Jella says working for Oxford Guardians is completely different to any of her previous career roles. She comes from a professional international background in interior design and project management. During her career she has lived and worked in Europe and the Middle East. This experience fuelled her interest in helping young people navigate the challenges of studying abroad and adapting to new environments. 

Jella has always had a passion for entertaining and started hosting so her daughter, an only child, could learn about different cultures. Jella also wanted to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for international students who are far from home. She offers guidance, care, and a sense of security to students, helping them focus on their studies and personal growth.  Jella knows this work requires her to be involved in various aspects of the students’ lives, from academic support to emotional well-being. She believes it’s about helping them create a home away from home and being a constant presence they can rely on. 

All of this led to Jella becoming the Homestay and Student Travel Manager for Oxford Guardians. She is in touch with families to find out their plans for school breaks and can help arrange homestays, if needed, or a driver to get our students to our host families or to the airport if they are travelling home. “I only approve homestays to work with Oxford Guardians when I would be happy for my own child to stay there”.

Jella understands it can be challenging for younger children to study away from their parents, as they have to adapt to a new culture, language, and educational system. However, with the right support and guidance, she thinks these challenges can become opportunities for growth and independence. At Oxford Guardians, we strive to provide a stable and comforting environment, helping students build resilience and confidence during their stay.