Published: 2 August 2024
Meet Rachel Humphreys, our Principal Lecturer (Academic Development), and learn about her broad 30-year career in higher education teaching English in Southeast Asia, including how her new role at UoSiL is an excellent fit.
“A brilliant experience” is how Rachel describes her three years of teaching English in Asia – which included working in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It was while studying for her initial degree, a BA (Hons) Archaeology and Anthropology from Cambridge University, that Rachel first visited the region to explore her keen interest in Thai and Indonesian textiles.
With a CELTA teaching qualification earned post-graduation, the vibrant and historic region drew her back, and was where her teaching career began, “I really enjoy the opportunity to meet and learn from people from other cultures and backgrounds.” says Rachel.
Returning to the UK in 1994, Rachel embarked on her higher education sector career journey as an EAP lecturer at UCL before moving to SOAS in a similar role but specialising in international development and managing an international foundation and later a study abroad programme.
It was while at SOAS that Rachel also completed her master’s in education and international development at the UCL Institute of Education and subsequently became a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2019.
An enduring connection to Southeast Asia
It was also during this time that Southeast Asia came to Rachel, when she had the pleasure of teaching several senior Cambodian archaeologists from the temple of Angkor Wat, supporting their academic English development during their studies at SOAS.
Drawing on her long-held interest in tackling inequality in the HE sector; Rachel then joined Advance HE in the Equality Charters team working on development and training to support the organisation’s Athena Swan and Race Equality charters.
In 2022, Rachel continued her progression through the sector when she became Academic Director of the international college at the University of Greenwich – supporting the academic experience of international students.
Creating a holistic student experience
Rachel joins UoSiL as Principal Lecturer (Academic Development), leading the Academic Development Centre - promoting initiatives, excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and assessment. With oversight of the library, PATs, academic English, and entrepreneurship, there is a broad remit but one that will be “focused around creating a holistic approach to a positive student experience.”.
Over the next year, as part of her responsibilities, Rachel will be looking at ways to facilitate the sharing of good practice in teaching and learning, with projects including the peer development programme at UoSiL and working with colleagues in Sunderland on the Assessment Innovation Programme.
“The Principal Lecturer role is a very good fit, given my background, focus on diversity and inclusion, and experience with international students.”, explains Rachel.
“I’ve received a very warm welcome so far and have really enjoyed discussing ideas and plans with colleagues and students”
Away from work, Rachel’s interest in travel continues, with Southeast Asia again beckoning with a holiday to Thailand and Cambodia planned for later this year, including a visit to the world-famous Angkor Wat. Closer to home, Rachel is happy pursuing her passion for swimming at Tooting Bec Lido.