I am from Nicosia, Cyprus, and I obtained my BA in Contemporary European Studies with Languages (English and Spanish) from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. I received my MA degree from the University of Groningen in Multilingualism with a specialisation in Multilingual Education and Language Policy Planning. I completed the Doctoral Program ‘Education: School, Language and Society’ and, as of 2021, I hold a PhD from the University of the Basque Country. In my PhD thesis I drew conclusions on various language beliefs, communication with the “other”, intercultural competence and how it can help to build a more inclusive, just, and peaceful society.

Whilst I have always been interested in learning languages, studying abroad for 10 years, changing eight cities in four countries during that time has had an impact on my interest in diversity. Studying abroad was a chance for me to observe and be more aware of my own ways of being, and my own roots, and to look home from a distance. So, when I moved back to Cyprus, I aimed to fully grasp the possibilities of the application of some of the existing theories on multilingualism and intercultural competence, in contexts where classroom practices are still predominantly informed by monolingual ideologies and ethnocentric narratives. It is an ongoing quest.

In addition to my field specific knowledge, I enhanced my knowledge and skills in project management, research, translation, and localisation through my position at an intercommunal civil society organisation that is one of the key civil society actors in education in Cyprus. Through my position, with fellow experts and practitioners, I crafted and implemented educational interventions that promote dialogue, cooperation and trust between the communities in Cyprus, and within each community. In addition, I have experience in organising multilingual events and social media campaigns, attracting a diverse range of audience.

I am currently based in Cyprus and provide services as an educator and facilitator, interpreter and translator of Spanish - Turkish - English, content writer and editor, and multilingualism consultant. Let’s connect, and discuss how I can add value to your project, organisation, or ideas.