Helen Bartholomew
Founder
International Education Specialists

www.inter-ed.com

How feasible is international studies?  How is your industry doing?

It is no longer as lucrative as before. There are many external factors to watch and our success or profitability depends on global economic temperature and the local politics and economy. Take for example the exchange rate. When I started the company 28 years ago, the exchange rate was Php4.00 to $1.00. In 1980, a student can go to Switzerland for Php80,000 all in all – that includes tuition, room, food, books.

The foreign universities are now recruiting directly. The biggest killer is the foreign exchange rate. 
Who is your target market?

Obviously, the higher strata of society who can afford the tuition fees.  Now, however, we are able to get a lot  of students from the upper middle class because of the lower cost of studies in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. China is now coming into the picture. They are now recruiting from the neighboring countries.

What are the advantages of getting an international education?

The First World countries arguably still have excellent facilities, first-class text books, and well- trained teachers. Their teachers are really dedicated to what they do and they know very well their area of discipline like the back of their hand. Their educators read a lot and network a lot.

How important is it to have an international education?

From a personal perspective, I sent my children to UK because I know they will learn independence. That’s very important to me. I do not want to worry if the Lord takes me today.

Studying overseas also taught my children something beyond the curriculum. In the United Kingdom, people do not care about social status. My children earned extra money after school by waiting on tables, washing dishes, working in supermarkets, etc. My daughter carried newspapers by foot, uphill, delivering door to door. Will that ever happen here?  In the Philippines, these menial jobs are equated with social standing.

I paid a lot of money for my children to do menial jobs abroad. The training itself is character building. They also learn to budget. They know that if they overspend, they will not have electricity or food. The experience abroad is priceless.

What are the requirements for those who want to take up international education?

There are basic criteria we look for: academic ability (not necessarily summa cum laude). Average Joes can be admitted. Second is the English proficiency. We normally require that they take and pass the IELTS and/or TOEFL. Third and most important is financial capability. They have to show evidences that they have the means and available funds to cover their costs. All these are verified by our office. We conduct tests and call the banks and universities to confirm the authenticity of the documents.

How did it all start? Please tell us about your career path.

I had five jobs before I started Inter-Ed. I was a medical-secretarial graduate. I worked in the hospital, real estate office selling houses and lots, and processing house loans at SSS. I worked as beauty consultant for a cosmetic company and a fashion retailer for a boutique. I worked for a management consultancy and training company before I founded Inter-Ed in 1980.

Therefore, my work experience gave me the training I needed to learn marketing and sales, business development and managing people. I went back to university to finish my Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, followed with an MBA and graduate studies in Human Resource Management.

What were the challenges you encountered during the first few years of your operations?

I was too young, all of 23 years old, when I founded Inter-Ed in 1980. I dealt with parents and they tended to doubt  younger, inexperienced people. So, I had to re-package myself to look older. I wore ‘teacher’s eyeglasses’ (even if they were not graded), suits and high heels. I had a beautician who blow-dried my hair daily and I had my face made up all the time.

Another challenge was communications. For six months, I was paying next door for each phone call I made (both incoming and outgoing). When the previous owners left the building, I paid an arm and a leg for a telex machine and a single telephone. 
Staffing has always been a problem. I was always short in staff during the peak season and always had one too many during the low seasons. I needed someone I can trust the office when I traveled overseas. Fortunately, God blessed me with someone – her name is Marina - who, to this day, is unparalleled. She works long hours. She has  never been in her 11 years of service. The one time she has been absent was when she gave birth. And even when she was in the hospital, she was taking calls from me and my other staff.

What is it like handling and organizing a company such as Inter-Ed?

I work long hours and multi-task. I do the marketing, planning, implementation, selling, hiring, advertising, and budgeting. I read and read.  I  learned career counseling fast. I bought a globe and Atlas map to understand geography. I joined many professional organizations in the travel and tourism sector, I tried to meet the who’s who in education. All these helped me in reaching a high profile in the social scene.

What are your plans for the foreseeable future?

I would like to take my doctorate degree although currently I am now learning estate and financial planning. I want to become a financial adviser to the students I counsel, because I know that many people may have successful careers but end up broke by the time they retire. So, I would like to target younger people. I would like to help educators and investors build and develop schools. I want to be involved in crafting bills to upgrade the quality of education, skills training of students and job placement.

How do you remain competitive, as a leader in the industry?

By being first, by setting standards and introducing innovative ideas. By taking to the Philippines what we learn abroad, sharing them with the local teachers and educators.

Who is Mrs. Bartholomew outside the office?

An aunt to nephews and nieces, helping them with their educational needs. A daughter to my Tatay who lives in San Pedro, making sure he has all his needs; A sister to my siblings who from time to time seek my advice and help. A mother to four children and grandma to three delightful children. I am a mother-in-law to two lovely women!

I have plenty of social friends, but  only a handful of close friends, usually friends in the church and longtime friends dating back to the ‘70s. I am a ‘neighbor’ to the home partners of Habitat for Humanity. A donor to many unknown families under the umbrella of World Vision and UNICEF. I am very private.

 I am my husband’s best friend and devil’s advocate.

What inspires you to do all these?

Life is what we make it and I want to leave this world with a legacy and hallmark, something that my family and friends will be proud of. 

Most of all, I am here to please my boss, the boss of all bosses, the CEO of my career, and that is none other than God. 

What advice can you give to the young professionals who want to be head of their own companies like you?

Set yourself as good example. Be punctual and never absent unless necessary. I do not recall when I was last sick and absent from work

Humility is important. Arrogance does not leave room for learning.

Watch your cash flow and cash register. Avoid writing post dated checks. Do not be a debt guarantor to anyone. If possible, do not let others sign your checks. As much as possible, this is one task you do not delegate. Read carefully the vouchers and write at the back of the checks what the payment is for. Know your financial obligations (i.e. dues and bills).

Read and continue learning. Invest in people, training and books.

Spend wisely. Package yourself – look good outside and have something between your ears like your brains. You do not have to be a valedictorian to be successful. Create your own niche.

Work hard and play hard.