OXFORD GUARDIANS

Did you know that Oxford Guardians employs educational guardians who speak foreign languages, including a number of native speakers? They provide valuable support to international students studying in the UK, and to their families. We asked Negar how her fluency in Farsi helps make life easier for families using Oxford Guardians.

Smoothing cultural understanding

Negar knows first hand the cultural and language issues that can affect international students. She and her sister were both brought up in Iran and sent to school in the UK.

‘I remember very clearly the challenges my family faced when they sent my sister to study in England at the age of 16,’ says Negar. ‘It’s very normal for parents to feel worried, and Oxford Guardians were great at taking the time to explain everything.’

Cultural issues and a different educational system can still be challenging for international families. Now that she is herself an educational guardian, Negar uses her language skills and familiarity with both cultures to help students and their families understand how everything works, giving them real reassurance.

Helping students and parents

International students may need occasional help in understanding the English language. Negar’s Iranian students see her in person at least once a month, providing a great opportunity to catch up and deal with any issues that may have arisen. Knowing that she speaks fluent Farsi can also be comforting if her students want to discuss difficult issues.

An educational guardian fluent in their own language is also a great support for parents who may have limited understanding of English. Negar takes care to ensure that her students’ parents are always able to ask questions if there is anything they have not understood.

Oxford Guardians has guardians fluent in languages including Farsi, Russian and Chinese all ready to help international students and their families get the best from their British Education.