I am a South African currently living in Zimbabwe and have held executive positions in the educational travel sector for the last 11 years. My tertiary education background is originally in sociology, economics and law.
After a number of years in the financial services sector and having travelled widely in Africa, I played a part in the founding of Edutours Africa. The organisation has gone on to pioneer educational travel programming across Southern and East Africa. We believe it to be the leading Africa based educational travel provider.
I am extremely passionate about this rapidly growing and evolving sector of student travel, strongly believing that a carefully considered approach to its further development is essential. Sadly, all to often we see short term study abroad programming which is destructive, paternalistic, irresponsible and ineffective in reaching its educational outcomes.
I am a member, regular attendee and contributor at the likes of the ETC (Educational Travel Community) conference, NAFSA (Association of International Educators) conference and EAIE (European Association for International Education). In the past I have been asked to speak or facilitate workshops on “a responsible approach to service learning” and related matters.
In attending the various events I am well informed of the issues at play and actively involved in cutting edge dialogue relating to short term study abroad. I have been requested to and recently began collaboration with a number of industry partners on a white paper relating to short term faculty led educational programming.
I am convinced of the value of study abroad in general and would like to see the calibre of short term study abroad programming raised in particular. I believe that I bring international perspective to the field of study abroad along with practical expertise and an awareness of current trends / issues.
