Candida Darling
Overseas Learning and Study Abroad Lead
Biography
Candida Darling is Overseas Learning and Study Abroad Lead and a senior lecturer at the University of Chester. Candida is an experienced teacher and lecturer in Psychology, International Relations, Intercultural Competence and Global Citizenship. She describes herself as neurodivergent in the form of ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia she is an inclusive, privileged, anti-racist, feminist. She is a Fellow of The Higher Education Academy and a Gold standard member of the Global Citizen Organisation. She provides guidance to students and staff across the University in relation to all aspects of overseas learning. She works closely with those who want to study abroad as part of their degree, staff from academic departments and students who are visiting the University from abroad. Candida also conducts due diligence for exchange partners and volunteering organisations. Her work includes ensuring that the University has the right processes in place for supporting students abroad and working with visiting students to provide the best possible experience for them during their stay. In the past, she has worked with local government and charities supporting homeless and vulnerable young adults, and more recently survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. At present, she advocates for these individuals in her personal time.
Teaching and Supervision
Candida is an experienced trainer, teacher, and lecturer. Before moving into academia, she coached in exercise, health, and nutrition for over 15 years, focusing on women's health and well-being. Later she taught in secondary schools and has been a university lecturer for over 10 years. At previous institutions, she taught Politics, International relations, and Psychology, during this time she established the student arm of the Desmond Tutu Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Liverpool. More recently she has combined this knowledge and experience to teach Intercultural competence, Cross-cultural understanding, and Global Citizenship to undergraduate students at the University of Chester and from all around the world. She delights in hosting over 60 international students a year sending University of Chester students to six of the seven continents.
Research and Knowledge Exchange
Candida's research and community work has focussed on conflict transformation and overcoming trauma. Specifically, readiness for reconciliation in the North/Northern Ireland, Peace for Women in UNSCR operations, and Student well-being and Identity. As part of her current role, she explores Intercultural competence, Cross-cultural understanding, and Global Citizenship