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Meet the Team

Our team are friendly and welcoming. We are here to help you improve your English language and academic study skills and to adjust to life in the UK. We are experienced in working with students in higher education.

We look forward to meeting you.

Dr Malgorzata (Gosia) Drewniok

Head of International College

I’m passionate about supporting international students. Born in Poland, I came to the UK as an international student, so I draw on my own experience in my work. I have a PhD in Linguistics and I have been teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP), research, and study skills at UK universities since 2008. I joined the University of Lincoln in Jan 2019 and I have been the Head of the team since July 2019. When I’m not working, I like to read, watch good quality TV dramas, and travel.

Dr Malgorzata (Gosia) Drewniok

The In-sessional Team

We are the team of tutors who run daily one-to-one support sessions and teach the International College's courses and workshops.

Dr Chokri Ghezal

Programme Manager & Deputy Head

After teaching EFL, ESOL, and EAP in three countries, I went back to university in 2012. I studied for an MA in Translation Studies then a PhD at the University of Leicester. I have always been interested in languages and translation. I am particularly interested in style and how, through translation, one can either preserve the style of the source text or manipulate it to make the target text more accessible to a wider readership. I coined the term ‘exotericising’ to describe this process.

Stephen Gildersleve

In-sessional Programme Coordinator

Originating from rural Cambridgeshire, I originally studied Computer Science and worked as a programmer before becoming an English teacher in 2006. I have since taught in many amazing countries including Vietnam, Colombia, Turkey, and Myanmar. Through teaching, I have met many wonderful students whose passion for learning and motivation inspire me every day. In my free time, I enjoy running and going on long hikes, hoping to discover what is around the next corner and the finding the way home.

Steve Gildersleve

Carl Christopher

Senior English for Academic Purposes Tutor

Welcome to the UK, to Lincoln, to the university and – last but certainly not least – to the International College. Having lived and worked abroad for most of my married life, I know how it feels to be far from home, so I really enjoy supporting our international students. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Carl Christopher

Dr Matthew Bayly

Senior English for Academic Purposes Tutor

I was born and raised in Lincolnshire and have been a member of the International College team since 2016. I have ten years’ experience working in education internationally and in the UK. In the past, I have lived and worked in Japan, China and Russia. As Lincoln is my hometown, I am enthusiastic about helping students explore the city.

Karen Priestley

Senior English for Academic Purposes Tutor

I’m from Nottinghamshire, the home of Robin Hood. My international career started as an Erasmus student in France and Portugal for my BA Joint Honours French and Portuguese. I'm passionate about teaching English and supporting international students, using my experience of studying, working and living abroad. I also have an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and a Diploma in Translation. In my free time, I enjoy reading and handicrafts. I also love gardening and being outside.

Karen Priestley

Ben Green

Senior English for Academic Purposes Tutor

I’m from Lincoln originally and have recently moved back here after teaching abroad for the last 15 years. This experience of living abroad has provided me with a valuable insight of being immersed in a foreign culture. I’m looking forward to supporting our international students in their endeavours to continuously improve their Academic English skills. In terms of my own educational experience, I recently completed an MA in TESOL. Away from work, I enjoy travelling and activities in nature.

Dr Andrew Rowcroft

Senior English for Academic Purposes Tutor

Originally from the North of England, I studied English Literature at Newcastle University. After my doctorate, I worked as a lecturer in English at the University of Lincoln, Nottingham Trent University, and University of Worcester. I joined the International College in 2022, first as a Pre-Sessional English and Academic Skills Tutor, then as Senior Tutor for EAP in 2023. I like reading, tennis, and chess.

Andrew Rowcroft

Lisa Duncan

Senior English for Academic Purposes Tutor

Originally from Wales, I’ve been teaching for over 20 years in places as diverse as Japan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the Lake District! Studying World Literature for BA, and teaching both language and literature, I changed direction for my MA in Applied Linguistics. I believe in lifelong learning, doing what enthuses you and embracing new experiences. I love anything to do with Agatha Christie and enjoy the water: renovating, driving and sailing boats. Enjoy embracing your own new experiences!

The Pre-sessional Team

We are the team responsible for planning and delivering the University's Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills (PEASS) and Pre-sessional English Language Preparation (PELP) courses.

Holly Nelson

Pre-sessional Programme Coordinator

I am originally from a small village in Lincolnshire but have spent much of my teaching career in large cities around the world in Thailand, Mexico, China and beyond! My educational background is in International Education, so I really enjoy meeting international students at the beginning of their academic careers. I am particularly interested in syllabus and assessment design as well as educational leadership and quality assurance: I like to know that our courses are benefitting our students!

Michelle Symonds

Pre-sessional Programme Coordinator

I am from the Midlands and attended the University of York (DPhil, 1995). Working in global research groups sparked my interest in assisting non-native English-speaking academics, ultimately leading me to Lincoln in 2014. I have supported various learner profiles — from undergraduates to vice chancellors — designing strategies for boosting their written and oral communication skills. It is a privilege to continue this work by guiding students about to begin their university life at Lincoln.

Michelle Symonds

Anne O'Brien

Pre-sessional Programme Coordinator

I’m originally from Ireland and first came to work at the University of Lincoln in 2013. My background is in languages, linguistics and translation. I speak Spanish, French and Portuguese, so I know what it is like to learn another language to an advanced level. It can be challenging, but also very rewarding. I love languages because they open up a whole new way of seeing the world. I feel privileged to play a part in supporting international students in their own journey at university.

The Administration Team

We are your first point of contact with the International College, whether by phone, email or in person at our reception desk.

Wendy Whatmough

International College Administration Manager

I was raised in Lancashire and have lived in Germany, Cyprus, then Ukraine. I know the feeling to move away from home, with a different culture and language. My background is working in admin, advice & guidance in schools, for the Ministry of Defence and various UK-based careers services. I was delighted to be given this opportunity in 2019, to support the University of Lincoln’s international students. Open University study has been my passion – it works well when travelling!

Wendy Whatmough

Gemma Spink

Senior Officer

I have worked for the University since 2014 and previously worked in Lincoln International Business School. Prior to joining the university I worked for Lincolnshire Police, recruiting staff for the force and the London Metropolitan Police in a Criminal Justice Unit. I have also worked for the Ministry of Defence. In my spare time, I like to play tennis. I love history and enjoy exploring other countries and cultures, especially on foot.

Anneka Holden

Senior Student Progression Officer

As a Canadian in the UK, I know what it is like to live in another culture. I have spent more of my adult life outside of Canada than inside, having lived in the Netherlands, South Korea and now England. I love learning how languages and culture mix. Outside of languages, I love spending time outdoors. I enjoy camping, hiking, biking, and kayaking; England has so many great places to explore. When the weather is poor, I’ll be at home crocheting and trying to get my cat to stop playing with yarn.

Mica

Administrator

Born and raised in Lincoln, I have worked in several teams during my time at the University of Lincoln, continuing to expand my knowledge of the University as a whole. I hope that the knowledge that I have gained can benefit both the International College team and the students. With my passion for meeting new people and exploring new places, I went solo travelling for a year, meeting several different nationalities along the way and learning all about their different cultures.

Contact Us or Follow Us on Social Media

University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool Campus
Lincoln
LN6 7TS

internationalcollege@lincoln.ac.uk

+44 01522 886 102