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Holding charity events is an important part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme at St Giles International.  On 28^th March, St Giles London Central and St Giles San Francisco each hosted International Food Day, encouraging students and staff to bring in food from their home countries and sell it to the rest of the school.  The day was a great success and the proceeds were all donated to charity!

• At St Giles London Central, we made almost £600 from selling the delicious cakes and other food made by students and staff.  St Giles donated double what was raised, so in total we made almost £1800 for charity!
• At St Giles San Francisco, we were able to raise $303, which was matched by St Giles.  This meant we raised a total of $606 for charity!

Before the event in San Francisco, two members of the academic team, Travis Bagby (ADOS) and Amy DeLong (Senior Teacher), were interviewed by our CSR Officer and Activities Coordinator, Mike Emmer:

- To start off with, what are you planning on bringing for International Food Day?

Amy: I’m bringing cornbread.

Travis: Chickpea and sweet potato samosas.

- What is the significance of that food for you and how did you learn to make it?

Amy: I’m from Kentucky and so I’ll be making Appalachian cornbread. Cornbread from the Appalachian area doesn’t have sugar or honey in it, so it’ll be savoury, not sweet. My dad taught me how to make it. A cast iron skillet was the first thing I bought when I moved to San Francisco!

Travis: Well, my nieces are multi ethnic, as my brother’s partner is Pakistani. My brother often makes samosas for them, and they are vegetarians. Everyone chips in and makes food so my wife and I have made samosas with them before. The sweet potato addition was something of our own creation.

- Why do you think it’s important for the St Giles community to hold events for charity?

Travis: It’s about giving back to the community and providing that aspect to the students. It’s a chance to show them that they’re not just here to study English, but that they’re also part of the community here.

- What are you hoping to eat on March 28^th?

Amy: I definitely want to try some Korean food because I don’t eat Korean food often.

Travis: Yeah, I’d definitely like to try kimchi and I’d love to try some fire chicken. I love spicy food!

- Thanks for speaking to me today and I look forward to your cornbread and samosas!

If you would like to study English in London or in San Francisco, you can find out more about our locations on the St Giles website.  Alternatively, contact us at hq@stgiles.co.uk, and we will be happy to answer your questions!

Fouziya Mohammed, who studied at our London Central school, tells us about her experience studying and living in London.

As a student from war-torn Libya, studying in the UK was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. Studying abroad is very overwhelming, especially with the pressure of a heavy language barrier. The staff and the students at St Giles made the transition simple and comfortable, beyond expectation. Learning English as a second language is such a challenging task, especially in a foreign country. The tight-knit community you become a part of at St Giles makes you feel welcome and a part of a family. Very quickly you feel at home, as the principal, office staff and colleges demonstrate a genuine interest and rapport with you right from the very beginning! Since enrolling at St Giles it was not long before I developed and grew comfortable in my English ability. Before enrolling at St Giles, I tried many other colleges; however, no other institution could provide the excellent range of facilities and outstanding quality of teaching I found at St Giles. The department there is very encouraging and provided me with the opportunity to get a work placement. Even after leaving, I still feel that sense of community; I visit from time to time and continue to remain in contact. This just shows my high level of respect and appreciation for everyone and everything that makes St Giles what it is:

AN AMAZING PLACE TO LEARN AND GROW!

Why did you choose to study with St Giles?

I was recommended by friends to study at St Giles. It is definitely one of the best study options to improve your language.

How long did you study at St Giles?

I was at St Giles for approximately one year.

What course did you study?

I studied General English, IELTS, FCE and Business.

Can you give us some examples of what you did in your free time during your course?

Actually, at St Giles you will not have much free time if you follow the activity and the social programme. With friends, the most common social activity is going for coffee and eating out.

Did you make new friends during your stay in London?

Yes, it was the best thing that I have a lot of friends from different places around the world and we are still in touch now.

What was your favourite thing about studying at St Giles?

The staff are highly professional people and very friendly.

Why would you recommend St Giles to your friends?

I would recommend St Giles to everyone who wants to study English seriously and who has to improve their English quickly.

If you would like to study in the UK at our English Language School in London, please visit our website or contact us for more information at londoncentral@stgiles.co.uk.

The London Central Platinum Social Programme added The Beatles’ musical “Let It Be” to its social programme roster this month.

On Thursday 8^th February, fifteen students attended the show for the first time, and the feedback was amazing. The Fab Four’s songs are still popular with every age-group and every nationality around the world, so learn English in London and join our Platinum students next time at St Giles London Central!

“It was very beautiful” – Elena (28 years old, from Russia)

“Fantastic evening” – Gefferson (26 years old, from Brazil)

“I want to see it again!” – Bruno (57 years old, from Switzerland)

Find out more about our Platinum English courses for professionals or our English school in London on our website, or contact us for more information at londoncentral@stgiles.co.uk.