When two organisations with a shared passion for education come together, the result is something truly special. Recently, the teams from Academic Summer and LLE (Living Learning English) met for a joint online introduction, hosted by Helen Lami, CEO of Academic Summer and new Principal of LLE.
Between them, the teams of Academic Summer and LLE represent an extraordinary range of nations and languages – from Albania, Hong Kong, Spain, Lithuania, Chile, South Africa, Canada, Ukraine, Hungary, Scotland, and beyond. Together, they speak a wide variety of languages, including Albanian, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Lithuanian and Hungarian alongside English.
This international diversity mirrors the very students we welcome each year and creates a uniquely global learning environment. For families and individuals who want to learn English in the UK, this cultural depth is an advantage: not only do students immerse themselves in British life, but they are also supported by staff who understand different cultures and learning journeys first-hand.
Helen, who also speaks fluent Albanian, opened the session by highlighting the importance of collaboration: “We are sister companies, stronger together, offering students and families even more opportunities to learn English in the UK.” The virtual gathering was all about people, putting faces to names, sharing stories and celebrating the diversity of two international teams now working side by side.
Some of the Academic Summer and LLE team members on a Teams meeting.
Meet some of the Academic Summer and LLE team members
From across the globe, team members introduced themselves and shared their backgrounds:
- Helen Lami (CEO & Principal) – Leading both organisations with warmth and vision.
- Betty – Based in Hong Kong, she oversees admissions, finance, and marketing in Asia.
- Caroline – From Scotland, with a love for Japan and years of experience in international education.
- Anastasia – Originally from Ukraine, now living in Canada, working in sales, marketing and leisure programming.
- Monika – With a strong background in ESL and academic management, she’s passionate about teacher development.
- Isabel – Spanish by birth, now in England, she has deep insights from both the agent and school sides of the industry.
- Ilmas – A systems and programming specialist from Latvia, instrumental in developing Academic Summer’s app.
- Nora – Admissions manager, originally from Hungary, known as the welcoming ‘front line’ of the company.
- Ellie – HR and safeguarding specialist with a long history in summer schools.
- Gierdre – Lithuanian academic director, blending linguistics and music in her approach to education.
- Francisco – Originally from Chile, with decades of experience in educational marketing across Latin America.
- Evan – Based with LLE, he manages business administration, travel and insurance.
- Al Gibson – a writer originally from South Africa, specialising in communications, PR and SEO.
Together, this international team represents a wide range of cultures, languages, and expertise – all focused on helping students thrive. Find out more about the LLE team.
Introducing each organisation
As part of the meeting, Isabel gave an overview of Living Learning English, explaining how LLE provides immersive one-to-one home tuition with qualified teachers across the UK. Students live and learn with their teacher’s family, gaining not only English language skills but also deep cultural experiences.
Following this, Gierdre introduced Academic Summer, highlighting the unique cross-curricular approach, diverse camp locations in the UK, and various teaching methodologies blending academic learning with creativity, culture and personal growth.
Looking ahead
The meeting concluded with optimism about the future. By working together, Academic Summer and LLE can now offer families flexible pathways: summer camps for children, one-to-one tuition for individuals of all ages and even opportunities for parents and children to learn simultaneously.
This first team gathering was just the start, but it reflected a shared commitment: to create transformational learning experiences and to ensure that anyone looking to learn English in the UK has more choice than ever before.
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!
