+44 (0) 1274 679710
- Management Team +
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Angela Fan
Founder
Eric Kin Sun Fan
Director
Ailie Fan
Managing DirectorName: Angela Fan
Job Title: Founder
Department: ManagementHello, I’m Angela, Founder of Study Links.
At the age of sixteen I met my husband Eric, who is from Hong Kong. At the time he was an overseas student, studying in the same area where I had grown up. We moved to Hong Kong together and during my time there I was a secondary school teacher. When we returned to England I continued to work in education, but this time in a Further Education College.
By this time I had a family and in addition we were caring for my husband’s relatives’ children whilst they studied in the UK. I volunteered to help them find independent schools and acted as their guardian. Over the years we cared for more and more children, until in 1998 I started up Study Links as a business. Since then the business has grown and we care for more students every year.
My three children are all grown up now pursuing careers of their own, but we still enjoy spending time together as a family and with our Airedale Terrier dog, Wong Wong.
Languages: English (Native), Cantonese (Intermediate), Mandarin (Beginner)
Education: Degree and teaching qualification
Part of the team since: 1998
Experience of living abroad: I lived in Hong Kong for 5 years, teaching in a local Chinese school and also giving private tuition to children and adults. During my time in Hong Kong I lived with Eric’s parents and cousin for 2 years who only spoke Chinese (very much like living in a Chinese homestay).
Name: Eric Kin Sun Fan
Job Title: Director
Department: ManagementHi, I am Eric Kin Sun Fan, Director of Study Links International.
I grew up in Hong Kong, came to England to further my study when I was 18 and met my wife Angela. After university, I became a teacher in a secondary school in Hong Kong. In 1988, just after our second child was born, Angela and I decided to move to England. In 1989, I gained employment as a computer programmer in a mail order company – Grattan which is based in Bradford. 23 years later, I left Grattan to join Study Links.
Being a father of three children, I have always understood the values of bringing up children to be independent and a contributor to the society. Naturally, this is the principle I have then adopted in running our Guardianship business.
I love sports, regularly play badminton, tennis, and table-tennis. Other favourite pastimes include karaoke, dog walking, ‘rounding up‘ the Fans for a family get together and going on the occasional holiday.
Languages: Cantonese (Native), Mandarin (Intermediate), English (Fluent)
Education: Degree level
Part of the team since: 1998
Experience of living abroad: I was an overseas student in the UK living in homestay and university accommodation. I then taught in HK , then worked in UK in computer programming.
Name: Ailie Fan
Job Title: Managing Director
Department: ManagementHi, I’m Ailie.
I’ve been lucky enough to grow up with the business and to study abroad myself, so I am familiar with all the happy (and sometimes sad) times our students have when studying abroad.
As Managing Director it is my job to ensure everything runs smoothly in the office, so that when you need us we are quick to respond and have the answer you need! I work closely with my colleagues in all departments to help make your experience in the UK stress-free, beneficial, and fun!
My favourite part of the job is meeting so many wonderful people from around the world.
Outside of work you can find me singing karaoke, trying to bake cakes, or exploring the countryside with family, friends or my dog!
My email address is ailie@studylinks.co.uk.
Languages: English (native); Cantonese (fluent); Mandarin (intermediate)
Education: BA Hons in East Asian Studies and Management
Part of the team since: 2006
Experience of living abroad: 1 year in Nanjing, China as a student and one summer in Beijing, China living with homestay for a summer camp
Sophie Richards
Head of Student Services & HomestayName: Sophie Richards
Job Title: Head of Student Services & Homestay
Department: ManagementHello!
My name is Sophie; I have worked for Study Links since September 2011.
I love skiing, walking, swimming and running, and I one of my other interests is architecture and design, along with learning about different cultures.
I love cooking, and really enjoy trying out lots of different foods!
You can contact me about anything related to our students’ personal and academic matters or their homestay and transport arrangements. My email address is sophier@studylinks.co.uk.
Languages: English (Native), German (Basic)
Education: BA (Hons) Interior Design with Sandwich Year
Part of the team since: August 2011
Experience of living abroad: I lived in Cologne, Germany for 6 months with my aunt, uncle and two children. I taught her youngest child English and also worked as well as went to college. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I learnt so much about another country and made so many new friends.
- Student Services Team +
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Liz Starodumova
Student Services (Russian)
Annie Wang
Student Services Advisor
Yuerui Sun
Student Services Advisor (Mandarin)Name: Liz Starodumova
Job Title: Student Services (Russian)
Department: Student ServicesHello, my name is Liz,
I joined Study Links in April 2014. Part of my role is to organise Homestay & Transport for groups and long term students. The other part of my job is to look after all of our Russian speaking families.
I have previously worked as a Logistic administrator and I also worked with international students at Wakefield College. I have also lived with homestay families, so I know how it works from the other side.
I really enjoy reading, especially Russian Literature, horse riding and travelling.
Please contact me about any matter regarding homestay or students’ personal and academic matters. My email address is liz@studylinks.co.uk.
Languages: Russian (native), English (fluent, advanced), Ukrainian (conversational), Spanish (beginners)
Education: BA (Hons) in Business and Management Enterprise; MBA (Business Administration and Management)
Part of the team since: April 2014
Experience of living abroad: 1 year in Wichita, Kansas, USA; 6.5 years in Leeds, UK – 2.5 years lived with the Homestay in Wakefield.
Name: Annie Wang
Job Title: Student Services Advisor
Department: Student ServicesHello, my name is Annie and I joined the Study Links in September 2018. I am passionate about language, travel and cultural experiences. I also like helping people!
From my personal experience, I understand how difficult it can be for foreign students to overcome language barriers and cultural differences.
When I was a student, I travelled to the USA and the UK to study and for a cultural exchange. In my previous roles, I organised and often escorted students to study all over the world and live with host families in order to learn the local culture and language.
One of the reasons I like working at Study Links is because I can totally empathise with international students, and so I can ensure they and their parents are provided with timely and appropriate support.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and my dog. I am also trying to develop my international cooking skills! J
My email address is Annie@studylinks.com
Language: Mandarin, Cantonese, English
Education: Master degree in TESOL Studies
Experience of living abroad: half a year in the USA for a summer exchange program then I travelled around the USA; one and half years in the UK for an English language course, a Master degree and an intern job at an independent boarding school.
Name: Yuerui Sun
Job Title: Student Services Advisor (Mandarin)
Department: Student ServicesHello,
My name is Yuerui. I am your Student Service Advisor and have been with Study Links since September 2018.
I have over 10 years’ experience of teaching in China and one year’s experience as an Education Consultant in the UK.
I like travelling and experiencing different cultures. I’m a nature lover and a scuba diver. I love cooking and enjoy trying different food.
I have a great deal of patience and I am always happy to help. I will deal with your problems and answer your queries in an efficient and professional manner.
My email address: yuerui@studylinks.com
Languages Spoken: English (fluent), Mandarin Chinese (fluent)
Education: Studied English Language Teaching at Nanyang Technological University
Studied Tourism Administration at Northwest Normal University
Part of the team since: September 2018
Experience of living abroad: I studied in Singapore for a year, and moved to the UK from China in
2017.
姓名：孙悦蕊
职务：学⽣生服务顾问
部⻔门：学⽣生服务部
⼤大家好！
我是悦蕊。我于2018年9⽉月供职于Study Links，任学⽣生服务顾问⼀一职。
本⼈人在中国从事教育⾏行业⼗十年有余，并于⼀一年前涉⾜足英国教育咨询⾏行业。我喜欢周游和体验不同
的⽂文化，热爱⾃自然，是⼀一名潜⽔水员，更倾⼼心于烹饪也热爱美⾷食。简单的说就是爱吃、爱玩、爱⽣生活
我有⼗十⾜足的耐⼼心和爱⼼心，若您有任何疑问和问题请随时联系我，我⼀一定会不遗余⼒力地为您提供帮
助。
语⾔言：英语（流利）、普通话（⺟母语）
教育背景：南洋理⼯工⼤大学进修英语教学法
⻄西北师范⼤大学攻读旅游管理硕⼠士
加⼊入公司时间：2018年9⽉月
海外⽣生活经历：新加坡求学⼀一年，于2017年迁居英国。
- Homestay & Transport Team +
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Carol Duffy
Homestay & Transport Organiser
Becca Parry
Homestay & Transport Organiser
Jane Nanson
Homestay AdministratorName: Carol Duffy
Job Title: Homestay & Transport Organiser
Department: Homestay & TransportMy name is Carol and I organise homestay and transport.
I joined Study Links in March 2012 and I have worked in administration/customer service for many years but in many different roles. I am a person who strives to deliver good customer service and I enjoy working as part of a team.
I am a mother to 2 grown up sons; I also have a grandson and a granddaughter, I enjoy spending time with my family and I also enjoy music, gardening and walks in the country.
You can contact me about anything relating to students’ holiday accommodation and any transport required. My email address is carol@studylinks.co.uk.
Languages: English (native)
Education: Senior school
Part of the team since: 2012
Experience of living abroad: None yet
Name: Becca Parry
Job Title: Homestay & Transport Organiser
Department: Homestay & TransportHi, my name is Becca! I joined study links, in the Homestay and Transport Team in August 2015. I have been part of a Foster Family for nearly 10 years, so I understand how important it is to welcome students into a family home!
In my spare time I like to spend time my family, friends and my pet rabbit, Rupert! In the future I would like to travel the world!
If you need any help with anything regarding students’ holiday accommodation or help with transport, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email address is becca@studylinks.co.uk.
Languages: English (Native)
Education: Business and Admin (NVQ)
Part of the team since: 2015
Experience of living abroad: None yet
Name: Jane Nanson
Job Title: Homestay Administrator
Department: Homestay & TransportHi,
I’m Jane and I have worked at Study Links since November 2013. I am part of the Homestay and Transport department.I am the person responsible for getting all the Homestay files up to date and all the documents that we require, so that they are ready to host students as soon as possible. I am a friend of the Fan family and I never realised until I worked here that the business is so complex. I am also responsible for coordinating an annual trip of Spanish students from Madrid. They come over at the start of the new school year in September for about a month and stay with our Homestays and go to local schools and integrate with a local community.
In my free time, I play badminton in the winter and tennis in the summer. I also love to ski, which I did plenty of when I lived abroad in Switzerland for thirteen years. I also like to go for long walks with my dog Elsa a Rhodesian Ridgeback ( Elsa even comes in to the office some times, all my colleagues really love her to come in, she gets plenty of cuddles). I love travelling both here and abroad and exploring new places. I enjoy visiting stately homes when the weather is not so good but on good days I just love being in the outdoors.
Homestay families can contact me if you have any queries about applying to be a homestay or your homestay application. My email address is homestay@studylinks.co.uk.
Languages: English (native), German (basic)
Education: Senior School
Part of the team since: November 2013
Experience of living abroad: I lived in Switzerland for thirteen years, whilst there I met people from all over the world.
Sherifa Warrington
Homestay & Transport Organiser
Liz Starodumova
Group and Long Term Homestay OrganiserName: Sherifa Warrington
Job Title: Homestay & Transport Organiser
Department: Homestay & TransportHi!
My name is Sherifa. I started working for Study Links in December 2015 working as part of the Homestay and Transport team after previously working as part of the Student Recruitment and Marketing department at Leeds City College.
I also have experience volunteering for various mental health charities, providing non-judgmental advice and support to people suffering from emotional and psychological difficulties which has given me the opportunity to help and work with a variety of people from all walks of life.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my son, singing, writing songs and stories and exercising! I also enjoy regularly socialising with my friends and family. I would love to have the opportunity to travel abroad more with my son in future!
Languages: English (native), Spanish (basic)
Education: Bsc Hons Counselling Studies, Cert in HE Psychology and Forensic Science
Part of the team since: 2015
Experience of living abroad: None yet
Name: Liz Starodumova
Job Title: Group and Long Term Homestay Organiser
Department: Homestay & TransportHello, my name is Liz,
I joined Study Links in April 2014. Part of my role is to organise Homestay & Transport for groups and long term students. The other part of my job is to look after all of our Russian speaking families.
I have previously worked as a Logistic administrator and I also worked with international students at Wakefield College. I have also lived with homestay families, so I know how it works from the other side.
I really enjoy reading, especially Russian Literature, horse riding and travelling.
Please contact me about any matter regarding homestay or students’ personal and academic matters. My email address is liz@studylinks.co.uk.
Languages: Russian (native), English (fluent, advanced), Ukrainian (conversational), Spanish (beginners)
Education: BA (Hons) in Business and Management Enterprise; MBA (Business Administration and Management)
Part of the team since: April 2014
Experience of living abroad: 1 year in Wichita, Kansas, USA; 6.5 years in Leeds, UK – 2.5 years lived with the Homestay in Wakefield.
- Finance Team +
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Sarah Broadbent
Finance and Office ControllerName: Sarah Broadbent
Job Title: Finance and Office Controller
Department: FinanceHello,
I’m Sarah and I am the Finance and Office Controller at Study Links.
I started working for Study Links in November 2013, moving from a previous role within the NHS based in Oldham, Lancashire. I am currently studying towards my AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting.
I am mum to a 2 and half year old, Holly. I enjoy cooking, music, watching films, camping and bike rides and love spending time with family and friends. In my spare time I help to run a local Girl Guide unit.
You can contact me if you have any finance queries. My email address is finance@studylinks.co.uk.
Languages: English (native)
Education: AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (QCF); AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting; BA Hons Criminology with Sociology
Part of the team since: November 2013
Experience of living abroad: None yet
- Marketing Team +
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Ranny Kundi
MarketingName: Ranny Kundi
Job Title: Marketing
Department: MarketingHi, I’m Ranny.
I recently joined the Study Links teams as the new Marketing Executive. Before this role I lived in Manchester for 4 over years, studying Events Management and being an organiser for student events.
I have a strong passion for Music and Food! So if I’m not eating out, I can imagine I’d be cooking up some experimental dish just for fun.
I love travelling, keeping fit, djing, enjoying an active social lifestyle whilst keeping up to date with science and technology (on a daily basis).
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me as I’d be happy to assist with any Marketing or business opportunities.
Email: ranny@studylinks.co.uk
Languages: English & Basic Punjabi
Education: BA (Hons) in Events Management (Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Scottish Team +
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Nik MacKenzie
Liaison OfficerName: Nik MacKenzie
Job Title: Liaison Officer
Department: ScottishHi, my name is Nik and I joined Study Links in February 2017. I am responsible for making sure students have a productive and unforgettable experience in Scotland, whether this be through arranging placements at some of our great schools or by matching students with the perfect homestay. I really enjoy helping people to achieve their full potential and ensuring that every aspect of their stay is prepared for them so they can make the most of the rewarding experience of studying abroad.
I love to travel, cook and try to keep fit in my spare time and I am always on the look-out for a crazy adventure to get involved in. A few years back I did and Ultra Marathon in the Gobi Desert and am trying to top that!
Languages: English (fluent), Mandarin (fluent)
Education: Chinese Studies at Manchester University, Chinese Language at Huadong Shifang University, Shanghai
Experience of Living Abroad: I spent 5 years in Shanghai working as a teacher and translator
Meet the Study Links team
Interested in being a homestay? Request a call.