Originally from Swindon, England, Marie studied Psychology and completed her PGCE in Bristol, where she spent a few years working in a variety of schools both in Swindon and inner-city Bristol.

Her sense of adventure then led her to Bangkok, Thailand, where she began her international teaching journey and discovered a love for exploring Asia. Drawn by the rich culture and history of China, Marie later moved to Suzhou, joining a large international school and deepening her experience in global education.

After settling in Hungary, Marie gave birth to her daughter, Eve Violet, who now attends Britannica as a Year 5 student.

Marie is proud to be part of such a wonderful and welcoming community and to be working with such a fantastic group of children, staff and parents.


1. Where did you grow up?

Swindon in the UK, which is an ugly industrial town in the beautiful county of Wiltshire.

2. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I arrived in Hungary in 2016 to start at Britannica International School as Head of Primary, although the universe had extra plans for us and I gave birth to my daughter the same year!

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

I think the parks! I have a young daughter and there are so many wonderful playparks for children. We have had a lot of fun over the years exploring and finding new ones.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

I usually try to take visitors for a river cruise along the Danube at sunset. The view is incredible.

5. What is your favourite food?

I have lived in Thailand and China and absolutely love the food in both countries. Being British, of course I also love Indian curries!

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?

I like to run, mainly along the river, Margit island and Varosliget but I love to find new streets to explore when out on early morning runs.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

Not so much my favourite as my most used -  bocsánat - on account of my clumsiness.

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

I always wanted to be a writer and dreamed of writing children's books. Maybe one day!

9. What's a job you would definitely never want?

I have done some terrible jobs while I was a student. The worst are repetitive and boring like data inputting, but I am possibly the world's worst waitress on account on my clumsiness. I didn't last long in that job.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Portugal - my husband used to live in the Algarve so we went to visit some old friends and introduce my daughter to the beautiful scenery and delicious seafood!

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

Somewhere new in Europe - I spent 10 years in Asia so we explored many places and I am now enjoying exploring this part of the world. I have a list of places I want to visit, but I have not chosen yet!

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

My favourite sports were football and badminton and I have always loved to read. 

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

Probably a morning coffee to get my day started.

14. Red wine or white?

I'm quite partial to either, as long as it's not sweet! Hungarian wine is very good so I'm not too fussy!

15. Book or movie?

Books!

16. Morning person or night person?

I've always been a night person, but since having my daughter, I've had to switch to early mornings instead. 

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

18. Buda or Pest side?

Pest

19. What do you miss most from home?

Family and friends.

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou