International Summer Schools for Teens in St. Andrews

What is your favorite travel memory?

To travel around when you don't speak the native language of the country you are in is a challenging experience. However, trying to navigate the bus system in rural Greece was particularly difficult.

Nobody spoke English and my travel partner and I couldn't speak any Greek. Despite this, with the help of Google we managed to complete a ten-day tour and saw some wonderful places and eat at some fantastic restaurants.

A lot of the sites we visited were quiet and unspoiled by the tourist trade, possibly due to the convoluted transport system! I would love to go back one day.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

The ethos of ISSFT is different from any other company that I previously worked for. There is a genuine care and interest in all of the children and their individual needs and preferences. As a result of this,

I feel my teaching skill set has grown enormously from being part of such an open, respectful environment.

The constant approachability and support of the school director also enables me to try new activities in the classroom and adopt a number of flexible approaches to meet student needs and interests.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

The diversity of the students at ISSFT prompts thought-provoking class discussions. It is fascinating to hear opinions and experiences from across the world.

A lot of the students on the program are very well traveled, have contact with professionals at the top of their field, and have parents who own and run their own businesses. This broad range of experiences and knowledge adds an interesting dynamic to the classroom.

I also particularly enjoy having students from the Middle East in my class as it allows me to reminisce about my own school experiences.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I think I would most like to try the media course as it seems so diverse. The young people can design their own blogs writing about their summer school experiences whilst in the process creating a wonderful personal memento.

I also think I would like to have golf lessons, as the students have the opportunity to visit some beautiful golf courses and sometimes even watch tournaments.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

ISSFT is a deliberately small summer school and as a result, the staff and students can get to know every individual personality. Lessons are focused towards the students' own goals and if somebody needs extra help they can quickly receive it.

The school is a wonderful, vibrant community, where everyone is appreciated. This atmosphere allows all the young people to get involved in all activities and to try their best. There are several occasions throughout the summer where staff members team up to run themed sessions for the whole school. These are fun but also help promote confidence in quieter students by posing new challenges and mixing up working groups.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Recruitment is a really important aspect of any company, as staff need to be both dedicated, and passionate. It's essential to recruit those who are committed to the company ethos and will promote the organization's core values.