Meet the Team
Our dedicated international team is here to support you in your journey to study in Edinburgh.
Scott Torrance – International Business Manager
Scott leads the International Team at the college, bringing nearly 25 years of international education experience. He worked extensively in the US summer camp industry, managed international summer schools in Spain and the UK, taught English in his beloved Hungary and moved into global admissions, recruitment and partnerships for an Austrian college in 2016. Since then he has led on international student recruitment at the Universities of Glasgow and York and is excited to nurture Edinburgh College’s global connections with inspiring students and educational partners. He enjoys all forms of rugby and taking part in TV quiz shows.
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.
Harriet Petty – International Business Advisor
Harriet leads on business development in Europe and the Americas. Before joining Edinburgh College in 2019, Harriet lived and worked in China for seven years, initially teaching, then working in project management and business development in English language and arts education. Her passion for international education led her to complete an MSc in Comparative Education and International Development at the University of Edinburgh in 2020. She enjoys travelling, spending time with her family, and exploring the city's cultural and culinary life in her free time.
Beatriz Rosso Avila – Team Leader, International Admissions and Compliance
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.
Annmarie Lally – International Admissions Assistant
Annmarie is an International Projects Assistant with Edinburgh College. Prior to working with the College, she worked as a student adviser in a higher education setting and before that, as an English teacher in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Originally from the west of Ireland, she has really been enjoying getting to know Scotland and Edinburgh, in particular. Her hobbies include reading, writing and spending time outdoors appreciating the natural world.
Alina Sirenko – International Admissions and Visa Officer
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.
Jessica Nixon – International Projects Assistant
Jessica ensures all international students feel welcomed and supported during their time at the college. She also organises social events for the international students to explore Scotland. With a background in customer service and Fashion, Jessica prides herself on being organised. She enjoys walking in the Scottish hills with her dog, home baking and watching movies.
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.