Meet the ISC teachers and staffOur tutors and support staff have qualifications in a wide range of subjects. You can read about their teaching experience and interests below:
Betty AkyeampongTutor in Economics
I have worked as an Economics Teacher and an academic counsellor in a Senior Secondary School at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Prior to that, I taught Economics and Business Studies in Ghana’s premier Girls’ Secondary School where my students achieved A to C grades in the A Level examinations. In Ghana, I developed short study guides in Economics for use by A Level students. I have had a lot of experience teaching and working with international students. My special interests relate to issues of Economic Growth and Development. I am married with two children." Simon BowesTutor in English Language
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." Enver EthemerTutor in Accounting
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 GranthamTutor in English language
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 LeeHead of English
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 LovegroveTutor in Economics, Politics, Maths and Law, and Head of Centre
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 LutherTutor in Maths
Having grown up as a child in Brighton, I am delighted to be living here again – the combination of sea and hills is unbeatable!" Jessica RolandTutor in Law and Politics
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." Clare ShearerCentre Administration Manager
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 VaessenStudent Welfare Officer
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." |
"I am an Economics teacher with several years of experience teaching A Level Economics. I gained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Sociology and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. 
"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.
"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 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 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! 
"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 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.
"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 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 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.