Malika Bezzou

Photos

Tell us about yourself, Malika.

I have been working for French in Normandy for 21 years now. I started as a teacher, became Head of Studies, and am now the manager of the school.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite memory is going to Brazil and meeting French teachers. I was so amazed by their love for French language, culture, and gastronomy -- I immediately felt the importance of France abroad.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I 'm happy to work in a company where so many people from different countries, nationalities, and religions can live peacefully together! This makes me think that we need to be optimistic about the future.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

We had a Korean student who was able to achieve her dream of becoming a baker. She came to study French with us, and was then able to enroll in a baking and pastry school. After she finished, she went back to Korea and opened her own shop!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would like to join a French language and cooking program. During one week you have three cooking sessions and have the opportunity to cook and eat so many French specialties. It 's such a great opportunity to learn how to cook baguettes, macarons, quiches, and more. The teachers are very patient and all the activities are in French so you can learn in a fun way.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our team is quite young and always here to help. Most of our teachers have been working with the company for many years now and are all here to teach French in a serious but fun way. They're all very involved in the success of our students, and want them to enjoy their stay as much as possible.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

First of all, the location of Rouen is not very far from Paris and the cost of living is less expensive than in the capital.

Our school is not a big school so it gives us the opportunity to get to know each of our students. We know what their specific objectives are and everything is done so that they can reach their goals. Most of our students choose to stay with a host family and this is a great part of the success of the school as they are sharing their time with a typical French family, and leave with good memories of France.

Our team puts their heart into the work that they do, and students can feel this. Many students appreciate the atmosphere of the school and they know that they can tell us if they have a problem -- there is always somebody to talk to.