In this Q&A session, Caroline Marshall from Academic Summer Camps reflects on her journey, the transformational power of summer camps, and why she believes all teenagers should have the chance to experience one.
Q: Caroline, you’ve been part of Academic Summer for nearly a decade now, playing so many roles, from admissions to communications and even camp director. How did your journey begin?
A: Caroline Marshall: I worked with our CEO, Helen Lami at DLD College in London. Helen was my manager and she encouraged me to take on new international markets, like Italy, and travel overseas. When she left to start Academic Summer, I joked about her contacting me for a job if the company ever took off! A few years later I got the call… and I had to eat my words!
Helen asked if I wanted to come and work for her and that gave me the flexibility to eventually move back to Scotland. I’m now based in Fife, which is famous for St Andrews, the home of golf and Scotland’s oldest university.
But looking back to when I started in admissions, I was the first point of contact for families and agents. Then I moved into more operational roles, supporting Helen directly, and eventually found my place in communications. Along the way, I’ve also managed camps, travelled to fairs and even drove the minibus in Cambridge during a small, but very special, COVID summer. So yes, I’ve worn a lot of hats! It’s been nearly 10 years now and I’m amazed at the way Academic Summer has flourished.
Q: What’s kept you so passionate about Academic Summer all these years?
A: Caroline Marshall: It’s never boring! Helen is a visionary. She’s always thinking ahead and encourages all of us to keep evolving. That energy is contagious. Plus, I get to meet incredible people from all over the world – students, parents, agents. It’s like being part of a global family.
I do love being in my little Scottish town, yet I’m speaking every day to people from all over the world, which is really nice. I’m on a call with Japan in the morning, then Italy, France, Switzerland, London, Qatar later on!
Q: You’ve seen thousands of teenagers come through Academic Summer over the years. What kind of impact do you think it has on them?
A: Caroline Marshall: Honestly, I often find myself thinking, “I wish I’d gone to something like this when I was a teenager.” When I went to university, I really struggled. I didn’t know how to make friends, especially with people from different cultures. I didn’t join any clubs. I just didn’t know how to put myself out there.
That’s why I believe so strongly in what we do at Academic Summer. Our students learn how to adapt, how to communicate, how to feel confident in new environments. And, it’s not just about improving their English, it’s about building real-life skills that stay with them for years..
Top left: Caroline Marshall with Helen Lami and Anastasia. Right: Posing for a tudent selfie in Canada.
Q: Building life skills and critical thinking is so important, especially for parents who might be wondering what their child will actually get out of it.
A: Caroline Marshall: Exactly. Yes, they’ll improve their English, and yes, they’ll be challenged academically. But it’s the personal growth that’s most powerful. One of our students discovered he was brilliant at maths during camp, something his school had never picked up. Another group performed a poem in Chinese during our talent show and got a standing ovation. That kind of confidence doesn’t just happen in a classroom.
Q: And safety must be a top concern for parents?
A: Caroline Marshall: Absolutely. We take it very seriously. From the moment students land at Heathrow, they’re in our care. We offer 24/7 supervision, follow all safeguarding regulations and make sure every child is supported emotionally and practically.
“Go beyond your comfort zone, that’s when the magic happens!” – Caroline Marshall
Q: You also mentioned the CLIL approach, can you explain that in simple terms?
A: Caroline Marshall: CLIL stands for Content and Language Integrated Learning. Instead of just learning English, students learn academic subjects in English. Our teachers are subject specialists, not just English teachers, so the lessons are deeper, richer and more relevant. Whether it’s maths, science or business, students are immersed in English through real content, not just grammar drills.
Q: You get students coming to the UK from all over the world. How many nationalities do you think Academic Summer attracts?
A: Caroline Marshall: Yes, our students come from over 60+ countries. So our summer camp experience is about learning how to be in the world. Our students (aged 7-17) learn to live independently, to understand other cultures and to articulate their thoughts. These are the things that set them up for university and beyond. Plus, they make friends for life.
Caroline Marshall far right with students at Academic Summer Camp, Canada
Q: As Communications Executive, you’ve helped shape Academic Summer’s communications, from newsletters to the Clever Fox News Journal. How has that helped connect with families?
A: Caroline Marshall: The Clever Fox Journal lets us share updates, insights and stories in a way that’s both informative and warm. With our logo / mascot being a fox, the name echoes what we do, offering fun learning experiences. And, now that we’ve joined forces with Living Learning English, it’s become a platform to share across both organisations. The two brands really complement each other. Together, we offer a complete journey, from immersive summer schools to homestay English tuition.
Q: What would you say to a parent who’s on the fence about sending their child to a summer school in the UK?
A: Caroline Marshall: I’d say don’t hesitate. If you want your child to grow, adapt and come back more confident, this is the experience to give them. They’ll be well looked after, they’ll make incredible memories and they’ll gain the tools to thrive in their future education and in life. You can also read my latest blog: Why a UK summer school experience could be life-changing for your child.
Attending a summer school in the UK requires moving beyond your comfort zone, for both parent and child but that’s when the magic happens!
Q: What’s coming up for 2026 and beyond?
A: Caroline Marshall: We’ll be running our main programmes at Sidcot, DLD in London, and David Game College, plus Canada and possibly China again. And I’m sure Helen has something else brewing! Maybe Germany! We’re also expanding our partnerships with Living Learning English, especially to help students bridge the gap between summer school and boarding school terms.
Q: Thank you Caroline. It’s clear you’re right at the heart of Academic Summer.
A: Caroline Marshall: Thank you. Honestly, I just wish I’d had this chance when I was younger. But now I get to help others make the most of it and that’s even better.
The Clever Fox Journal is the online news section of Academic Summer Camps, inspired by our logo – a wise fox wearing a graduation cap. Just like our summer programmes, The Clever Fox Journal is a place of curiosity, learning and discovery, bringing you the latest updates, insights and stories from our academic camps in the UK and Canada. Stay informed, stay inspired – and think like a clever fox!