I worked in various schools as a teacher in Bournemouth during the summer months, and then joined the Student Services team in a language school where I became Administrative Manager.

In my spare time I enjoy eating out, going on day trips, shopping, photography, watching movies, reading and socialising with family and friends. I also enjoy meeting new people and look forward to meeting you all!

Michelle, Accommodation Officer

Hello, my name is Michelle and I'm the Accommodation Officer here at Bournemouth. If you have any questions or concerns about your accommodation then please come and talk to me as I am always happy to help!

I previously worked in a language school doing the same job and met many interesting people from all over the world. I love meeting new people and learning about different cultures so you could say I have the perfect job!

Bournemouth is a fantastic place to live and study in. Its cosmopolitan feel and vibrant night life make it one of the best places to visit in the south! There are no shortages of beautiful and interesting places to visit while you are here.

I recently ran the London marathon so if you feel fit, join me in a gentle jog along our 7 miles of beautiful coastline!

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Joe, Social Activities Director

Hi, I'm Joe, the Social Activities Director. I'm here to take care of you and show you the best bits of Bournemouth and the surrounding areas; I am in the school most days and am happy to help with any of your social programme queries. I have just finished my degree in Psychology at Bournemouth University and I've had many interesting experiences in the past. I was in the British Navy for 4 years, travelled and worked in the U.S.A for 3 years and I'm also a qualified Personal Trainer.

I come from Bournemouth and spent most of my life here, so I know the area well and I'm sure I can help make your English learning experience the best it can be! I hope to see you soon!

Tracey, Café Manager

Hi, I'm Tracey 'The Juice Bar' Café Manager. I was born in Oxford but moved here in 1987, so I'm a Bournemouth girl at heart. I've owned coffee shops and also worked in conjunction with English language schools all over Bournemouth for 21 years and I love it!

I'm passionate about food and creating new items to sell in The Juice Bar. I'm open to new ideas and love input from students. So, If there's anything you'd like me to add to the menu, just let me know!

In my free time I like to design dance costumes for all over the world, to create home decorations from driftwood found on our beautiful Bournemouth beaches and enjoy modern Jive dancing.

I look forward to welcoming you to The Juice Bar!

Sarah, Juice Bar Assistant

Hi, I'm Sarah and I work in the 'Juice Bar' café at BSC Bournemouth. Before joining the team here I worked for a well known car firm, but I really wanted to change direction and as cooking is my passion I started to look for catering jobs, then I landed the job of Café assistant here! You'll find me behind the counter on most days making Paninis, sandwiches and coffees.

IIn my spare time I look after my three beautiful children, fishing, eating out, Salsa dancing and enjoying the stunning coastline while camping.

Alex, Academic Director

Hey, I'm Alex, the Academic Director at British Study Centres' brand new school in Bournemouth, probably the best town in England to live and study in. I was born and bred in the English countryside, but I've been living in Bournemouth for the last 10 years or so. Having started off my post-university life as a journalist, I then spent two years travelling around the world, experiencing other cultures, meeting new people, before entering the wonderful world of EFL. Getting to meet new students from all over the world means that in a way I'm still travelling, which means that I love my job.

So, as you might have guessed, I love living in Bournemouth – and you'll find out for yourselves why it's so great when you get here. The miles of golden sands, the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the bars, the nightclubs, the people - it all adds up to Bournemouth being a unique place. When I'm not in the school, I can be found playing any kind of sport (yes, even cricket!), down the beach, or cycling somewhere. Needless to say, I look forward to meeting you all when you choose to come to BSC Bournemouth - you won't regret it!

Karen, Course Manager

Hi, my name is Karen and I am the Course Manager at our Bournemouth school. I will welcome you on your first day, speak to you and give you a small test to try to ensure we place you into the class in which you will learn the most. I am here to help you if you have any questions about your classes.

I was born in Bournemouth and have lived here for most of my life. I went to university in London then went to Tanzania for 6 months where I taught English in a small school as a voluntary teacher. This was my first teaching experience but I had such a great time I returned to Bournemouth, did a CELTA course and became an EFL teacher. I taught in a few schools in Bournemouth before doing a DELTA course in 2007. I taught here at BSC last summer before going on maternity leave. I'm not a massive fan of English weather so I have spent quite a lot of time travelling in warmer countries. My most recent trip was to Latin America, where I studied in a Spanish school, climbed Macchu Picchu and drank Mojitos in Cuba.

I look forward to meeting you and helping to make your stay here in Bournemouth one of the best experiences of your life.

Leila, Teacher

Hi, I'm Leila, Bournemouth born and bred. Before studying at Bournemouth University I had a gap year and travelled around Australia and New Zealand and parts of Indonesia. Since then I have gone on to train as a journalist to post graduate level and complete my EFL training. I love the English language and becoming a teacher has made me look at it from a whole new perspective one that I'm enjoying very much and hope you will too!

In my spare time I love decorating and interior design. I also love to cook, especially Persian food as I am half Iranian. In my spare time I like to learn new languages, particularly Farsi so I can talk to my family in Iran.

Having studied in Bournemouth myself I can only recommend the town to new students. Bournemouth has great beaches a fantastic nightlife and a vibrant student culture so you'll never be short of things to do in your free time.

Liz, Teacher

Hi, I'm Liz. I've been teaching English for nearly four years now – the first year in Ethiopia (a country of such wonderful, gracious people) and three years in Bournemouth. Before that I worked as a wine import manager for a French logistics company, since my degree is in French and business.

When I'm not at work I'm an active member of a Rotary Club, the National Coastwatch Institution (volunteer coastguards) and a local gym, where I train most days. I'm in a scuba diver and am a shareholder in a canal barge in France, where I spend several weeks a year with friends. I like all kinds of music and play the piano, enjoy the theatre and dance, reading and entertaining.

I love my job and feel it is a great privilege to work with people from all over the world – you never stop learning!

Louise, Teacher

Hi, I'm Louise, one of the teachers here at BSC Bournemouth.

I was born not far from London, but my work and studies have taken me all over the south of England. About ten years ago I chose my favourite town on the coast and settled in Bournemouth.

After studying English and Drama at Winchester, I had an interesting few years working as a singer and dancer and also spent some time as a photographer. I then worked in publishing as an editor for five years before getting 'itchy feet' and decided that I wanted to see more of the world than my computer screen. So I took my teaching qualification and headed off to Italy for a year. After settling here at BSC Bournemouth, I have achieved my goal of passing my DELTA. Having finally found my vocation I have been happily teaching students from all corners of the world ever since.

When I'm not working, I enjoy swimming, cycling, dancing, jogging, cooking and reading. Of course I love travelling and experiencing new cultures and new cuisine. I also love languages and am currently trying to learn Turkish so that I can communicate with my husband's family!

When the sun is shining you really can't beat Bournemouth's sandy beach for a barbeque, and the gardens are a great place to relax and watch the world go by. There's always something going on, as I'm sure you'll find out!

Vicky, Teacher

Hi, I'm Vicky and I've been teaching English for almost 12 years now. I love it! It's my dream job. I did my CELTA course in Barcelona and my first teaching job was at a private language school in South Korea. I had my own class of five year-olds which kept me on my toes! After 2 fantastic years there, I came back to England and taught at a school in Southbourne before getting 'itchy feet' again and accepting a job in Hong Kong. Three years later, though, I felt like I needed a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and decided to go to Tanzania to do 3 months' voluntary work. I lived with an African family and taught English at a village primary school where the average class size was 120! It was the best experience of my life.

More recently I've worked in Melilla (a Spanish enclave in Morocco) and at other schools in the Bournemouth area.

As you've probably guessed, one of my passions is travelling and, since my degree was in Textile Design, I also really love being creative.

I look forward to seeing you here and possibly in my class!

Mary-Anne, Teacher

Hi there! I am Mary, a member of the English teaching team here at BSC. I am a curious Latina-British mix, due to an Argentine mother and an English father. Thanks to my globetrotting parents I was lucky enough to spend the first ten years of my life in Buenos Aires before moving to sunny Bournemouth! I spent my formative years here, and I loved every minute of it.

After school I studied French and Spanish at Exeter University. Once I graduated I flew off to Florence to do my CELTA and then ran back home to do a PGCE (Post-Graduate Certificate in Education) at the University of Southampton, where I qualified as a Secondary School French and Spanish teacher. Teaching languages, whether it is French, Spanish or English has always been my passion.

Over the last few years I have oscillated between teaching teenagers Modern Foreign Languages and teaching English to adults and children in South America, Italy and the UK. Teaching has given me the chance to see the world; I have spent a lot of time travelling South America, Australia, Thailand, Europe and South Africa. There is so much left to do!

When I am not teaching or travelling, I spend most of my time with my friends, cooking, reading and watching films. Bournemouth in summer is a wonderful place to be; barbeques on the beach, crab fishing, picnics in the parks... you'll see when you get here!

Xanne, Teacher

Hi there! I'm Xanne and I've been living in Bournemouth for two years now. I spent my childhood in Singapore, which definitely left me with a passion for the seaside – nothing beats an early evening BBQ on the beach, watching the sun go down with friends.

After graduating with a degree in English, I headed off to London, where I worked in marketing and event management for a children's charity. It was brilliant fun, however, I'd been bitten by the travel bug and eventually set off on a year-long trip to explore the world; an incredible experience!

Traveling was inspirational; I returned to Brighton to complete my CELTA training and immediately flew off to the Czech Republic, where I spent a year teaching English to adults in business.

I enjoyed teaching so much I decided to come back to the UK to do a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Exeter University. Once qualified, I took a job as a Secondary School English Teacher, teaching GCSE Literature and Language; I've been teaching in the UK ever since!

When I'm not working (and don't have my head buried in a good book!) I love to get out on my bike with friends and explore the beautiful countryside and coastline that surrounds us here – this is a great place for water sports, cycling and socialising!

I hope to see you soon, maybe you'll end up in my class!

Amy, Teacher

Hi! My name's Amy. I'm from Plymouth, in Devon, but now live here in Bournemouth.

My passions are travelling and meeting people from all over the world, so teaching English is the perfect job for me.

In 2007 I spent four months travelling in India, where I practiced Yoga and also did some voluntary work. After returning from India I went to Barcelona to do my EFL training. I fell in love with the city, got my first teaching job there and stayed for a year.

In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, cycling and walking. I practice yoga and also love to read and cook. My other passion is food!

I love teaching and want to make learning English as fun and enjoyable as possible for my students. I look forward to seeing you in at BSC!

Nilufar, Teacher

I am Nilufar, originally from Uzbekistan. I have been living in Bournemouth for over 4 years.

Teaching is my passion, my dream job. I was born and brought up in a teaching family, so from my childhood I knew that I would teach. I worked at Teacher Training College for 14 years, and then I lectured at Tashkent Regional State Pedagogical Institute for a couple of years. In 2010 I completed an EFL course at BEET/ITTC and was offered a job at one of the best schools in Bournemouth!

I am really enjoying my time here, there are many students from all over the world, a friendly atmosphere and supportive staff. I love the English language and teaching, especially when I see the results in my students.

In my spare time I like going to gym, travelling and driving. I have driven all over the South coast of England in my car. I also love cooking; especially Uzbek cuisine and learning the languages of course. I fluently speak Russian, Uzbek, English and basic Turkish.

Bournemouth has great sandy beaches and loads of places to visit. I would highly recommend Bournemouth to new students and promise, you'll never regret it.

Mike, Teacher

I have been teaching English as a foreign language since 2008. Initially I worked as a Geography teacher working in a secondary school, but decided to move into EFL teaching. Prior to joining BSC in January 2011, I taught abroad in Nepal, Spain and most recently Saudi Arabia.

I studied Politics and graduated from University in 2006. Between Graduating and doing my teacher training, I lived in South Africa where I worked as a Safari Guide. I moved to Bournemouth in 2010 after growing up in Hampshire.

In my free time, I play cricket for a local team in the summer. I also love diving and snowboarding when I have the time. I have also recently taken up road cycling as my new sporting challenge!