News Stories

Cyprus International Education Exhibition 2008

One of the main attractions of the CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION EXHIBITION 2008 was the Global Education Counselling stand.

Although the first couple of days of the exhibition could not be classified as the best that GEC had attended in regards to numbers of visitors, in the end the event as a whole was very successful in terms of student enquiries and was deemed to be especially profile building for GEC.

The Director of International Affairs Mr. Theo Theodorou attended the exhibition during his visit to the island from his base in the UK. The participation of Mr. Chris Taylor of the University of Worcester as well as Mrs. Ruth Herman and Ms. Anesha Liedtke from the University of Hertfordshire added to GEC's reputation in regards to the relationship that GEC has with its partner institutes.

The International Manager Europe / Middle East Mr. Antonis Antoniades was quoted as being very enthusiastic and optimistic in the way the GEC Cyprus office is progressing.

GEC Teams Up with Australian Universities

GEC is delighted to announce that it has teamed up with several Australian Universities and launched recruitment campaigns in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. Following a successful 'trial run' GEC Directors unanimously voted on pushing forward with Australian Recruitment across the African Continent. With Partners offering courses ranging from 2-year Diplomas, 3-year Bachelors and Post Graduate Degrees, GEC is able to offer a wide choice for the International student.

Operational Managers have carefully looked at the programme provision and quality assurance, together with all aspects of the visa requirements for African students and have rolled out a comprehensive package to students, following intensive staff training across the relevant offices.

In the first wave, students from all 3 countries have responded overwhelmingly to the news and are keen to discover all the possibilities and opportunities an Australian Education can offer them, including the right to live and work in Australia following their studies.

Academic Director Visits Dakar

The Academic Director is visiting Dakar in Senegal in early April to progress an agreement that has been signed with Green Wood College. The College specialises in sports education but is expanding its portfolio of courses through a collaboration with GEC to include:

the International Degree Foundation Programme, (IDFP)
the International Medical Degree Foundation Programme, (IMDFP)
the International Pre-Masters Programme, (IPMP)
Years one and two of undergraduate degree programmes

A recruitment base will also be established in Dakar in conjunction with the teaching programme.

These developments are an important part of the global expansion of GEC and evidence of the continuing dynamic growth of the Company.

GEC student honoured by the Nigerian High Commission

GEC Nigeria recruited University of Bedfordshire student Chinwe Maureen Chidobema receives an award for high academic achievement.

A Nigerian student from Bama, Borno state, Ibrahim Baba Shehu, currently studying for Masters at University of Manchester, who graduated with a distinction in construction management from the same University in 2007, has been honoured by the Nigerian High Commission.

Ibrahim Baba Shehu was honoured recently alongside Chinwe Maureen Chidobema by the Nigerian High Commission in London for their outstanding academic performance in their educational career. Baba Shehu who studied Construction Management in his first degree, graduated with a first class from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, while Chidobem had a masters degree in MBA from the University of Bedfordshire, where she graduated with a first class.

In a private ceremony, The Nigerian High Commission in London honoured the two students for their outstanding performances. The acting Nigerian ambassador in the United Kingdom Nwanna Dozie told the Gathering that it is the usual customs of the Nwann disclosed to the gathering of diplomats friends and family members of the two students that, the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Christoper Kolade had instructed Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom to honour the two outstanding Nigerian citizens who have excelled in their various chosen academic career, in line with the tradition of The High Commission.

Baba Shehu, who responded to question from Daily Trust on phone, says despite whatever fortune in the UK, he is returning to Nigeria after his masters programme to help with his knowledge and skills towards contributing to the development of the economy.

On the relevance of the course of his study, he told Daily Trust that the construction Industry in Nigeria is big, capable of creating more jobs and wealth for people and families.

Press Release

Cyprus Office Expands

International Officer wanted
We are currently looking for an enthusiastic career motivated person who will undertake the position of an International Officer working for GEC Cyprus. The appointee will be based at our company's Headquarters in Nicosia, Cyprus. GEC is a global educational consultancy and recruitment company with offices in 11 countries encompassing Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Gulf and Asia.

This is an excellent career opportunity to join GEC which has many years of experience in the field of education counselling, training and development.

Applicants should possess the following credentials and skills:

Possess a university qualification
Be fluent in both written and spoken English
Have considerable knowledge of Cyprus
Knowledge of marketing higher education would be an advantage
Be computer literate with knowledge of the Microsoft office suite
Be capable of working independently and as part of a team
Be able to show initiative and leadership skills
Possess excellent organization skills
Be prepared to travel to other GEC offices
Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Have good presentation skills
Be able to show that they have the ability to manage a budget
Be prepared to become British Council trained

Download your application form and return it to cyprus@geceducation.net or fax it to +357 22 664600.

New Partner in Cyprus Important Educational Development

Global Education Counselling (GEC) and the Herodotus Institutes have concluded an agreement to deliver the International Degree Foundation Programme in Cyprus. The agreement was signed today by the representatives of the two institutions, Mr Panayiotis Theodorou the Chairman of GEC and Mr Herodotus Neofytou, the Managing Director of the Herodotus Institutes.

The International Degree Foundation Programme has been taught by GIC for the last eight years in other countries and has established a solid reputation as a programme leading to university entrance at undergraduate level. It is recognised for entry purposes by 20 UK universities, a number of which guarantee a place on successful completion of the programme.

The programme, which will commence in September 2007, provides entry to university courses in the areas of Business, Computing and Science. A special version of the programme provides access to European medical courses. The course is designed to suit the needs of both local Cypriot students and the many international students who study in Cyprus.

The IDFP is a one-year programme. It covers the academic disciplines relevant to the students chosen area of study, but also has the additional strengths of offering the essential supporting subjects of Language, Communication Skills and Information Technology. All of these ensure that the graduate of the IDFP is well prepared to achieve highly on UK degree programmes.

Global International College is a division of Global Education Counselling (GEC), which is a leading international organisation in the field of educational recruitment to UK and other European universities. The Herodotus Institutes has established a substantial reputation as a private educational institution in the Limassol area. It has twenty years experience of offering high quality educational programmes at its campuses in Ypsonas and Episkopi.

The partnership between these two institutions provides a strong infrastructure for offering a high quality programme that will open up a new opportunity for Cyprus based students aspiring to enter UK universities.

The Director of International Affairs of GEC and GIC, Mr Theo Theodorou, stated with regard to the signing of this agreement:

"This partnership, offering the International Degree Foundation Programme in Cyprus, is an important extension of the rapidly expanding global outreach of GEC and GIC. It offers Cyprus based students an exciting new opportunity to obtain entry to our well-respected partner universities in the UK and other European countries."

The Managing Director of the Herodotus Institutes, Mr Herodotus Neofytou, stated:

"The International Degree Foundation Programme is an important addition to the repertoire of courses offered by the Herodotus Institutes. It will provide a further impetus to establishing the Institute as a leading educational provider in Cyprus and create a gateway for students, both Cypriot and International, to enter UK universities."

Inquiries to:

Herodotus Neofytou - Managing Director
The Herodotus Institutes
Kasianou 6 Ypsonas, Limassol, Cyprus
Tel: + 357 25 393027, + 357 25 932738
E-mail: interepi@spidernet.com.cy

Antonis Antoniades - International Manager Europe/Middle East
Global Education Counselling
Stasinou 1 Mitsis Building 3rd Floor, 1060 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: + 357 22 383448
Fax: + 357 22 664600
E-Mail: cyprus@geceducation.net

INTERCOLLEGE visits Iran

On 2nd March 2007 an educational visit was organized by Global Education Counselling Cyprus Ltd to Iran. Participating in this event were Dr Michalis Attalides the Rector of Intercollege, Cyprus, together with Dr Andreas Charalambous the Dean of Enrolment Management and Head of Socrates Office also from Intercollege.

Accompanying the Intercollege delegates were the host, Dr. Parviz Saadati the Honorable President of GEC Iran, Mr. Antonis Antoniades the Head of GEC's Cyprus office and International Manager Europe / Middle East, and the rest of the GEC Iran team.

GEC Iran organized an educational recruitment campaign for Intercollege in the University of Esfahan's main presentation hall, in the city of Esfahan. Following a very successful event the delegates and members of the GEC Iran team conducted a series of personal student interviews. The students showed considerable interest in Higher Education.

The delegation also visited Tehran, the capital of Iran. Meetings were held with one of the Mayors of Tehran His Excellency Mr. Adel Mazari and also with one of the capitals District Attorneys His Excellency Mr. Alireza Sargolzehi.

The visit in general was considered by all to be a great success. The photograph was taken in Mr. Mazari’s office during his meeting with the Intercollege delegation and GEC.

GEC donates £1000 to Kenyan Orphanage

Professor Raj Gill Regional Director of Middlesex University for Africa and the Middle East set out on a week-long fundraising expedition to scale Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. The funds raised will go towards building new classrooms and dormitories.

The Star for Jesus Rehabilitation centre was established in 1997 and it provides a safe haven for street boys who have been orphaned or disowned by their families. Based in the Njathaini estate, just outside of Nairobi, the centre now houses 60 boys and aims to provide the children with education and employment opportunities. The orphanage depends on donations. GEC is a partner of Middlesex University and Mr Theo Theodorou the Director of International Affairs was in full support of the fundraising project and was proud to donate £1000 towards this worthy cause.

GEC partner university launches Ghana scholarship

One of GEC's partner universities - The University of Bedfordshire - has launched a new programme giving qualified Ghanaian students the opportunity of receiving a scholarship of £1,000.

The University's representative Larry Jasevicius said: "Our popularity with students in Africa is growing every year and we have more than 400 African students currently studying with us at the moment. We are delighted to announce that a number of scholarships worth £1,000 each are now available to well-qualified students. We will be working with our representatives to ensure that these scholarships are promoted in schools and colleges."

The University of Bedfordshire Business School is the largest in the East of England with more than 4,000 students studying on undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Students from Ghana can enjoy making friends through the University's Ghanaian Society which organises regular social events.

African student, Jacqueline Obera, said: "I'm really enjoying my course and I like the accessibility of the lecturers who are very supportive. It is a friendly area, and you can buy African food very easily."

For more information about studying at the University of Bedfordshire, including applying for courses commencing in January 2007, click here or email.

Over 80% visa success rates for September 2006

GEC is proud to announce that it scored an average visa success rate across the globe at over 80%. Offices in South Asia, Africa and Europe reported a steady visa conversion rate, which is attributed to the dedication and hard work of the visa counsellors.

According to Mr Theodorou, GEC's Director of International Affairs, the company operates an extremely stringent screening process, which ensures prospective students are well prepared when applying for visas.

Over 500 hundred students placed in September 2006

GEC has been successful in placing over 500 students to Universities in the UK and Europe. Students have been placed in all subject areas including Engineering, Medicine, Art & Design, Business and Education.

Postgraduate studies in Business has been a firm favourite for many students but there has been a steady rise in Engineering and Medicine this year, according to Mr. Antoniades, Head of Operations at GEC's Head quarters in Cyprus.

New offices launched in Iran

Mr Theo Theodorou arrived back in the UK from a 3-day visit to Tehran and Tabriz in Iran on the 20th of September. Mr. Theodorou was in Iran for the launch of GEC's offices there. "I am delighted to say that the trip was very successful and we have just launched our Tehran office and a satellite office in Tabriz. I was able to meet with the British Embassy and the British Council and it seems that we will be powering full-steam-ahead in Iran." Mr. Theodorou added "GEC's partner universities have shown a keen interest in working in Iran."

New offices in Lagos

GEC is on the move again. The Nigeria office is in the process of being relocated from the Ribadu Road site in Ikoyi, Lagos to the new 30 million Naira centre in Saka Tinubu on Victoria Island Lagos.

Josephine Peters, the Administration Manager in Nigeria reported on the final stages of the move, which will house the Regional Offices of the University of Bedfordshire, University Wales Newport and Wigan & Leigh College alongside the GEC teams.

The new site is located in the prestigious Saka Tinubu area of Victoria Island and is located within the business hub of Lagos. "The offices have ample parking spaces, which is vital for Lagocians, and is in a very easily accessible location. We are very proud to moving there and hope to be in by the end of October" reported Mrs Peters.

University Beds RO in Cyprus, Nicosia

The University of Bedfordshire launched their Regional Office in Nicosia, Cyprus in October 2006. The Regional Office is located within GEC's offices and will be managed by Mr. Antoniades, GEC's Cyprus manager of operations.

In a recent interview, Mr Antoniades said "Cyprus is in an excellent location to act as a hub for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa for universities wanting to capitalise on the market potential of the region. And we must not forget the potential to recruit EU and International students from Cyprus which attracts students from all parts of the World."

Wigan & Leigh to launch new HND programmes at GIC Nigeria

Wigan & Leigh College has been working with GEC to launch HND programmes in Nigeria. Trevor Ashton from Wigan & Leigh has been in meetings with the Senior Management team at GEC in London to discuss the feasibility of delivering courses at the Global International College in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan.

Mr Shamim Ghani, Deputy Director of International Affairs stated that the number of people in Nigeria wanting to study in the UK is very high, but the number of people able to study and live in the UK is quite limited. Therefore providing an opportunity to gain a UK qualification locally would be a very attractive option for many students.

He welcomed the initiative taken by Wigan & Leigh and is looking forward to working closely with the College to make sure that the courses are marketed and delivered in a manner to reflect the high standards maintained by Wigan & Leigh.

GEC in talks with ACCA

Mr Shamim Ghani initiated discussions with the ACCA this summer and met with Jane Briggs from the ACCA in London to talk about the possibility of becoming tuition providers in Africa and South Asia.

Ms Briggs talked about the network of partners the ACCA has across the World and also talked about the difficulty in maintaining standards across all tuition providers. Mr Ghani mentioned that GEC has a proud tradition quality, which is constantly reviewed by Graham Reid the Director of Quality at GEC. Mr Reid joined GEC following a long career at the University of Portsmouth as the Deputy Dean of Quality Assurance. GEC is launching ACCA programmes in Nigeria from its new offices in Saka Tinubu, Victoria Island, Lagos.