Wales International Study Centre: access to world-class universities in Wales
About Wales International Study Centre
Meet your teachers and support staffTutors and support staff at the Wales International Study Centre have qualifications in a wide range of subjects. You can read about some of their teaching experience and interests below:
Clare Cross
Role: Tutor I have taught English as a foreign language to adults in Spain, business English to company executives in Barcelona, and English to school children in Spain, France and the UK. I have also taught English as a second language to adults (mostly Somali refugees) in Cardiff. I have enjoyed teaching French in adult education centres locally and privately, and have had an engaging time teaching Spanish on contract as a tutor to both staff and in-mates of Cardiff prison. I cannot think of a more pleasant teaching and learning environment than the ISC. The staff are very friendly; the students are extremely polite, very receptive and highly motivated. Above all an atmosphere of “warmth and caring” pervades – ideal for students far from home. There are great facilities; an open computer suite for private study; really pleasant classrooms; and an absolutely fabulous state-of-the-art building to house us. I’m convinced that a positive attitude is the key to successful learning and that certainly seems to be the way with the students and staff I have met so far at the Wales ISC. I am passionate about languages, travel, beautiful coasts and swimming in the sea. I am also enthused by music, especially folk music, Blues and classical. In my spare time I enjoy socialising, playing the guitar, the piano and going to the gym." 
Vernon Dando
Role: Head of Centre and Tutor 
Kate Evans
Role: Administration Officer "I was born here in Wales and have lived here all my life except for three years spent at the University of Worcester. There I undertook an undergraduate BA Hons degree in History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies. Graduating from my degree is one of my greatest achievements to date. It was truly a fantastic time in my life. I had a wonderful experience, made some lifelong friends and even met my fiancé! Therefore, I know how it feels to be away from home for the first time and how everything seems so alien to you to start with. I hope that my experience as a student will be beneficial and help me to answer your queries or concerns. Upon completion of my degree, I returned to Wales where for the last three years I worked as an Examinations Assistant at a tertiary college. I am now delighted to work at Wales International Study Centre as Centre Administrator. I am so pleased to be part of an exciting and innovative project here in Wales. I have been working since WISC’s door opened in September 2008. So far, it has been an interesting journey in implementing the administration systems for the centre and most importantly meeting the students. A great feeling for me is that if a student comes to me with an issue that I can try to help them and they leave my office with a smile on their face. My dream is to see the centre grow and flourish as the ISC is situated in such beautiful surroundings and I could not think of a better place for WISC students to study!" 
Jane Park
Role: Tutor "I have been teaching EFL and ESOL for many years. I started overseas in Japan and from there went to Italy, back east to Hong Kong and finally Spain. When I returned to this country in 2002 I started at a local college teaching ESOL, before coming here to Wales ISC, based at Caerleon Campus. It is a beautiful place to work. I am now working on a Master’s degree in ESOL/EFL – I'm in my second year now and research comes next! It’s demanding with work and family, but it’s something I enjoy and get to put to good use. I don't have a lot of free time, but when I do get any, I’m usually planning my next getaway! I love to travel and when I’m not doing that I enjoy theatre, films and eating out!" 
David Rutter
Role: Tutor “I have many years experience preparing UK students for University entrance. I ran the maths and science faculty in a sixth form college in London for many years, and also worked as an advisory teacher organising master classes and other events for sixth formers studying maths. I later spent some time with the International Baccalaureate as maths subject officer, developing new maths courses with panels of teachers from all over the world, and I am still an IB examiner. I recently helped run some curriculum development with an environmental charity, to work out how to develop and assess the skills acquired by volunteers taking part in conservation programmes. This gave me some experience of the European Qualifications Framework, and insight into how it will affect universities and colleges in the near future. I am puzzled by the number of students who are worried about maths from an early age, and the number of adults who are reluctant to apply the maths they know to solve problems. I began a DPhil at the University of Sussex to research this issue. 
Liz Tobin
Role: Tutor “I have been teaching for over twenty years. I first started out as a Drama and English teacher in London and then moved to Spain where I taught English Language and Literature at the University of Las Palmas. I moved from there to Italy and taught TEFL for two years with the British Council, where my daughter was born. Tired of the lack of green spaces and the hectic hassle and bustle of Milan we moved back to Spain, Granada this time, and settled in a converted cave house for the next thirteen years. We finally moved back to Britain in 2002 and I taught English in Secondary schools before working for the Wales International Study Centre. In my free time I enjoy walking, cycling and aerobics. I maintain a strong connection with Spain, its language and literature.” 
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