Hello, 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).

Hi, 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.

Hi, 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

Hello,

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

Hello!

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.