Press Release

Chairman of AIFS Releases Autobiography
- New book chzronicles life of legendary educator and social entrepreneur, Sir Cyril Taylor -

STAMFORD, CT – April 10, 2013 – In the autobiography released today, “Sir Cyril: My Life as a Social Entrepreneur”, Sir Cyril Taylor, founder and chairman of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), reflects on his life and accomplishments during his long and distinguished career in education and public service in the U.S. and U.K.

The life of Sir Cyril Taylor and his many endeavors around the world is brought to life through stories and recollections in his own words in this inspirational and thought-provoking book from Amberley Publishing. Beginning with his early days as a toddler in a Congo mission and a teenage platoon commander during the Kenyan Mau Mau insurgency in the 1950s, the book presents a thorough and entertaining documentation of his life.

To celebrate the release of “Sir Cyril: My Life as a Social Entrepreneur,” AIFS hosted a book signing and release party at its’ Stamford headquarters on Thursday, March 28.

“Sir Cyril’s many initiatives have made the world as a whole a better place by bringing people together,” states William L. Gertz, President and CEO of AIFS. “This book does a great job of telling the story of his extraordinary life, his achievements and the power of education, exchange and hard work.”

In addition to founding AIFS, one of the world’s largest educational travel and cultural exchange organizations with more than 1.5 million participants since its’ founding in 1964, some of Taylor’s accomplishments include: serving as Adviser to ten successive British Conservative and Labour education secretaries; establishing 3,000 specialist schools and over 1,500 academies through the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust; getting appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE); and founding Richmond, The American International University in London, where he still serves as Chancellor.

“Sir Cyril: My Life as a Social Entrepreneur” provides a unique insight on the political and educational leaders and systems of today. Taylor shares lessons learned regarding the reforming of support for children in care, gifted and talented children and schools in general. Taylor has written articles on educational and youth policy for almost all of the U.K.’s national newspapers including The Daily Mail and The Guardian and has authored many books and publications, including 2009’s “A Good School For Every Child: How to Improve Our Schools.”

“Sir Cyril: My Life as a Social Entrepreneur” is available in paperback on Amazon.com.

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As a leader in cultural exchange, AIFS sends more than 5,000 students abroad each year. Since its founding in 1964, AIFS has been committed to providing students with the safest, most enjoyable and highest quality educational programs. AIFS celebrates a proud history of providing opportunities to the international education community. Over 1.5 million people from nearly 1,500 colleges and universities have participated in AIFS programs.