Rica Robinson
Director of Client Success, Southeast Asia
“I believe that international education not only has the ability to shape an individual, but to influence the wider community. Learning about each other, our cultures, our heritage, our values, helps us understand each other better and can break, or at least soften, the perceived barriers that sometimes exist.”
Contact Rica RobinsonRica Robinson is Grok’s Director of Client Success for South East Asia. Rica works both directly with clients and internally to ensure that clients are successful and served well by Grok. With nearly 14 years in the international education industry, Rica brings with her extensive experience in Customer Service, Admissions, and Student Recruitment. She took a career break in 2014 to travel throughout Asia and teach English in Vietnam. She returned to Vietnam in 2019 as Sales Manager for Oxford International Education Group.
Get to Know Rica…
When did you join Grok?
January 2022
Describe yourself in three words.
Conscientious, motivated, open.
What were you doing before working at Grok?
I was working as Sales Manager Asia for Oxford International Education Group.
What was your first job in education?
My very first job in education was as a Supervisor at an international summer camp. My first permanent role was as Customer Service Executive at a prestigious English language school in Cambridge, UK. I went on to become their Admissions Manager and Head of Customer Service, before moving into Business Development.
What does international education mean for you?
I believe that international education not only has the ability to shape an individual, but to influence the wider community. Learning about each other, our cultures, our heritage, our values, helps us understand each other better and can break, or at least soften, the perceived barriers that sometimes exist.
What is one of the most satisfying outcomes you’ve helped a client to achieve?
One of the most satisfying outcomes I have helped achieve for clients came as the result of a project I led during my time as Registration Manager and Head of Customer Service at the English School in Cambridge. The First Impressions project was designed to enhance the experience of all clients by simplifying processes, improving communication and leveraging technology to support engagement. Customer satisfaction ratings increased from 8.3 to 9.2 in the first 12 months following the project.
What is your favourite movie/book?
This is an impossible question! I love reading German books as it helps me stay connected to my first language. I recently read ‘Der Erste Letzte Tag. Kein Thriller’ (The First Last Day – not a thriller) by Sebastian Fitzek, one of Germany’s most renowned thriller authors. This book is indeed not a thriller: it is a modern, funny and bitter-sweet story that I hope will be translated into English.
What is your dream travel destination? Why?
For the last two years I have been dreaming of doing the Gibbon Experience in Laos: because I love switching off from the modern world and exploring the wonders of nature.
What is your favourite food to eat with friends?
Thai food.
