MAODE graduate Carol Waites has published her memoir covering several decades working at the United Nations in Geneva as an English and writing skills teacher.

Carol Waites, MAODE alumnus

Carol’s book, now available in digital and paperback editions, covers three decades of a career at the Palais des Nations, and includes fascinating recollections and anecdotes going back to her very first attempts to get a foot in the door at the UN right through to dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Carol held a variety of positions over the years but these were always dedicated to helping her students improve their English and writing skills and pass associated qualifications, some of which were necessary for them to retain their positions within the organisation. She provides fascinating insights into the everyday lives of those working at the United Nations complex in Geneva and the synergies and tensions between this location and the New York counterpart (as well as smaller outposts around the world).

One of the open resources that Carol has become widely known for is her supply of weekly writing tips which she shares freely on her LinkedIn profile and via her free-to-access mailing list at https://carolswritingtips.com/ These tips help to ensure that her intimate knowledge of English writing practice remains shared with the community and isn’t only secreted away inside her brain now that she is enjoying a well-deserved retirement from the UN and has moved into consultancy on professional writing and exam preparation. Recent tips include such common and yet vital topics such as “Using commas in this changing world” and “Using the active voice in your correspondence”.

The Masters in Online Teaching staff say “Bravo Carol!” on the publication of your memoir “Behind The Flags” – we wish you every success with it!