Sighthill campus building on a sunny day.

Meet the Team

Our dedicated international team is here to support you in your journey to study in Edinburgh.

Victoria Paterson – International Business Advisor

Victoria Paterson – International Business Advisor 

Victoria manages all aspects of the international team from international business development, compliance, international admissions and student support. She works closely with the college’s management team to ensure our international strategy aligns with Edinburgh College’s policy, strategy and development aspirations. Originally from New Zealand, Victoria has worked in the international education sector for more than 10 years and has also lived and studied in Germany. In her spare time she enjoys travel, reading and cooking for her family and friends.

Harriet Petty – International Business Advisor

Harriet Petty – International Business Advisor 

Harriet's work involves international business development and project management to promote and expand the College's international activity and ensure successful delivery of the College’s international projects. Harriet lived and worked in China for seven years before joining Edinburgh College in 2019, initially teaching, then working in project management and business development within the areas of English language and arts education. Her passion for international education led to her completing an MSc in Comparative Education and International Development at University of Edinburgh in 2020. She enjoys travel, spending time with her family, and exploring the cultural and culinary life of the city in her free time. 

Kara McMaster – International Advice and Compliance Officer

Kara McMaster – International Advice and Compliance Officer 

Kara provides our international students with advice and assistance on study visas and immigration issues as well as employment, police and doctor registration and any other concerns relating to studying and living in the UK. Kara has worked as an international student advisor for over 10 years and has a passion for travel and experiencing different cultures. Her hobbies include watching and playing sports such as curling and hockey in the winter and swimming and sailing during the summer. 

Christine Park – Accommodation Officer

Christine Park – Accommodation Officer

Christine’s job is to make sure that all international students have accommodation while they are studying at Edinburgh College and that your needs are met. Christine inspects all homestays and also keeps in touch with alternative accommodation providers such as Edinburgh College student accommodation and private residences. Christine was born in Edinburgh and has lived here all her life.​

Xiaohong Dorje – International Projects Assistant

Xiaohong Dorje – International Projects Assistant 

Xiaohong joined the international team in October 2022.  She is responsible for providing administrative, customer service and project support for the international team and international  projects. This includes supporting with international student recruitment, admissions and the delivery of study programmes and international projects. Prior to joining Edinburgh College, Xiaohong worked in Business Administration and Management for 24 years. Xiaohong graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a Masters degree in Event Management and she has experience of being an international student herself.  As a result, Xiaohong relates well to students who are embracing education away from home. She has a passion for helping students have the best experience possible at Edinburgh College. 

Georgie Fuhri Snethlage – International Projects Assistant

Georgie Fuhri Snethlage – International Projects Assistant 

Georgie works as an International Projects Assistant for Edinburgh College’s international team. This involves student support, organising and helping to facilitate entry of new students to our year-round EFL courses and making arrangements for visiting groups amongst other tasks. Raised in England but with dual nationality in the UK and New Zealand, Georgie hopes to move over there at some point. They enjoy reading, swimming, art and music as well as baking focaccia in their free time. 

Alina Sirenko

Alina Sirenko – International Admissions Office

Alina is responsible for international admissions at Edinburgh College, and provides advice on courses, educational qualifications and English language requirements to potential students. Alina has been working with young and adult students for more than 4 years, and is passionate about her work. In her free time, Alina likes traveling, reading psychology books, and visiting yoga classes.

Lewis Steen

Lewis Steen – International Projects Officer

Lewis is an International Projects Officer here at Edinburgh College. Lewis looks after group courses, ensuring smooth logistics, and oversees diverse projects to ensure successful outcomes.

Beyond work, Lewis enjoys producing music and embarking on walks with his border collie, “Alfie.”

Jamie Murphy

Jamie Murphy – International Business Advisor

Jamie has worked at Edinburgh College for 8 years in a variety of student facing and Business Development roles. As an International Business Advisor, his main responsibility is to build lasting relationships internationally with organisations, promoting Edinburgh College as a centre of excellence for training, development, and knowledge exchange.

 

In his spare time, Jamie enjoys listening to and playing music, hillwalking, football and visiting the historic sites of Scotland.