Scots College – Learning. For Life.

Director of International Students, Administration

What does your role involve?
I manage the needs of the College’s International Students to ensure that they are well cared for and happy! I also organise several international student exchanges throughout the year at the College.

How long have you been in this role?
5 years

Do you have children yourself?
My son Tom attended Scots from Year 7 –13, he finished school in 2007.  

Why did you choose to work at Scots College?
As a parent I was on several committees at the College while Tom was a student here and I really enjoyed working with students, staff and other parents. I gained an invaluable understanding of how things work at the College, and what students and their parents need in terms of support and communication from the College in order to make the most of their time here at Scots. Initially I was involved on a voluntary basis and then one day I was asked whether I would like to join the staff, and I haven’t looked back.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

1. Seeing the International Students happy and integrated into school life and having them fulfil their expectations at the College.
2. Ensuring international student exchanges are run successfully so that both students travelling to Scots, and our students travelling away to other schools, have a positive experience and memorable time.

What do you find most challenging?

1. Encouraging our International Students to participate fully in the wide variety of opportunities open to them at the College (sports, culture, academic, community service and beyond). It can be daunting, but as soon as the students have a go, that’s when they really start to have fun and feel part of the school.
2. Ensuring that the students understand that if they find that if they miss home (and they all do at some stage!), that they have full support from me and a whole team of people here at the College. We all want to ensure they feel cared for.

What do you think International Students should know about Scots College before they start school?

1. That it will take time for them to integrate into life at the College – it won’t happen on Day 1 as it is all so new and different from school life in their home country, but it definitely will happen over time.
2. That they need to use English as much as possible, take a chance and talk to anyone in the College community – it’s the best way to make friends and gain confidence.

What trips & activities have you most enjoyed organising for International Students?
Orientation Weekend & the Ski Weekends are always a lot of fun as we travel together, eat together and participate in all sorts of activities together. They are both trips where the students have fun as a group and really get to know each other well.

Name 3 things you have learnt from your time working with International Students and their families about the challenges involved in studying and living abroad?

1. For some students it is difficult to be away from their family, they need to have regular contact with them and we encourage that.
2. It is fine to communicate in your first language with other students in the College who can also speak it. Speaking English all the time can be exhausting, so sometimes it’s nice to have a breather and speak your first language.
3. The International Students’ Group meets regularly and are there to support you. These students all know that to start with you may have difficulty communicating, with the food, the cultural differences, routines, accommodation and the classroom protocol,  because they’ve been through it all too. They all have some great ideas on how you can adapt to and cope with your new environment as they’ve been through it themselves. The House Dean, boarding house staff, Chaplain, homestay family and the staff of the International Students’ department are all available to help you.

As a parent yourself, what do you think parents of International Students worry most about? And how do you make sure their needs are met?
Perhaps that their son is going to be just one boy among many at the College, and that he may be over-looked. I can reassure them all staff involved with International Students are fully aware of the students’ needs, their strengths, challenges and their problems. We meet every day and also have meetings with the Headmaster and Boarding House staff to ensure that the International Students are looked after and happy. If a problem arises for a student we can take steps to deal with it quickly. We are available whenever students or their parents would like to talk to or email us, and we have weekly meetings with the students as a group. Their homestay accommodation is also monitored regularly.

A highlight from your experiences to-date working with International Students?
I really enjoy listening to the leaving students’ speeches, knowing that while it may not have always been easy for them, that they have had a wonderful time and have appreciated all the care, energy and support we provide for them.

What would you recommend International Students who are new to Scots College do to ensure they make the most of their time here?

1. Don’t be too shy to talk to other students – they want to get to know you too.
2. Talk to the International Student staff if you need advise or help, as soon as you need it.
3. Get involved and participate in as many activities and events that are offered at the College as possible.
4. It will take time for you to work out the routines of the College, Boarding House and your homestay.  If you need help please ask.
5. Remember that you are learning in a second language! Most people only speak one language.  At times it will be hard, but remember you are doing incredibly well.