A FORMER college student who has travelled the world returned to his home town to speak to his successors about possible university and career options in Languages.
Paul Woods left Priestley College seven years ago after studying German, ICT, Chemistry and General Studies and since then his life has been somewhat colourful.
Having completed a degree programme at Lancaster University where he studied German alongside an English Teaching Certificate, he became, quite literally, a globetrotter.
At the end of his studies he accepted a job at Edge Hill University as an international officer, travelling extensively around the world to promote the university in destinations such India, Pakistan, Africa and the USA.
Paul is now set for a number of fresh international challenges after he accepted a new position in a similar role at the Royal Holloway in London where his jet set lifestyle will now take in fresh destinations including Russia, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan.
Back at Priestley, Paul relived some of his most interesting experiences to date including a trip to Mumbai where he was invited to spend time in the company of an Indian family and sample their day-to-day culture.
“The highlights of my visits overseas are quite often not to great historical monuments or seeing amazing tourist sites, but the opportunities to meet the people and learn some of the smaller details about their culture and life” he said.
Paul was amazed by the changes at Warrington since his day.
“When I studied at Priestley, I loved the experience as I felt the college environment was a natural step towards University study.
“I think this is even more the case now, with students having access to great new classrooms with university standard facilities and also social learning spaces, which I also think is very important.”
He was also impressed with the way the current crop of Language students made him welcome on his return to campus.
“The students at Priestley always seem engaged when I talk with them, and also ambitious, with many having a good idea of subjects they may wish to pursue at university level. I wish them all the very best for the future on making the personal decisions that are right for them.”
Pictured: Paul Woods (third from left) with a range of German students keen to learn about his successes since leaving college.
Globetrotter comes back home
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
