londonDirector photo
I look forward to watching students grow and develop during their time in London, and I am proud to introduce students to the most fantastic, vibrant and diverse city in the world.
– Mark Simmons
London program director

meet the director

Mark Simmons
Every Central College Abroad program boasts a resident director who plays a unique role in students’ experience. Directors provide academic advising; teach a hands-on seminar, where students learn about the host city and then experience it first hand; and lead the cultural excursions connected to the seminar class. Central College Abroad takes pride in the personalized attention that it can provide its students.

Mark Simmons, the resident director in London, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about London and all of the UK to the program. Mark received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Aberdeen and completed post graduation work at Napier University. As the resident director, Mark facilitates personal growth and learning by offering on-site support, academic advising and a complete on-site orientation to the host city and country.

Mark is the newest member of the team, joining Central’s London program in August 2008, and has been involved in international education for many years, most recently for the University of London facilitating international business development in education. He has travelled widely for work, having spent time in the United States, Venezuela, Vietnam and China. He is no stranger to challenging cultural situations, be it eating warm monkey brains in China or haggling for sapphires in Sri Lanka.
In his spare time Mark is learning to tango, ride a motorcycle and cook Thai … none of which he claims to do very well.

Mark looks forward to watching students grow and develop during their time in London. While being a Scot, he is also very proud to be a Londoner and excited to introduce students to one of the most vibrant and diverse city in the world.