Ferdinando, Ex-student of British Council, Naples

'The British Council is much more than an English School. Through the British Council and my teachers’ stories I was able to understand how important the concept of cultural exchange is; through the British Council and its summer camps I got to learn what being independent means; through the British Council and the time I spent in its library I started to love England. The British Council made me try to look further, it made me challenge myself, it made me go outside the borders of my wonderful city, Naples. Stepping Stones, was the title of the textbook I used at the age of seven; nonetheless these are stones of a path which go much further than the mere learning English, they are stones of a true path of life.'

Professor Kader Asmal, Former Minister of Education, South Africa

‘The British Council has and continues to play a crucial role in South Africa in supporting our transformation agenda, particularly in the niche areas of education, arts and culture. This support is critical in ensuring we safeguard our democratic gains, as well as bolster our programme to reconstruct and develop our country.’

Georgi Parvanov, President of Bulgaria

‘The work of the British Council in the area of Euro-integration, the development of the civil society, and minority and human rights is extremely highly acclaimed, and I am deeply convinced that the British Council in Bulgaria will continue to contribute substantially to the process of development of the relations between our two countries, towards a Europe of safety and mutual trust.’

Ion Iliescu, Former President of Romania

‘Intolerance, hate, xenophobia, anti-semitism are born of ignorance and lack of communication between cultures. Organisations like the British Council can essentially contribute to the creation of a climate of understanding, tolerance and mutual respect between the citizens of our countries and beyond.’

Giuliano Amato, Former Prime Minister of Italy

‘The British Council is a unique organisation. It goes far beyond the usual aims and activities of other national cultural institutions abroad. Without the British Council we would not have this long-lasting experience of fruitful bilateral exchanges, that are highly praised by all our participants and of which I am personally proud.’

Esperanza Aguirre Gil De Biedma, President of the People's Party, Spain

‘The British Council has always been a force for human and cultural interchange within the context of our common values. I have no hesitation in declaring that, thanks to the activities and initiatives fostered by the British Council, British culture has moved closer to Spanish society.’

James D. Wolfensohn, Former President of the World Bank Group

‘The British Council has succeeded in forging strong partnerships to bring knowledge and ideas to some of the most impoverished areas and peoples of the world. By opening avenues to give opportunities, knowledge and experience to the youth of the world, the British Council has brought hopes for a world that develops in a sustainable way and offers all the chance of peace and prosperity.’

Monsieur Mustapha Ennaifer, Director of Continuing Education, Ministry of Education, Tunisia

‘It is interesting working with the British Council. You are different.’