AIX's team is comprised of five committed individuals who each bring a special area of expertise to our program.
Our team is composed of:
- an Australian-registered counsellor who leads student well-being and offers 24/7 support to students during the immersion;
- our in-house recruitment and HR consultant who oversees our vetting and selection process; and
- three bilingual chaperones on-site every step of the way.
Patricia
As a parent of three students who participated in language exchange
programs, Patricia witnessed first-hand the benefits of exploring a new culture. Although her children were initially anxious about being away from home and struggled with the language, she observed an enormous change in their confidence and levels of motivation in every aspect of their lives. The immersion became a highlight of their schooling experience, encouraged them to expand their intellect and further enhanced their French language skills. Participating in AIX's cultural trips is truly a once in a lifetime experience that empowers, motivates and challenges the individual to grow and mature.
Stephanie
Stephanie is a qualified counsellor and our resident well-being coordinator. With a Masters in Counselling and considerable experience with young children and adolescents, Stephanie has worked in the school system as well as the private sector and is registered as a student member of PACFA.
Hélène
With over 40 years of experience in the Human Resources Management field, Helene offers a broad base of expertise in managing relationships, recruitment as well as health and safety. Helene heads our student pairing process, overseeing and managing the questionnaires and interviews.
Emily
With over six years' experience as a high school and VCE tutor, Emily has connected several families between Bordeaux and Melbourne. Emily has a passion for the French language and for French history. Emily's interest in French culture was developed during her several trips to Bordeaux and participation in two school exchanges. Emily is passionate about matching students in the most thoughtful and comprehensive way possible, and about being a support system for students over the course of their cultural immersion.
Agathe
Agathe is an agricultural engineer with an entrepreneurial spirit. After falling in love with Australia when she participated in a language immersion at the age of sixteen, Agathe realised the importance of mastering English during her various professional experiences. Agathe joins the project to encourage French students to master their English whilst in high school and beyond! Having attended school in Bordeaux, Agathe will be the link between Bordeaux families and the team based in Australia.
The AIX Experience
Culture
La Culture
Experiencing a foreign country propels students towards acceptance and understanding of a vastly different cultural perspective.
Bordeaux is a culturally rich environment, renowned for its history, architecture, wine and delicious cuisine.
Embracing a new and vibrant culture is a chance to step out of the student’s comfort zone and experience unfamiliar situations whilst being supported by a nurturing AIX support team.
Connection
Le Lien
Each student partaking in AIX's program has a unique opportunity to form relationships with their AIX counterpart and family, but also form a unique bond with other students partaking in the program.
Meeting new people provides an invaluable opportunity to develop new perspectives.
This program is certainly a personal development experience which will empower year 10 and 11 students to embrace challenges with confidence.
Language
La Langue
The best way to learn a new language is through a comprehensive and total immersion. Be prepared for your French language skills to improve in leaps and bounds!
A tremendous sense of accomplishment when mastering a new language encourages students to develop independent opinions, make informed decisions and strive to attain fresh goals.