What inspired you to work for Nacel International?
I have lived in different countries, studied international relations, and learned four foreign languages. Working in the language travel industry was pretty natural for me.
International students at Nacel English School London
Why do you do what you do?
My purpose is to give the most suitable advice to students and parents so that they make the best choice for their language or high school exchange program abroad.
Describe a typical day at work.
I answer parents and students' inquiries about Nacel high school exchange programs and also arrange interviews and phone meetings. I work with students to help them prepare their application form. I also coordinate with my colleagues and partners regarding accommodation arrangements, visas, insurance questions, admissions, and more.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Some students have very specific interests or needs and it is always a great challenge for me to find the best program for them, the one that goes beyond their expectations.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use it every day and at any time. All my tasks are related to international relations, languages, cultural differences, administration, etc. I use the different languages I speak almost everyday and I'm in touch with families from around the world around the clock!
Nacel students attending their orientation session in Paris
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Cultural differences remain a difficulty sometimes and an enrichment most of the time! I try to be empathic to better understand the points of view of others and to better help them to overcome their difficulties.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We would like to assist our high school students to identify and apply to a college or a university abroad. As we have been in touch with them during their high school exchange program, we wish to help them continue to study abroad.
What makes Nacel International special?
Our experience. The company was created in 1957 and we have been offering language travels, high school exchange and summer immersion homestays for more than 60 years. This is really unique.
Are there any developments with Nacel International that you would like to share with us?
Sure, follow us during the next months, as we will be able to offer international students new challenging study programs abroad. We constantly adapt to our students’ needs and requirements.
Nacel youth travel
What is the mission of Nacel International and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to offer international students interesting, safe and affordable language and study abroad programs. We work closely with schools, host families, teachers, coordinators, to ensure that our programs meet those goals at all times.
How do you help support Nacel International program participants?
I help them to prepare for their experience abroad while sharing with them guidelines, helping them prepare for their visa interviews, informing them about what to pack, etc. The process lasts for three months to six months before the students finally start their exchange program abroad.
If you could join a Nacel International program, how would you approach the experience?
I would embrace such a chance to meet new people, learn a new language and a new culture, improve my academic profile, and exchange points of views! Exchange programs really change a student’s perspective and future.
You speak five different languages, and have French and German high school diplomas under your belt. Why is learning a new language important?
Learning a new language opens your mind to a different way of thinking, gives you access to another culture that you learn from the inside out, and helps you to build your own points of view and opinions. It helps you become the best version of yourself.
Céline presenting Nacel programs to international partners
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
This is a travel that gives sense: sense to you, sense to the people you meet, sense to the people you tell about your travels abroad. You are active in shaping your travel abroad—you create your own travel.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that international education will become more and more affordable so that more and more students can access it, even those who are currently left behind. I hope international education can reach students in every country—maybe through international online study programs?
