CLA Management Team
Gajinder Paul – Campus Director
Gajinder Paul is one of two Directors of Canterbury Language Academy. Having studied law and engineering, he completed his post-graduate studies in management and from a manufacturing career developed an interest in the education sector setting up the first vocational college, Canterbury Business College (CBC) in 1999. In 2000 the partnership with the University of Southern Queensland was formed, facilitating degree programs in Sydney which is present to this day. In 2004, the need arose for students who needed English training prior to joining vocational and higher education programs. Canterbury Language Academy (CLA) was formed.
Gajinder has a passion for travel and currently looks after marketing offices in five countries. He attends study in Australia exhibitions and is regularly in touch with Austrade and Australian Embassies in all countries. He has been a MARA certified agent since 1999 and provides assistance to all students regarding visa advice voluntarily and at no cost.
Afonso Caxala – Director of Studies
Afonso is our Director of Studies at CLA. He has taught and managed at many English Language institutions since 1995. A graduate of the Masters of Education (TESOL) from the University of Sydney with merit, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to CLA. Afonso can be contacted for all CLA academic and student management related enquiries as well as for English Placement testing enquiries. Apart from being fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish, he can also communicate basically in French, Korean and Mandarin.
Email address: dos@canterburyla.com.au
CLA Teaching Staff
Our English language teachers are not only experienced and highly qualified, but are very dedicated to providing our students with the best education they can whilst allowing students to experience typical Australian culture. All teachers have either CELTA or TESOL qualifications and combined have many years of experience in teaching all our programs from General English (Elementary to Advanced levels) to Advanced English for Academic Study (EAP) and IELTS Preparation.
CLA Admissions, Student Services & Marketing
Jessyca Romero – Admissions/Reception
Jessyca is CLA’s main point of contact and Admissions officer at CLA. She has over four years of international and domestic experience managing government projects within the community and public service sector. She is passionate about social science and a high believer in education to improve quality of life. Her mix of qualifications and experience in a number of areas brings a new perspective to CLA. She is empathetic to our students’ needs and has the genuine desire to further develop her skills. She has the passion and the ‘can-do’ attitude needed for the successful development of our students.
Email Address: reception@canterburyla.com.au
Gabrielle Kalanja – Marketing/Student Services & Agent Relations
Gabrielle (aka Gabby), has worked in both administration and marketing related roles in the ELICOS, Vocational and Higher Education Sectors since 2005. She currently works with the Campus Directors in promoting other programs within Canterbury Education Group including CLA programs and mainly looks after markets in the Asia-Pacific. She has both undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications in business from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and uses the skills learned in her dealings with the students and representatives. She can be contacted by students to discuss further studies after competing their course at CLA, enquiries regarding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and education agency contract enquiries.
Email Address: gabrielle@usqsydney.nsw.edu.au
Mami Sakata – Marketing Coordinator (Japan)
Mami is our Marketing Coordinator for Japan and she answers all enquiries from our Japanese students and agents. Originally from Japan, Mami completed a degree in Merchandising, Design and Intercultural Communication, and has studied abroad herself. She is currently studying Marketing and Communications in Australia. With a number of years of experience, Mami has worked in both in the fashion industry and the international education industry and uses her personal and professional experience to consult with our students. She speaks fluent English and Japanese.
Email Address: cegjapan@canterburyeducation.com
