For over a decade, the British Council has been my second home, shaping my personal and professional growth. It all began when I was 12 years old. My father signed me up for a summer camp at the British Council, and although I was reluctant at first, that experience changed everything.
My first class, taught by Richard Gauvin, was unlike any learning experience I had known. It was so engaging and enjoyable that I didn’t feel like I was in a classroom at all. I found myself excited to do homework and eager to return each day. That summer, with teachers like Richard, Yolanta and Nigel, transformed my view of education. I remember thinking, Why isn’t school always like this? The British Council planted a seed in me that later grew into a lifelong passion for learning and teaching.
After high school, I returned as an adult learner, eager to improve my English. The advanced classes deepened my love for the British Council’s teaching approach. The experience reaffirmed my belief that education could—and should—be different. A conversation with a teacher named Daniel further fuelled my dream of teaching there.
He mentioned that to teach at the British Council I needed to do my CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). His words changed my life.
I was initially afraid to pursue the CELTA, fearing rejection. Instead, I completed a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate and began teaching, using what I had learned at the British Council. That is until I met my husband, who encouraged me to face my fears. I finally applied for the CELTA and I was accepted. The training was life-changing, and I completed it with a Pass A.
Soon after, I began working at the British Council as a teacher. Three months later, I joined full-time. Over the past ten years, the British Council has become my second family. I’m now a Regional Senior Teacher and Academic Manager, helping other teachers reach their full potential, just as I was inspired.
This year, I achieved another dream: becoming a CELTA tutor. Now, I have the privilege of guiding the next generation of educators. One day, I hope to open my own school, where every child can experience education the way I did – full of curiosity, creativity and joy.