![Head of UWCD school]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1614683524/uwcdilijanorg/nfjgw6kx7sdmmbqh2v9v/Gabrielabadfernandez.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1614683524/uwcdilijanorg/nfjgw6kx7sdmmbqh2v9v/Gabrielabadfernandez.jpg","width":400}])
Head of College
Education
- BA (Hons) Philology, Universidad de Málaga
- CAP, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- MA in eLearning, UOC
- Postgraduate Certificate in Business Leadership and Management, Curtin University
- MBA Educational Leadership (International), UCL - ongoing
Bio
I am very fortunate to have lived in four countries (Spain, UK, Singapore and now Armenia) and to have had multiple opportunities to continue to learn throughout my life. Leaving my alma mater (Universidad de Málaga) was not only a career change, but a complete turning point in my life, which changed at all levels. I met Natalie, my wife, in Singapore, and we started together a UWC-themed life since then (she is an Atlantic College alumna). Our children have always lived in a UWC campus, and we love being part of the UWCD community.
What is the favourite part of the course you teach?
At UWCD I have taught Theory of Knowledge, a course that I love as it is about asking the right questions and discovering ways of understanding oneself and others.
Which teaching method you prefer and why?
I wish I were a Socratic-method master! I like the classroom to be a safe space when everyone can explore ideas and engage in learning together.
What advice would you give to a student of your subject?
Keep it simple!
Who is your role model or mentor or who inspires you?
I admire the writer Aldous Huxley, whom I studied extensively. His intellectual evolution inspires me as much as his Brave New World worries me, as I think that he was exceedingly accurate in his vision of the future.
What is your life motto?
It would be the golden rule: "Do as you would be done by."
What are the three things you can't imagine your life without?
My family, belonging to a community and learning.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spending time with my family, reading, listening to music (from flamenco to opera), watching movies.