Meet the administrative staff at Lancaster University International Study Centre:
- Sunil Banga - Head of Centre
- Francesca Holmes - Centre Administrator
- Kalada Iyalla - Admin Assistant
Meet the teachers at Lancaster University International Study Centre:
- Asad Aman - Accounts Tutor
- Ian Barker - Maths Tutor
- Dr Martin Cook - Mathematics Tutor
- Charlotte Coope - English Tutor
- Helen Hargreaves - English Tutor
- Richard Mason - ELP Tutor
- Robert Trafford - Economics Tutor
- David Galbraith - Economics Tutor
Sunil Banga
We asked ISC students: "How have the tutors and staff helped you?"
- From offering me a cup of tea on my first day to asking about my welfare, the staff have really been very friendly
- They teach me patiently. When I have problem, and ask for them, they will also help me.
- Helped me to open a bank account and book a flight
- They are very kind to me - I feel looked after, like at home
- By making it very easy for us to assimilate into the education system.
Head of Centre
Qualifications: B.Pharm., MBA
I am a management professional, and have spent many years working in business. I worked for Boots for 6 years in the sales and marketing department, and then for a further 10 years as a partner in a large trading firm, with broad general management responsibilities. Following this I obtained a MBA from Lancaster University Management School, and worked with the Centre for Strategic Management at Lancaster for a while before joining ISC. I have also worked briefly as a consultant for a few SME’s, and my specific expertise is in strategy and marketing in the small retail sector.
I have a variety of teaching interests, and have taught business and management topics to students and executives of diverse ages, backgrounds and nationalities, in both formal and informal settings. I find teaching and mentoring international students immensely satisfying, and am very happy to be at the Lancaster International Study Centre.
Outside of work I like to keep active, and enjoy walking in the beautiful countryside. I also enjoy reading books, solving puzzles on my son’s game console, and occasionally cooking if I have spare time!
Francesca Holmes 
Centre Administrator
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Primary Education and English
"I have several years experience of working in administrative roles, beginning my career in the Civil Service. More recently, I have worked in education as a primary school teacher before returning to administration within the higher education sector, providing a range of administrative support for students.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, jogging and walking. I also like to travel and have recently learnt to snowboard."
Asad Aman
Accounts Tutor
Qualifications: BBA, MBA, PhD researcher (Lancaster University Management School)
"Having worked for various multinational companies in different managerial roles for about 6 years, I decided to embark upon a PhD in Management at Lancaster’s Management School.
My first teaching appointment was at the University of Regina in Canada, teaching business mathematics to a diverse group of native and international students. Since then, I have always enjoyed teaching students from varied backgrounds. I also have experience of teaching business courses at University level.
I currently live on campus with my wife and two children. In my spare time, I like to be involved in different clubs and societies in the University. On Saturdays, I play amateur cricket with some of my University friends who are also enthusiasts. Interestingly, we play cricket in a basketball court using a tennis ball."
Dr Ian Barker
Mathematics and Physics Tutor
Qualifications: BA (Physics), D.Phil (Theoretical Physics), PGCE
"Most of my professional life has involved teaching or researching in physics and mathematics. I started out doing a doctorate at Sussex University in applications of group theory to elementary particle physics and then had a number of post doctoral posts, one of which brought me to Lancaster.
Since then, I decided to go into teaching and have taught physics and mathematics in schools and colleges in Lancashire.
After a break of three years doing other things, I’ve really enjoyed getting back to my subjects and teaching them again.
I live with my family and two dogs in Lancaster and enjoy reading and classical music and opera and walking. I’ve done about a third of the Scottish Munros (mountains over 3000 feet) and some hut to hut walking in the Alps."
Natalie Comlay
Student Welfare Officer
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Psychology
"I have been working as the Student Welfare Officer at the Lancaster University International Study Centre since its first students arrived in July 2007. My primary role is to ensure that the students are enjoying their experience here at the centre, and are coping with the everyday challenges faced when studying abroad, particularly as for many students this is their first experience of living away from home.
As a recent graduate of Lancaster University myself, I understand how difficult it can be for new students to become used to a new environment and style of study. I am always there for students who need someone to talk to about anything they have on their minds, and to offer advice and guidance during their time at the centre on anything from Visa renewals to local bus schedules.
My personal interests include music, travel and skiing."
Dr Martin Cook
Mathematics Tutor
Qualifications: PhD Algebra
"I am from a small village in Somerset in the South West of England. I have been at Lancaster since entering the undergraduate degree in Maths in 1998. I spent my third year at UC Davis in California, but apart from that and one other brief period I have been here ever since. I graduated in 2002 and started a PhD in algebra. Since finishing that I have stayed and started teaching full time.
I now split my time between the international study centre and teaching duties elsewhere, mainly in the maths department. I have tutored students from all years in the maths department, as well as those from Engineering, Biology and the Management School. I also teach a class at a local school, to prepare the pupils for further study.
When I have the time my interests away from the class room are reading, films and walking. The area around Lancaster is excellent walking country, although it can rain."
Charlotte Coope
English tutor
Qualifications: BA, CELTA (B) and TEFL (Distinction) currently completing an MA TESOL at Lancaster University
"I began my teaching career in China, where I taught students of different ages and levels. Whilst there, I took the opportunity to study Mandarin in a Chinese University and to learn Chinese painting and tai-chi.
Since coming back to the UK I have been involved with providing pre-sessional and in-sessional academic support to international students from a variety of different countries. I have worked in Manchester as course leader of an International Foundation programme and at the University of Central Lancashire as an Associate Lecturer. I particularly enjoy teaching foundation students as I feel they have a tangible goal to head towards, so tend to be well-motivated and rewarding to teach.
In my spare time I enjoy fell-walking, painting and drawing, and doing volunteer work. In fact, I've just come back from a working holiday in the Lake District where I learnt how to build stone walls, which was a real challenge!"
Helen Hargreaves
English tutor
Qualifications: BA (hons), PGCE, MA, PhD researcher (department of Linguistics and English Language)
"I have several years of language teaching experience, most of these gained at a High School in Preston. I have also spent time abroad teaching English to both children and adults.
Two years ago I decided to continue my studies here at Lancaster University. I completed an MA in Language Studies with the department of Linguistics and English Language in September 2007 and began working part-time on a PhD in January this year. Over the summer I taught English for Academic Purposes to international students starting their degree courses in October.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the cinema, travelling and visiting friends (UK and abroad), and learning Italian at the local adult education college."
Kalada Iyalla
Admin Assistant
Kalada, from Nigeria, is a former ISC Business & Management Studies foundation student. He is now studying for a degree in Management and Organisation at Lancaster University Management School while working part-time for the ISC.
As an international student, Kalada knows what it's like to adapt to British culture and a different way of life.
After his undergraduate degree, Kalada wants to take a Masters in Money, Banking & Finance. Eventually he plans to open a group of companies operating around construction, legal and financial services. He'd also like to gain some teaching experience.
Richard Mason
ELP tutor
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Philosophy 2.1, M.Res Informatics, Trinity TESOL Certificate.
"I’ve been teaching English for over three years and started my first teaching job in China in 2004. I taught English at a school in Guiyang in Guizhou province and was one of only 250 foreign people in a city of 3.5 million. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’ve taught hundreds of students of different nationalities since I returned to England in January 2006. Teaching is one of those jobs where you can plan for the day, but you never know what might crop up during a lesson. It is a constantly stimulating experience and I hope to take further qualifications in the future. I currently live in Kendal and I enjoy fell walking, playing the guitar, cooking and watching films."
Robert Trafford
Economics Tutor
Qualifications: BA Hons Business (UCLAN); PGCE Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
"Having been employed in the commercial sectors of industry for several years, I entered the education sector in 1992 and have since been teaching Economics and Business on A level and undergraduate programmes. I have a Business Degree along with a Certificate in Education. My particular interest is in Economics and consequently my teaching commitments have focussed in this area specifically.
In my spare time I enjoy various hobbies including music (I play the guitar), photography and in particular I am an enthusiastic fell-walker and have over the years been involved in numerous sponsored events. I also like to keep physically fit by regularly attending the local gym."
David Galbraith
Economics Tutor
Qualifications: BA Hons Economics; PGCE; MA
"I have taught Economics, Business Studies and Management Theory to students studying 'A' level, 'Access', Undergraduate and Post Graduate students in schools and universities (including Lancaster and Manchester) for several years. I am also a management consultant having advised local charities and businesses in the UK .
For my undergraduate degree I took Economics as my main subsidiary subject and in my second M.A. I specialised in the 'business and management of Education' since schools and universities have to operate these days very much with a business focus.
I also train Secondary School teachers in a range of subjects including History and Politics.
In addition, I have worked as an 'A' level examiner and have been, for a number of years Lancaster University's 'Preparation for higher Education Co-ordinator' which has included devising and delivering study skills programmes for HE well as leading a team of lecturers in providing taster courses across a range of academic disciplines.
I am particularly enthusiastic about teaching international students and draw upon my considerable experience of teaching 'access' and undergraduate students from a wide variety of nationalities.
My hobbies include playing chess and various sports."