What inspired you to work for Accent Français?
My passion for travels, cultures, and languages. I wanted to work for a language school since I started to learn languages and now, it has been 12 years that I have been working for AF! I have also visited a few schools as an intern during my studies and as a student while learning German and Spanish. It feels like we are traveling all the time while meeting people from all over the world ,and still get to enjoy the sunny South of France throughout the year!
Celebrating the school birthday with the team!
Describe a typical day at work.
Usually, I start with processing my emails which are mostly about advising potential clients. I am glad to assist them with choosing their program, accommodation, and organizing their trip to Montpellier. Then, I continue with promoting our French language school to agents, partners, and groups.
Why do you do what you do?
I definitely like putting Montpellier and our school (the best one!) out there - our dedication to quality is real. One of my best experiences in life remains my first language trip abroad, it helped me to gain so much confidence - I recommend that to everyone!
What is your favorite part of your job?
Being the one people trust to organize the best experience possible, and of course, getting their feedback about it afterwards! It is however always easy to convince people when you are helpful, kind, and genuine.
Sharing the event of the year: it is snowing in Montpellier!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
Speaking four languages and knowing other cultures helps a lot with international relationships and marketing. Also having visited many other language schools abroad as an intern or a client is great to know what our clients have to face and what they are expecting from us.
What challenges do you often face in your role and how do you overcome them?
The evolution of our behavior - we all want things to be done quickly and to get what we want. It is stressful to handle last minute inquiries or changes, but the atmosphere at work is great and it helps a lot to find solutions and get the job done!
What are some current projects you are working on?
We are working on including new technologies and changing habits to use less paper, save energy, and respect the environment. Our ecological impact is huge and we can for sure reduce it. Also with working in a school, we can definitely make our students aware of those habits we can easily change and that will have a significant impact in the end.
Promoting the school abroad on agents workshops
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Don't be afraid, you are in good hands! The most difficult part is to leave home, then it will be formative or fun - most of the time, both - so jump on that plane!
What makes Accent Français special?
The care and service! We have become the biggest school in Montpellier, thanks to the quality of our service and we work daily to keep this top quality service with a higher number of students!
What makes Accent Français easy to market to potential participants?
Our online reputation is great, our staff members are dedicated to our clients welfare so the feedbacks are great too. It is always easy to market our school as people have heard about us with positive words!
How do you help support participants?
We advise them on all aspects of their project (visas, budgeting, progression in languages, accommodation...), our service is comprehensive! It starts when they think about a language trip, continues while they are here looking for extra classes or activities, and it usually ends after they have left. But even then, we invite them to continue practicing French through our online exercise book.
Celebrating Christmas at school with the students and the team
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
To keep an open mind, we need to realize - and often be reminded - how different and similar we all are at the same time. A tiny misunderstanding or cultural gap can create a big drama, and knowing that allows us to put things into perspective and find solutions. We are all humans trying to do our best!
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Go go go, definitely go!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means it has changed you, made you grow thanks to the people you have met, the things you have learned, and the issues you had to deal with. It is not necessarily a good souvenir, but always a helpful one.