In today’s blog, we would like to share the profiles of our Brisbane’s Principal, Barry Clifford & our Group Study Tours Director, Jake France.
Barry Clifford
Hobbies: All sports and time with my family.
How long have you been working at Langports? 3 and a half years and before Langports I worked at Bond University on the Gold Coast.
Position at Langports: Principal of the Brisbane School.
What do you like the most about working at Langports? It is like working in a big family and I enjoy interactions with all students and staff.
How long have you been working in the Education Industry and what do you like the most about working with international students? I have been working with International students for over 20 years and enjoy having a part to play to ensure their experience in Brisbane and Langports is as positive and beneficial to their future as possible.
What have students taught you? I have learnt about many customs and cultural aspects from all over the world!
Do you have a remarkable experience that you would like to share with us? When in Byron Bay with a large group of students many years ago, one of the girls from France went to speak but couldn’t and said shortly after – “I am sorry I had a cat in my throat”. All the students laughed and then a girl from Mexico said – “don’t you mean a small chicken in your throat?” and again everyone laughed as the expression in English (and we found out also in German) for when your voice does not work briefly is “I have a frog in my throat”. I find it amazing that without speaking to people from around the world, we would not know about such differences and it goes to show what strange and wonderful things one can learn when using the same language to interact with others!
What is the best advice/tip you can give students about learning another language? Practice as much as you can and do not worry about making mistakes.
What would you say to students who are thinking about coming to study English at Langports? I hope you decide to join us and have the chance to enjoy some of the life changing experiences many students can and do have at Langports.
Jake France
Hobbies: Hanging out with my kids, powerlifting, hiking, sports.
How long have you been working at Langports? Since June 2005, so just over 12 years.
Position at Langports: Group Study Tours Director.
What do you like the most about working at Langports? In all honesty, the people. Over my 12 years here, I’ve been lucky to have worked with so many open minded, intelligent, positive and motivated people. I think this industry does a good job of attracting those types to it, and Langports has a special way of attracting the best.
How long have you been working in the Education Industry and what do you like the most about working with international students? I’ve been in this industry officially for just over 12 years, but I’ve grown up around language schools, international students and agents. What I’ve most enjoyed about working with international students is seeing them grow more confident, whether it’s with their English, or developing their confidence in other areas of their lives.
What have students taught you? Students have taught me about patience, tolerance and being open to new and interesting opportunities. You never know who you may meet or what you may learn from each other.
Do you have a remarkable experience that you would like to share with us? I met my wife at Langports.
What is the best advice/tip you can give students about learning another language? Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Too many students are worried about being perfect. Make as many mistakes as you can, it is the best way to learn!
What would you say to students who are thinking about coming to study English at Langports? If studying abroad is something that you want to do, don’t wait for the perfect time; that will never arrive. Just commit to it, make it happen, and enjoy the journey.
THANK YOU! 🙂
Related blogs:
Meet The Langports Team! Nicole and John: https://www.langports.com/meet-the-langports-team-nicole-john/
At Langports, we love making a difference! https://www.langports.com/at-langports-we-love-making-a-difference/
How Australia made me a stronger person! https://www.langports.com/how-australia-made-me-a-stronger-person/
Why not study English with these amazing teachers at Langports Sydney? https://www.langports.com/why-not-study-english-with-these-amazing-teachers-at-langports-sydney/
My lovely homeland – Iran https://www.langports.com/lovely-homeland-iran/