What is your favorite travel memory?
There are so many, but I would say in Laos when it took two days to travel 400 km, stuck with people who would not speak a word of English. It was such a great laugh. Locals were amazed to see me sharing the same troubles as them, and everyone was so friendly.
When I was in the North of Laos surrounded by beautiful people I could not talk with because of the language barrier, I decided that I had to create a way to be in touch with locals rather than just being a tourist. That's how I decided to create Aliore Worldwide workshops!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I created the association and it grows with me and my family. As I now have 3 children, I have developed programs for families (participatory holidays) and I carry on developing programs to have real contact with locals according to my tastes, the people I meet, etc..
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
I had the best New Year's message from an American woman who took part to our language assistant program in France. She wrote "Aliore changed my life!"
She had always dreamt of living in France but never felt that it was possible because she thought that she was too American. Her French experience was so positive, she met friendly people who welcomed her so warmly that she now know that she has a French family and she now knows that all her dreams can be true.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
Hard question! I have tried some of the courses and they have all been fantastic! It all depends on who you are and what you like. Being a mother with children at the moment, I love the family programs.
For younger or for newly retired people, the language assistant program is great as you can live with locals in France as if you were French yourself! A real authentic experience.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
We are the only association that offers workshops around the world, learning from locals. Some focus only on one country, but we offer activities in more than 20 countries. For our volunteer programs in France, we organize everything directly and are in contact with the families and the participants, we offer truly tailor made placements!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Participants being happy with their programs.