International Study Centre

Meet the ISC teachers and staff

Our tutors and support staff have qualifications in a wide range of subjects. You can read about their teaching experience and interests below:

Simon Bowes

Tutor in English Language
Qualifications: BA, MSc, TEFL, DELTA and PGCE in ESOL

"I have been teaching English since 1992, when I went to Turkey to work having done an introductory TEFL course. After 7 years in Istanbul I came back to England to live in Brighton and gained a higher-level diploma (Cambridge DELTA). Before coming to ISC Sussex I was working in a college of Further Education, where I did a PGCE in ESOL.

As well as teaching, I have been studying since I started a BA in philosophy at Bosphorus University in Istanbul, graduating with honours in 1999. After returning to the UK I completed an MSc in philosophy of social science at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2003.  In 2004 I started work on my doctorate in philosophy of cognitive science in the Informatics Department here at the University of Sussex. This year I have presented my work at several international conferences and started teaching philosophy to undergraduates.

Outside the classroom I enjoy climbing mountains and camping in difficult-to-get-to places, an activity I now like to share with my daughter, Ayla, who was born in 2005."

Robert Cooper

Tutor in English Language
Qualifications: BA (Hons), CELTA

"I began teaching English here in the city of Brighton where I gained my CELTA qualification. However, I love to travel and regularly visit Europe to teach English in various countries for short periods. My first passion in life was for art and visual media, which culminated in my BA (hons) Fine Art and Critical Theory from Goldsmiths College in London. As an artist involved in media and theory I still practice photography and occasionally exhibit my work in Brighton.

My creative work and interests have always included writing and literature which brought me to study my MA Creative and Critical Writing here at Sussex University, an eclectic mix of creative practice and critical theory of English. I'm a practising writer of poetry and regularly read my work in Brighton at various literary events.

I was fortunate to begin teaching at the ISC at the inception of the Media Studies programme, and to develop an exciting course that works closely with the media department of the University. For me working in a school full of energy and diversity surrounded by outstanding natural beauty is an experience I relish."

Simon Dangoor

Tutor in Sociology and Business Studies
Qualifications: BA, RSA cerf CELTA, PGCE

"Having studied English and Politics, I have 10 years experience teaching English, Business English and Sociology internationally. I was born and bred in London and I began my career there before moving to Spain and teaching at schools and businesses in the magnificent city of Barcelona. Teaching English to Spanish businesspeople was enjoyable as I got to travel around, teaching on-site. I also learned Spanish, marvelled at walking around the wonderful architecture of Gaudi and Muntaner and managed to catch a famous Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

My next stop was Tokyo, where I  was in big demand from schools and businessmen and nearly worked myself into an early grave. I spent several years there and taught politics in English to university professors, Business English classes, teaching children at Japanese secondary schools and developing my knowledge of the language and culture. Returning to England, I also spent some time teaching at a secondary school as well as teaching international students here.

In my spare time I enjoy going to gigs, thetheatre and walking in the lovely countryside. I am also a long-suffering supporter of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. A keen sportman, I enjoy swimming and playing football. I will presently embark on an Msc at Sussex as well as continuing my eternal quest to master Japanese."

Enver Ethemer

Tutor in Accounting
Qualifications: BA, MBA

"I have a BA in Economics from University of Texas in Austin and an MBA from Bilkent University in Turkey. I am currently working towards my PhD at Sussex.

I have worked at different multinational companies, and had many project based jobs at market research companies. Before coming to Sussex, I worked as a Customer Services Assistant for the British Council in Cyprus. I have also worked as a Research Associate for UNESCO. Although I was busy spicing up my professional portfolio, teaching had always had a place in my life. I have mainly taught Economics, Management and Accounting at different universities in Cyprus and Turkey - Accounting and Accounting Information Systems at Bilkent University and Business Finance at Bilgi University in Istanbul. I am excited about the challenges and rewards that teaching a mixed group of international students will bring to me as a teacher.

I am from the lovely sunny island of Cyprus. I enjoy travelling, bowling and watching films."

David Grantham

Tutor in English language
Qualifications: BA, Cert Ed, Dip TESOL, Certificat Pratique de Langue Française (French Language Certificate), nihongo noryoku shomeisho (Japanese Language Certificate)

"I have been a teacher all my working life, initially as a teacher of French and German in British secondary schools, and latterly as a teacher of English as a foreign language. I have worked in a number of schools of English in the Brighton area and spent nearly three years teaching English in Japan.

I have had much experience of meeting people from many countries, having been a student in a German grammar school, a student at the University of Paris (Sorbonne) as well as at a variety of academic institutions in Britain, including the Universities of Sussex, Brighton and the Open University. Currently I am studying for a Master's degree in TESOL at the University of Brighton and I am an examiner for IELTS.

As a result of my time in Japan, I wrote a book about my experiences in that country. I am a veteran of the 1968 Paris barricades, a former captain of Rugby and hold a Black Belt in karate."

Joanna Lee

Head of English
Qualifications: BA (Hons), Trinity Cert TESOL, DELTA

"I started my career in teaching English working in Moscow, Russia, which was the most fantastic experience. I've always loved travelling and getting to know other cultures, and I also love learning other languages. I'm fascinated by how languages work, and the process of learning languages, and my own experience has really helped me to help my students!

When I returned to the UK, I worked in a language school in Cambridge for 7 years, initially as a teacher and more recently as the Director of Teaching. I'm now very happy to be at the International Study Centre; I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world and I learn so much from the students.

Outside of work I like to keep active; I cycle to work every day and I enjoy doing yoga and walking in the hills. It's great living by the sea, although I find it a bit cold for swimming!"

Paul Lovegrove

Tutor in Economics, Politics, Maths and Law, and Head of Centre
Qualifications: LLB, LLM, MBA

"I have been involved in international teaching since graduating and gained a depth of experience at GCSE, A level and foundation levels. I’m also a GCSE and A level Economics examiner, giving me a good insight into the requirements of progressing to university. University has been a very important part of my life. I have a Masters in Law, an MBA and am undertaking a Doctorate in Business Administration. I have had three publications in a leading law journal and contributed to a book on the law of privacy.

I was born and educated in Brighton and my family still live here. I love the feel of a city both next to the sea and surrounded by the beautiful South Downs. There are few places that offer such a diversity of living experiences with such a lively atmosphere.

In my spare time I enjoy sports and annoying the neighbours with my rather poor piano playing! I ran the London marathon and took part in a triathlon (running, swimming and cycling) to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital which took care of my daughter when she needed very rare medical help."

Roger Luther

Tutor in Maths

"I have taught Mathematics for many years, mainly teaching at A Level in secondary schools in the UK. Six years ago, I left teaching to do a PhD at the University of Sussex, using mathematics to model the behaviour of animals when they steal food. This is known as kleptoparasitism, and is particularly common in sea-birds. Since completing that research, I have been lecturing to mathematics and engineering undergraduates at Sussex, as well as doing some A Level teaching in local schools. I am fascinated by all aspects of the subject, and enjoy sharing my knowledge with anyone who is interested.

Having grown up as a child in Brighton, I am delighted to be living here again – the combination of sea and hills is unbeatable!"

Jo Odgers

English Tutor
Qualifications: MA TESOL, DELTA, PG Dip ELT Mgt

"I started teaching English in 1990 in Switzerland. When I came back to England in 1994, I worked at a language school in Brighton & Hove teaching General English and ESP Hotel Management and Tourism. Since that time I have also taught IELTS and Business English, taught in Vietnam, managed several Summer schools, have worked as a Director of Teaching, Academic Director and a CELTA teacher trainer. I am now delighted to join the University of Sussex ISC and look forward to teaching here.

I have two grown up children and outside of work I enjoy yoga, cycling, going to the cinema and restaurants and travelling to warmer climates."

Jessica Roland

Tutor in Law and Politics
Qualifications: BA, RSA Cert TEFL, PGCE, MA

"I studied politics at the School of Slavonic & East European Studies, University College, London where I received a first class honours degree. I spent six months teaching English as a foreign language in the Czech Republic and have an RSA C.E.L.T.

I am very enthusiastic about teaching politics and use a variety of teaching methods ranging from lively discussions to concentrated reading tasks. Having taught politics at A Level for 8 years at a private college in London, I have experience of obtaining excellent academic results from students whilst providing them with an interest in the subject.

I am dedicated to achieving the best from my students."

Les Simmons

Tutor in Law and Politics
Qualifications: BSc (Hons), Diploma in Education (University of East Africa, Uganda).

"I have been teaching at Sussex ISC since Jan 08. When I left the University of East Anglia I went to Uganda and studied for a teaching qualification as part of the UK Government Assistance Programme for East Africa. I then taught in Kenya for two and a half years and then returned to the UK to teach in a secondary school in Brighton.

After two terms I moved to teaching in Further Education where I spent 35 years teaching a range of chemistry and related courses to post-16 students. In addition to my ISC teaching I also teach teacher-trainees who need to enhance their chemistry prior to taking a Science PGCE at Sussex.

I am very interested in oenology (wine) and regularly hold wine-tasting seminars for colleagues and others with this interest. I also pride myself on being a good cook and enjoy cooking for family and friends. My hobbies are travel, opera and history particularly military history and I am an avid reader, I enjoy travelling and intend to see as much of the world as I can."

Clare Shearer

Centre Administration Manager
Qualifications: BA (Hons)

 "I have worked at the ISC since its doors opened in September 2006 and was heavily involved in the set up and creation of the administration systems for the Centre.It has been a wonderful experience seeing it go from strength to strength and to witness our students progressing smoothly onto the undergraduate programmes at the University of Sussex.

I really enjoy the variety of my work at the ISC, including finance, the planning and management of the administration, and running the examinations. ISC students come to me for advice on many things – timetables, course changes, fee payments, examinations, and travel arrangements to name but a few. My door is always open – it's the best way to get to know them.

Although not originally from Brighton, I’ve lived here since 1993, having left a career in Marketing, Advertising and PR in London to raise my children by the sea. I was delighted to return to this wonderful city, as originally I had graduated from University of Brighton with a BA in Business Studies and Diplomas in Marketing (CIM) and Market Research (MRS) - so I’ve first-hand experience of student life in Brighton!"

Loes Vaessen

Student Welfare Officer
Qualifications: BA (Hons), MA

"I am from the Netherlands where I studied Psychology of Culture & Religion at Radboud University. I wanted to continue studying abroad, so my partner and I moved to Brighton, and I took an MA in Migration Studies at the University of Sussex. After my MA, I worked at the University as a workshop and research assistant and am now pleased to be at the International Study Centre.

I have always enjoyed working with other students. At both universities, I have been involved with the Student Union, organising activities, conferences, study tours abroad and day trips. Working at the ISC offers an interesting varied job, in which both my interest in different cultures and my love for working with students are combined.

In my spare time I usually read, cook or watch films. I also love travelling, especially to countries I haven’t been to yet, and those with high mountains so I can hike for days."