Meet the Team
Our dedicated international team is here to support you in your journey to study in Edinburgh.
Victoria Paterson – International Business Manager
Victoria manages all aspects of the international team from international business development, compliance, international admissions and student support. She works closely with the college’s management team to ensure our international strategy aligns with Edinburgh College’s policy, strategy and development aspirations. Originally from New Zealand, Victoria has worked in the International education sector for more than 10 years and has lived and studied in Germany. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, reading and cooking for her family and friends.
Sarah Gore – International Business Advisor
Sarah is responsible for developing international partnerships and projects for Edinburgh College in English Language, teacher training, skills/vocational training and consultancy, for delivery in Edinburgh, overseas or online. Sarah has been working in international education for over fifteen years and in her spare time she enjoys travelling, reading and singing in a choir.
Jamie Murphy – International Business Advisor
Jamie has worked at Edinburgh College since 2015 in a variety of student-facing and Business Development roles. As an International Business Advisor, his main responsibility is to build lasting relationships internationally with organisations, promoting Edinburgh College as a centre of excellence for training, development, and knowledge exchange. In his spare time, Jamie enjoys listening to and playing music, hillwalking, football and visiting the historic sites of Scotland.
Kara McMaster – Team Leader International Admissions and Compliance
Kara provides our international students with advice and assistance on study visas and immigration issues as well as employment, police and doctor registration and any other concerns relating to studying and living in the UK. Kara has worked as an international student advisor for over 10 years and has a passion for travel and experiencing different cultures. Her hobbies include watching and playing sports such as curling and hockey in the winter and swimming and sailing during the summer.
Alina Sirenko – International Admissions and Visa Officer
Alina is responsible for international admissions at Edinburgh College and advises potential students on courses, educational qualifications and English language requirements. Alina has been working with young and adult students for more than 4 years and is passionate about her work. In her free time, Alina likes travelling, reading psychology books, and visiting yoga classes.
Beatriz Rosso Avila – International Admissions Assistant
Beatriz is an International Admissions Assistant at Edinburgh College. Her role involves supporting applicants and organising, and facilitating the entry of new students to our year-round courses, among other responsibilities. In her home country of Chile, she worked as a historian in academic research for almost nine years. Passionate about urban history, she moved to Scotland in 2020 to explore new places, seek new experiences, and meet people from around the world.
Christine Park – Accommodation Officer
Christine’s job is to make sure that all international students have accommodation while they are studying at Edinburgh College and that their needs are met. Christine inspects all homestays and keeps in touch with alternative accommodation providers such as Edinburgh College student accommodation and private residences. Christine was born in Edinburgh and has lived here all her life.
Ross Muir – International Projects Assistant
Ross has over 24 years of Higher Education administration experience including over 15 years of experience working with and supporting International students, Academics and Overseas Partners in Europe and Asia. He has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Ross has a passion for helping students have the best experience possible at Edinburgh College, as he has studied at the College himself. In his spare time, Ross enjoys watching football, rugby, golf and reading about Scottish History.
Nick Arpaia– International Projects Assistant
Nick’s work involves planning, organising and executing the delivery of international projects, as well as supporting students during their courses and liaising with wider college teams. He is from Italy originally and has been living in Edinburgh for six years. In his spare time, he will usually be found outdoors with his dog Stella, climbing Munros, sitting around a campfire or organising activities. Nick also volunteers with a Men’s Mental Health Support Group as a facilitator in Niddrie and is very active in his local community with different charities.