About Us

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Valentina Gargano, IE

Chief Educational Consultant & Founder

Nice to meet you!

My name is Valentina Gargano. I am an international educational consultant and founder of GEC – Gargano Educational Consulting.

I have dedicated all of my career to students, with a background as a math and science teacher and experience in both public and private schools, in Italy and France. I am Italian, but I have moved to France in 2015.

I am the also the mother of three: my son has studied in the Netherlands and, after working in France for four years, he is now living in the Netherlands; may middle child has graduated in the US, where she has worked and lived for 10 years and is now looking to move back to Europe, in Austria; my little one is about to start her studies in Italy, after living with us in France for 8 years.

Our family’s international mindset, has naturally pushed me to help my own kids and students towards studying abroad.

After a long career as a teacher, I felt the need for a change. It felt quite natural to pivot towards a career as an international educational consultant

What is GEC All About

 

GEC was founded in 2020. Since then I have helped many students choose universities in the US and Europe. My background and experience gives me valuable insight into the challenges and considerations involved in the process.

As an IEC, I can share my expertise to support students and their families through the complex task of navigating the vast academic landscape. I believe that my multicultural background, living in different countries and having children studying in various locations, gives me a unique perspective and understanding of the diverse educational opportunities available globally.

My goal, as an IEC, is to continue making a positive impact on students’ lives as they embark on their academic journeys and transition into the adult world. Overall, by combining my knowledge of academic programs, admissions processes, and career prospects with personalized guidance, I want to help high school students make informed decisions and navigate the complex journey of applying to international educational institutions.

Why GEC is The Winning Choice

Assisting high school students and their families in exploring and selecting the best academic options can make a significant impact on their future.

As an educational consultant, there are several key areas I focus on to provide valuable guidance and support to my clients:

Understanding Student Needs

I make it a point of take the time to get to know each student individually, their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and aspirations. To do so, I conduct assessments and discussions to help them identify their academic and personal goals.

Researching Academic Institutions

I make it a point of take the time to get to know each student individually, their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and aspirations. To do so, I conduct assessments and discussions to help them identify their academic and personal goals.

Providing Personalized Recommendations

Based on my knowledge of the student’s profile and their goals, I suggest suitable academic programs and institutions. I consider factors such as location, curriculum, reputation, career prospects, and financial considerations.

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Application Assistance

I help students navigate the application process, including organizing documents, filling out forms, and meeting deadlines. I offer guidance on writing CVs, motivation letters, and personal statements to ensure their applications stand out. I keep contacts with the admission officers of each university to ensure everything goes smoothly.

International Network

A big part of my job is to establish connections with admissions officers, representatives from educational institutions, and professionals in related fields. This network provides valuable insights, updates on academic offerings, and additional resources. I do this by traveling to personally visit universities, participating in webinars and conferences, and through my IECA and International ACAC memberships, associations providing valuable resources and networking for IECs around the world.

Mock Interviews

I can prepare students for admission interviews by conducting mock interviews to improve their confidence, communication skills, and ability to articulate their motivations and goals effectively.

Availability

I am available for any doubts or questions, via email, whatsapp, calls. When a student or a parent needs help, all they have to do is reach out.

Which Universities Have I Toured?

 

It is important to me to experience Universities firsthand to better understand their culture, what they offer, and what institutions would fit best with each student. I make a point to visit a wide variety of schools offering various disciplines and campus experiences. Below, you will find my most current list of visited universities:

Czech Republic
University Location
VSE Prague
CVUT Prague
HAMU Prague
Charles University Prague
CZU Prague
CTU Prague
Ireland

 

University Location
Trinity College of Dublin Dublin
Dublin City University Dublin
National College of Ireland Dublin
Maynooth University Maynooth
Technical University of the Shannon Athlone
University College Cork Cork
Limerick University Limerick
University of Galway Galway

 

Italy
University Location
Università La Sapienza Rome
Luiss University Rome
Temple University Rome
John Cabot University Rome
American University Rome Rome
Polimoda Florence
Univeristà Ca’Foscary Venice
H-Farm Venice
Università Bocconi Milan
Institute Marangoni Milan
Univeristà Cattolica Milan
IED Milan
Univeristà di Torino Turin
Politecnico di Torino Turin
France
University Location
ACM Aix-en-Provence
EDHEC Nice
École Polytechnique Paris
Science Po Paris
AUP Paris
Parsons Paris Paris
IESEG Paris
ESCP Paris
TBS Toulon
Principality of Monaco
University Location
IUM Monaco
Pavillion Bosio Monaco
Netherlands
University Location
University of Amsterdam (UVA) Amsterdam
Vrije University Amsterdam
Leiden University College The Hague
The Hague Hospitality School The Hague
Leiden University Leiden
UAS Rotterdam Business School Rotterdam
Utrecht University Utrecht
Utrecht University College Utrecht

 

Spain

 

University Location
La Salle University Barcelona
EU Barcelona
IED Barcelona
Geneva Business School Barcelona
Esade Barcelona
TBS Barcelona
CEU San Pablo Madrid
TAI Madrid
St. Louis University Madrid
IE Madrid
Universidad Carlos 3 Madrid

 

Switzerland
University Location
EHL Lousanne
United Kingdom
University Location
University of Brighton Brighton
University of Sussex Brighton
Queen Margaret University Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh Edinburgh
Royal Holloway Egham
Strathclyde University Glasgow
Royal Conservatory of Scotland Glasgow
The Glasgow Art School Glasgow
University of Glasgow Glasgow
University of Surrey Guilford
Brunel University London
King’s College London
University of St. Andrews St. Andrews
University of Stirling Stirling
United States of America
University Location
University of Colorado Boulder Boulder
University of Colorado Denver Denver
RMCAD Denver
Colorado School of Mines Golden
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