Professors Without Borders

‘The world is facing two crises in education:

  • the growing inequality gap among students
  • a system that leaves too many students unprepared for jobs in the 21st century’

- Dr Caroline Varin, Co-founder & CEO of Professors Without Borders

Who We Are

Why did I create Professors Without Borders ?

When I was working at the London School of Economics summer school, I realised that quality education was hugely attractive to international students, but was only reaching the very few who would afford the opportunity.

I also witnessed the incredible impact that great teachers, interested peers and new ideas had on every single student in the room.

The challenge was how to reverse this model? Instead of bringing students OUT to learn, we bring educators IN to teach.

The world is facing two crises in education: the growing inequality gap among students; and an antiquated education system that is not fit for purpose in the 21st century.

We can fix these two problems.

Students everywhere have potential, this is not dependent on social background, economic status, or location. A good teacher will draw that potential out and transform it into a force of nature. Good teaching begins with treating the students respectfully, stimulating their interests and learning through relevant and engaging activities, and ensuring they are developing skills that will prepare them for the realities of the job market.

The same goes for teachers. Educators in most countries face considerable challenges to remain motivated in a profession that can become repetitive, is poorly resourced and increasingly administrative. WE create opportunities for teachers to travel, encounter new ideas, network, publish and grow through our education programmes and our in-house Think Tank. They return energised, inspired and empowered.

Headshot of Doctor Caroline Varin

– Dr Caroline Varin, Co-Founder & CEO Of Professors Without Borders

Glad to be among those who were mentored by you during the Prowibo programme at The University of Lagos. It really helped me to achieve my goals. I graduated with First Class Honours. And I happen to be the 1st student to achieve First Class in the history of my department.
Oluwadamilare Ajalal, Student

A word from our chair

Professors Without Borders works to improve teacher mobility around the world so that every student can experience a dedicated, professional and inspiring learning environment that will fire them up for their next stages in life. We empower students to confidently engage with the world and make it a better place, starting with their immediate environment.

To achieve these objectives, Professors Without Borders focuses on skills-building such as entrepreneurship, communications and writing skills, financial literacy, team-work and confidence-building. These skills help prepare students to be high-achieving contributors to society, whether through their own entrepreneurial vision or when working with a company. Our global network of talented educators are specialists in their fields and excited to share their love for learning with their students.

All countries need talent to develop, and they need this talent at home. While we cannot reverse the brain drain, we can target local talent and contribute to their academic and professional development through capacity building.

What our charity is doing is ambitious as well as important. We are modernising education and inspiring change where it is needed the most.

Denton

– Andrew Denton, Chair Of Professors Without Borders

Professors Without Borders was co-founded by Dr Caroline Varin, barrister Majeks Walker and Tessy Antony de Nassau in 2016.

If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation. Alternatively, for more information or to get involved – contact us.