BISC Team

Meet the BISC Team

Alison Dawson

Director

What’s your background?

Most of my career has been in the Higher Education sector, most recently as Head of Events at the University of Bristol. When I finished studying my first role was as a volunteer with the Taizé Community, where I mucked in with various jobs at the community in France, but also spent a few months in Barcelona working with local churches to organise a big youth event. Living in an international community was an amazing experience and, looking back, planted the seeds for where God was leading me twenty years later.

What do you love about BISC?

I love that at BISC there is no majority culture - we’re in the UK, but other than English being the common language we could be anywhere. I love listening to the students talking about their country, families, and what’s important to them. And it’s a privilege to watch students who first arrive looking anxious, relaxing into the environment and starting to feel at home.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love music, reading and being outdoors. My perfect weekend is heading out to the countryside with my husband and two boys to enjoy hilltop views or tramp through muddy woods!

Evan Botwood

Operations Manager

What’s your background?

I moved to Bristol to study philosophy at UWE Bristol, and never left! I'm the former President of the Students' Union, and former Vice-president of Societies and Communication.

What do you love about BISC?

That I can listen and learn from the great variety of people from all over the world. Also, the welcoming atmosphere we all create together that feels welcoming, freindly, and supportive.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I enjoy reading history/philosophy, hiking, playing board games, and playing

Jancis Edbrooke

Communications Manager

What’s your background?

I’ve been an English Language teacher and absolutely loved it. Helping people achieve and explore new worlds is such an inspiring thing to do. I studied German at university so I know just how difficult it is to learn a foreign language!

What do you love about BISC?

I love the mix of people, cultures and languages. I enjoy creating a place where people can find an international family and enjoy hanging out together.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love music, painting and watching foreign TV - particularly series from South Korea and Japan!

Zoe Feng

Events Manager

What’s your background?

I was a reporter for more than 7 years focusing on Environment Protection in China. It was a very fulfilling experience. While working, I was also doing things that would help the future and humanity, which extended the meaning of my life. In 2021, I came to the University of Bristol with my family to further my studies. Fascinated by the greenery and tradition of Bristol, we decided to stay and create more wonderful memories in the UK.

What do you love about BISC?

I love the family-like atmosphere. Since a student at UoB, I have been a regular volunteer at BISC. Thanks to the welcome and kindness from BISC staff and local volunteers, I have received a lot of support and help. No matter the past or now, I enjoy my work in BISC everyday. Besides, I love to communicate with international students during lunch time, just like a family gathering in granny's garden.

What do you like doing in your spare time? ?

I continue to report on the environment and sustainability area as a freelance writer. I like swimming, yoga and all kinds of sports. During holiday, I enjoy exploring British museums and beachsides with my family and being refreshed in a historical cafe.

Mel Qian

BISC Intern

What’s your background?

I am from mainland China and Just graduated from the University of Bristol. I have a passion for helping and caring about International students as I was an International student. I understand the feelings about living in a completely different country.

What do you love about BISC?

During my study journey, God amazingly restored my life during my study journey, BISC was one of the parts God showed His love, kindness, company and understanding to me. People at BISC are very friendly, diverse and open-minded to everyone. There are so many chances to see more of the world, to break the stereotypes and to build my confidence. It is not just a charity. It is more like a community for me in Bristol. I feel safe, happy and confident when I am here.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love deep conversations, praying, listening to music & singing, walking , and watching TV dramas. I am building a habit of reading. Love going to church and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.