Meet the Team

Victoria Paterson – International Business Manager 

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 lived and studied in Germany. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, reading and cooking for her family and friends.  

Sarah Gore – International Business Advisor 

Sarah is responsible for developing international partnerships and projects for Edinburgh College in English Language, teacher training, skills/vocational training and consultancy, for delivery in Edinburgh, overseas or online. Sarah has been working in international education for over fifteen years and in her spare time she enjoys travelling, reading and singing in a choir.

Angel Yingjie Zhou – International Business Advisor 

Angel Yingjie Zhou leads new business development in key international markets. She has held a range of roles in business development and marketing across the International education sector for over 10 years, including at the British Council. She has a passion for nature and enjoys playing tennis. 

Alistair Ware – International Business Advisor 

Alistair works on developing international partnerships and projects for Edinburgh College, focusing on skills, vocational training, consultancy, English language courses, and teacher training, for delivery in Edinburgh, overseas, and online. 

Alistair has been working in international education for around forty years, with EDT, City & Guilds, Pearson-TQ and the NFER. He has previously been professionally resident in continental Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia, as a teacher, manager and consultant.  He sings in choirs and has recently also become active in sailing.

Kara McMaster – Team Leader International Admissions and Compliance 

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.  

Beatriz Rosso Avila – International Admissions and Visa Officer

Beatriz is responsible for international admissions at Edinburgh College and advises potential students on courses, educational qualifications and English language requirements. In her home country of Chile, she worked as a historian in academic research for almost nine years. Passionate about urban history, she moved to Scotland in 2020 to explore new places, seek new experiences, and meet people from around the world.  

Kenneth Siele – International Admissions Assistant 

Kenneth is an International Admissions Assistant at Edinburgh College. His role involves supporting applicants and organising and facilitating the entry of new students to our year-round courses, among other responsibilities. He has been at the college since 2018 and worked as a Student Services Assistant before his current role. He enjoys gardening, walking, reading and travelling around in his camper van.  

Tayla Harrison - Team Leader International Projects and Student Support

Tayla oversees the planning, organisation, and execution of international projects and ensures all international students are well supported during their time at the college. She began her career in aviation and hospitality and has travelled to over 60 countries worldwide. Tayla moved to Edinburgh in 2024 and spends much of her spare time exploring Scotland. She also enjoys history, travelling, and all things sports. 

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 their needs are met. Christine inspects all homestays and 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.​ 

Ross Muir – International Projects Assistant 

Ross has over 24 years of Higher Education administration experience including over 15 years of experience working with and supporting International students, Academics and Overseas Partners in Europe and Asia. He has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Ross has a passion for helping students have the best experience possible at Edinburgh College, as he has studied at the College himself. In his spare time, Ross enjoys watching football, rugby, golf and reading about Scottish History. 

Amanda Gonzalez-Santana – International Projects Assistant

Amanda supports students from all over the world in her role as International Projects Assistant, providing both academic and social-cultural services. She is curious and loves to learn especially design or art. She never says "No" to new experiences and is passionate about travelling, especially if she gets to try different foods. She is from Gran Canaria but moved to Scotland in 2022 and will never leave.