Charlie Abel
Administrator & IT Support
Hi there! My name’s Charlie, I’m part of IH Bristol’s exams and administration team.
I was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, but moved to Bristol before I was 3 months old. While I visit Sweden for a week or two most years, I have lived almost my whole life in a small village on the outskirts of Bristol – I love the countryside, but Bristol has so many huge, green spaces that I feel at home even in the city centre!
Despite not having lived long-term in Sweden, my mum spoke to me in Swedish as a child and so I am now fluent – knowing a second language is incredibly valuable, as a second perspective/way of thinking, as an expansion of vocabulary and ability to express oneself, but above all, as a way of bringing people together. “If you speak to a person in a language they understand, that goes to their head. If you speak to them in their own language, that goes to their heart” – I love the look on a persons face when they realise you speak their language, especially when they themselves are abroad and can’t always share their thoughts exactly as they want to!
I am also learning Japanese – I find eastern culture fascinating, and I hope to spend time in Japan, China and Korea, possibly even teaching English (one day!). I am a very casual student, spending only a little time every day, but learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint, and I know that one day my efforts will bear fruit! I also love playing the piano; music is a language that everyone can understand – after all, speaking is just one way of sharing feelings and emotions through sound!
Meet the IH Bristol team
Marcel Jansen
Pete Gibson
Val Hennessy
Britta Priest
Hello! My name is Britta and I am the office manager at IH Bristol but you can also find me on reception duties. I am originally from Germany and love the international environment at IH Bristol. I have always had a passion for languages and have personally experienced the rewards of being able to speak another language fluently.
Charlie Abel
Hi there! My name’s Charlie, I’m part of IH Bristol’s exams and administration team.
I was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, but moved to Bristol before I was 3 months old. While I visit Sweden for a week or two most years, I have lived almost my whole life in a small village on the outskirts of Bristol – I love the countryside, but Bristol has so many huge, green spaces that I feel at home even in the city centre!
Charlie Marshall
Hi, my name is Charlie. I've been a teacher and teacher trainer at International House Bristol since 2003. Recently, I've started teaching on the Cambridge CELTA courses that we are now running.
David Hazon
Hi I'm David. My role within the school is to run the marketing and ultimately raise the profile of our wonderful school. At IH Bristol we are committed to providing an incredible experience and opportunity for our students to learn English and I firmly believe in this continuing beyond the classroom.
Jason Wong
Hello! My name is Jason. I am the bookkeeper of IH Bristol. I moved here from Hong Kong, and this is my first job in UK. My colleagues are very nice and helpful providing me with a lovely working environment.
Joanna Thorpe
I’m a teacher of English and manage one of our young learner centres during the busy summer months. I moved to Bristol about a year ago and have really enjoyed getting to know the city. Before moving back to the UK I taught English in Vietnam for six years, where I gained my Diploma and Young Learners qualifications. As I’m originally from Scotland, I can speak with both an English and Scottish accent, and love doing other accents too.
Leander Winden
Hello there! My name’s Leander. I’m part of the IH Bristol administrative team, and I spend most of my time coordinating the exams we run here at the school. Before moving to Bristol I lived in Italy for two years teaching English, so I really appreciate being able to work in such a vibrant, international environment.
Luqueney Pearson
Hello, I am the Accommodation and Welfare Officer here at IH Bristol.
I match students with our lovely hosts and ensure that they have a welcoming and safe experience during their time with us. I am here to help!
Nick Jansen
Hello, my name is Nick. I am a receptionist for IH Bristol for our Junior Program. I greet students coming into the building and manage the day to day running of the building.
Nick Wimshurst
Hello, my name’s Nick. I’m an EFL teacher, and teacher trainer on CELTA courses. I’ve only recently moved to Bristol, so I’m looking forward to exploring this part of the U.K. more. Before I moved here, I have worked in a few different places, mostly in Europe and the U.K.
In my spare time I enjoy going for long walks, having an occasional swim, and reading. I like going home to see my family in the north-east of England too.
Patrick Rushforth
My name is Patrick and I teach English as a Foreign Language to both adult and Junior learners here at IH Bristol. Before teaching in the UK I worked in schools in China and France, teaching a variety of English or Music related classes. I enjoy teaching here because it is always interesting to meet new people and get to know about their countries and cultures. It is always rewarding to help people on their English journey.