Network Founder

Zhanna is a Lecturer for German at the Centre of Foreign Language Study at Durham University. Her background (a degree in International Business and a degree in German as a Foreign Language) and working experience in different sectors and in different countries, helps her to blend Enterprise Education principles into her German classes, thus not only helping students on their language learning journey but also equipping them with skills necessary for their future careers.

Network Founder

Christiane is a Senior Lecturer for German at Swansea University and she teaches German language, interpreting, and language teaching modules to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. In her capacity as coordinator for the languages pathway for business students, she also develops the curriculum for the professional purposes sessions and provides ample opportunities for students to enhance their employability skills in Wales and further afield.

Laura is an Assistant Professor at the Centre for Foreign Language Study at Durham University, where she is responsible for coordinating the German programme. Having studied German as a foreign language and taught at a number of higher education institutions in the UK, Germany and South Africa, Laura has a wealth of experience in teaching German as a foreign language and is keen to promote the skills that prepare learners for their future careers in a globalised world.

Astrid spent 14 years working in international business, marketing both consumer and technical products to customers in Germany, France, the Americas and Asia. The ability to communicate with associates and clients in their languages opened many doors and helped to develop opportunities in those markets. She currently works as a Senior Lecturer (E&S) at the University of Exeter and manages the Language Centre’s open-to-all programme. She has many years of experience convening the module “German for Business” (C1-level) and particularly enjoys integrating real-life and topical scenarios into the sessions.

Bettina is a Tutor in German and Academic Adviser at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. She organises the daytime teaching of all German language classes and jointly leads a Creative Translation for Schools outreach project. With a background in teaching English and German as a foreign language, Bettina has a wealth of classroom experience in secondary and higher education. In the language classroom as well as with student ambassadors in outreach projects, Bettina is keen to promote the soft skills needed for real-life situations in the workplace.

Network Consultant

Sandra has a passion for education and teaches a variety of business related modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level at the School of Management, Swansea University. As Programme Director, she aims to provide the best learning and employment opportunities for her students. Originally from Germany and with an academic background in pedagogy, business management and economics as well as industry experience, she equips students with necessary skills and knowledge for future employment opportunities in the UK and abroad.

Silke Mentchen has been teaching German as a foreign language at tertiary level since 1994. She is Professor of German Studies at the University of Cambridge where she oversees the German curriculum for undergraduate courses at the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics. Silke is also a fellow, Director of Studies, and tutor at Magdalene College.  Her teaching interests include translation studies and beginner language courses. She has developed online German grammar materials, co-written textbooks, and published on language teaching methodology. Silke is involved in international networks focused on language teaching and learning and actively promotes language learning in schools, collaborating with teachers on various initiatives. 

Network Consultant

Angela Green, an Associate Professor of Marketing at Durham University, is dedicated to innovative teaching methods, leveraging digital technologies to engage students effectively. She has pioneered digital escape rooms, augmented reality experiences, and interactive mobile apps to enhance student participation in learning. Angela is actively involved in various professional bodies and has chaired the Academy of Marketing, Sport Marketing SIG. She has provided consultancy to prominent sports organizations, facilitating opportunities for her students to apply their expertise. Angela's international engagements include collaborations with institutions in Egypt and training for the Josoor Institute in Qatar, aimed at enhancing marketing capacity for major events like the 2022 Football World Cup.