Testimonials
What professionals
are saying.
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"James & Pip have worked for Project International over the years and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them and their unique new educational initiative, The English Guild Experience. Both are outstanding teachers but as important, perhaps, have a natural ability to engage with teenage students in and around an educational environment and create a fun and memorable learning experience which is naturally infectious. I am quite certain The English Guild Experience will be an outstanding success."
— Chris Woodcock, CEO Project International
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“James and Pip have been thoughtful, caring and successful mentors to students at this crucial age of their development and I have seen many young lives and perspectives changed under their tutelage. The fine connection we have forged in working together will continue as they undertake this new venture. I believe they will provide an extraordinary opportunity for students who attend The Guild Experience, based on their consistent and remarkable contribution to The Winter Terms at which they have taught. It is because of this belief that I have agreed to be on their advisory board, to contribute in any way I can to maintain the high standards they have set for themselves.”
John Curtis, Founder of The Winter Term, Former headmaster of English Speaking School of Bern and International School of Lausanne
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"I have had the privilege, the honour to get to know this amazing team. I have to firstly, say a huge congratulations to James and to Pip for just putting something absolutely out of this world together in this divine place. Pip, I've known for a very short time. And in that short time, I feel that I've known him all my life. He is definitely working on the higher forces of this universe, I believe. And James is just a beautiful breath of fresh air who's just brought so much joy, so much fun, so much laughter and quirkiness to this whole experience. As a chef here, I feel like I've gained a whole new family for life, which is just a real present to me."
Sangeeta, Passionate Cook and founder of Koriander Kitchen
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"I was really excited when Pip asked me to join his team of leaders, because I ran a summer camp for about 24 summers, and he was going to try to incorporate a lot of the things we do at that camp and at a program in Switzerland, where we both taught, into 2 weeks. And he's come up with some masterful things to make that happen. If I were to wave my magic wand and give something that I thought every young person needs at some point in their education, it's an experience in which every member of the community knows them substantially. And these 2 weeks give that opportunity. They enjoy being part of the whole group, but also being asked to do things that normally you'd see adults in other communities do. And they like being depended upon. And for us, it's also a sign of respect for them and their abilities. And it's been really great to watch them step up to that challenge and to savour it. But collectively, their insights and their wisdom are powerful forces in our community."
Vin Broderick, former Director at Camp Pasquaney
What students are saying.
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‘I had the pleasure of having Pip and James as two of my teachers and counselors at The Winter Term in 2021. I learned so much from them both, not only in the classroom but out of it as well. Academically under their teachings, I was pushed beyond what I was used to, but came out a much stronger and more confident student; however, what they taught me beyond the academics was the big take away for me. I learned how to live in a community and my responsibility as a community member. I learned how to put others needs before my own when they needed it, and I learned who I truly am as a person without the pressures of my surroundings in New York City. Pip and James’s way of letting you learn how to be independent but always catching you if you fall gave me what I needed to develop as a learner and a person. The many lessons, laughs and adventures I had with Pip and James have been some of the greatest I have experienced, and I can guarantee to anyone that is thinking about sending their children to learn under their teachings, that they will not regret it.”
Georgie, student
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“I had heard countless stories about you from my siblings, who also advised me never to miss one of your adventures or meditation sessions. I knew you would be awesome, but I never imagined how much you would teach me… I admire you more than anyone I have ever met. You have taught me more than you will ever know. I will carry your wisdom with me throughout my entire life… You make lessons so interesting - I look forward to every class and my mind being blown.”
Lily, student
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“I was very apprehensive about undertaking [a] “self-taught” mathematics method. However, James offered support, help, and corrections to make sure I followed the right track provided by my school back home. James’s allowance for independence mixed with quiet support allowed me to gain much-needed confidence in the math classroom. I returned home an entire seven chapters ahead of my class and an overall more capable student in math. [The things] they taught me continue to impact my everyday life. Both James and Pip are incredible teachers and mentors.”
Anna, student
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"You have done so much for me and I'll forever be grateful. First of all, you helped me discover my voice... You've helped me rediscover the joy singing brings me."
Riley, student
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"The lessons you taught me have been some of the most important I have ever learned. Recently I've been applying for high school. For my St. Pauls' essay, they asked me to talk about a person who changed my life and why. I immediately knew I was going to write about you... You truly leave a lasting impact on everyone who is lucky enough to meet you."
Thayer, student
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"James is the best tutor I've ever had. His boundless enthusiasm for the subject is infectious, and lets you learn in an environment of discovery as opposed to mindless repetition. He manages to inspire a motivation for self improvement which you will find affecting you long after he's left the classroom."
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"When I was asked on a recent school application to name an adult that I had made a connection with outside my family, I immediately knew Pip was the person that I would write about! Pip has been a constant inspiration in my life and I have reached out to him over the past three years when I have needed advice or to feel more grounded in my life. Not only did he teach me how to feel more secure, but he taught me how to live in the present. His friendship has been one of the most significant relationships in my life and I value all of the lessons he imparted on me."
Charlie, student
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"I want to thank Pip for his guidance and new insights on how to live my life in the present. Pip taught me how to grow outside my comfort zone, in a place where I was not judged. I am stronger, more confident, and self-reliant. More importantly, I know that Pip will always be there for me now and in the future."
Teddy, student
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“Vinnie was fantastic, I’ve had some great conversations with him, from rowing to poetry. Between all the Arts & Crafts work that we were doing with Mr and Mrs Carr, the cooking with Sangeeta, as well as Vicky who has led some awesome meditation sessions and just the beautiful landscape that we’re in, it’s been amazing.”
Lucas, student
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“You learn a lot about yourself and other people, as well as the workshops where you get to learn new things and try new things.”
Fritz, student
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“The English Guild really changed me as a person in such a short span of time. I’ve never tie-dyed before and made myself some cool shirts. And pottery was really awesome, as I got to make my friend a mug. All the music was incredible, getting to learn from Geoff and Pip, seeing all these live musicians.”
Charlie, student
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“The second I called my Dad, he just told me that I look like a whole new person, glowing inside and out. I just think coming to this experience has changed my life and taught me so much that I’ll apply it to my life after this.”
Claire, student
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“Waking up each morning and getting to exercise and some fresh air, which I don’t really do at home, truly kick started our day and made everyone a little happy and joyful. Pip and James truly changed the way I look at life. They’ve shown me in everything that I do, I should do it with love and passion, no matter if I’ve never done it before, I should have an open mind.”
Jillian, student
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“My experience at the Guild has been amazing… and I think that every kid here has been lucky to participate in it. None of us really knew each other before it started, but over the past two weeks we’ve started to form this bond that’s kind of like a family.”
Makena, student
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“Pip, James, Vicky and Vinny are all just fantastic role models, with so much wisdom to share. It’s been great to be able to learn from them, live with them and take in all the things that they can teach us. I’ve been asking my parents to let me come back next year.”
Tate, student
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"You have taught me some skills that can't be taught in a classroom... You always believe in me, because you know I can do what I put my mind to, and for that I am grateful. Thank you so much for always spreading your positive energy."
Vivion, student
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"There are few, if any, people who've had the kind of impact on my life that you have. I've forgotten a great many things, James, but never this. You taught me, 10 years ago, what to live for, what to serve...You've shepherded me through learning the most valuable things I know, served as living proof of my deepest beliefs, and brought me the deepest senses of joy, pride and contentment I've known. You've taught me twice, and I don't know which time I've learned or needed it more; I just know I wouldn't want to live without either. Thank you for your love, investment in me, effort and thought as a coworker, and for your nonpareil dedication to being your best self and helping everyone else in your life do the same."
Ben, student (and returning coworker)
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"You taught me what it means to be my best self on a consistent basis. You inspired me to seek qualities like kindness, thoughtfulness, and integrity within myself and those with whom I surround myself. For the formidable period of my life that we have been acquainted, I learned the best parts of what and who I am today. I am at my happiest when I act in the manner you taught me. Thank you for all that you have done for so many."
Charlie, student
What parents are saying.
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"I have three daughters who have had the privilege of spending 12-weeks under the guidance and supervision of Pip Carr when they were in middle school. There is no question in my mind that they will take the incredible lessons that they learned from Pip in those three months and weave them into their lives forever! Pip is an extraordinary person, filled with an energy, light, and passion for mentoring young people that is rare in this world and a joy to behold. As a parent, I cannot think of a better gift for your child than joining Pip for an experience of a lifetime. He is absolute magic, and your children will be forever the better for their time with him!"
Blair, parent
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"Pip and James continue to teach our sons how living a simpler and healthful life can develop strong character and personal growth. They push them to embrace challenges in a way that is helping them grow into confident and successful young adults."
Caroline, parent
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"We are so grateful to have Pip in our sons' lives. Pip is a mentor, role model, and a trusted adult that our sons know they can reach out to at any time. As a parent, I know how important these relationships are in today's complicated world. Pip makes our sons feel supported, connected, and sees them for who they truly are."
Brian, parent
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“Pip and all of the staff are amazing at connecting with all the kids, these young adults, in a way that’s difficult to as parents. They can see through to the person on the inside in order to draw them out in a very safe environment. I’ve seen our daughter develop in terms of leadership skills, confidence and hands on ability.”
Steven, parent
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“I really can’t say enough good things about Pip, about James, Vinnie, the whole team. They’ve been wonderful. This is such a good opportunity to allow your child to unplug, to focus on what’s important, to develop some friendships and to learn that there’s a lifestyle outside the rat race that they have in their typical everyday lives.”
Paula, parent
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"Pip and team, first of all thank you. We had absolutely no doubt in entrusting our children to you. What an incredible job you’ve done over the past two weeks with this group of people. It’s remarkable how quickly this esprit de corps has happened!"
Casper, parent
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“The reason that Pip and James have been so magical to my children is that they are authentic, energetic, very intelligent and whimsical.”
Alene, parent