Hi, I'm Maëva Landais

My name is Maëva Landais, and I am honored to step in as the new director of A French Journey, continuing the vision and spirit established by Nathalie Foos. I am dedicated to following in her footsteps and ensuring the school continues to shine, grow, and share the beauty of French language and culture with the community.

A French Journey was founded in September 2008 by Nathalie Foos, who has served as both director and main teacher since its creation. Over the years, the school has operated in various locations across Bayside Melbourne before establishing its permanent home in Hampton.

From the very beginning, the school’s mission has been simple yet powerful: to help people truly feel France. Through total immersion in French language, culture, and food, A French Journey has created a warm and authentic environment where students can experience French life beyond the classroom.

A bit about me now. I grew up in the beautiful city of Nantes, France, and pursued my studies there. While exploring my roots, I found a passion for science and ended up becoming a winemaker. The love for wine and nature has always been a big part of who I am. So, if you ever want advice on pairing wine, spirits, and food, I've got you covered! It's my little hidden talent... a bonus I share with a friendly smile!

In 2017, I took a gap year adventure to Australia to learn English, and it totally changed my life. I fell in love with the Aussie culture and the diverse individuals hailing from various corners of the world, so much that I decided to make it my home. 

I started as a language assistant in different schools in Australia in 2019. That's when I discovered my love for teaching. Helping others learn and grow became my thing. It's something I deeply relate to because, hey, I'm still learning English myself! Learning is a lifelong process, full of ups and downs, and I get it.

I dedicated myself to the art of teaching, focusing specifically on teaching French as a second language. In 2023, I proudly earned my master's degree, a testament to my commitment to education and my passion for fostering linguistic understanding.

Fun fact: Maëva means 'welcome' in Tahitian, a nod to my awesome grandpa who picked the name. For me, family and friends are the pillars of strength, providing support, encouragement, and a shared sense of unity in all aspects of my life. Whether you are already part of A French Journey or joining us for the first time, my hope is that you feel that same warm and welcoming atmosphere.

So, let's embark on this journey of language learning together, turning it into a laid-back and enjoyable adventure. I'm thrilled to have you on board for this unique experience! 🌟

Get to know the team!

Bonjour, je m'appelle Bruno.

Je suis né à Montpellier et j’ai grandi dans le département de l’Hérault, dans le sud de la France. Après des études de droit, ma carrière professionnelle m’a conduit à Lyon, Paris et Valence avant que je ne décide de m’envoler pour l’Australie en 2015.

J’ai alors délaissé le droit pour l’enseignement du français, que je pratique avec le plus grand plaisir à AFJ depuis 2019, en parallèle de fonctions d’assistant dans différents lycées de Melbourne.

Ma connaissance approfondie des programmes du VCE et de l’IB ainsi que ma passion pour la culture et l’histoire - mais aussi la grammaire ! – françaises me permettent d’aider aussi bien les collégiens et lycéens que les adultes, quelles que soient leurs motivations pour apprendre la langue de Molière.

Hello, my name is Bruno.

I was born in Montpellier and I grew up in the Hérault département, in the south of France. After completing a law degree, my professional career led me to Lyon, Paris and Valence before I decided to settle in Australia in 2015.

I then let go of law to embrace the teaching of the French language, which has been a great source of enjoyment for me. I have been a teacher at AFJ since 2019, alongside working as an assistant at various high schools around Melbourne.

My deep knowledge of the VCE and IB study designs, and my passion for French culture and history -not to forget grammar! - allow me to help middle and senior school students as well as adults, whatever their motivations to learn Molière’s language.

Bonjour, je m’appelle Virginie.

Je suis française, originaire de Paris, et diplômée en FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) via l’Alliance Française.

J’enseigne chez A French Journey depuis janvier 2024 et je suis également assistante de langue au collège, où j’accompagne les élèves dans leur apprentissage du français.

Passionnée de sport et de voyages, j’aime transmettre mon énergie et ma curiosité culturelle à travers mes cours, toujours adaptés aux besoins de chaque apprenant.

Hello, my name is Virginie.

I’m French, originally from Paris, and I hold a degree in FLE (French as a Foreign Language) from the Alliance Française.

I have been teaching at A French Journey since January 2024, and I also work as a language assistant in middle schools, supporting students in their French learning.

Passionate about sports and travel, I love sharing my energy and cultural curiosity through my lessons, which I always tailor to each learner’s needs.

Bonjour, moi, c'est Sally!

Je suis titulaire d’une licence de français (Université de Tasmanie) et d’un diplôme en éducation (Queensland University of Technology).

J’ai vécu en France pendant deux ans à Paris, à Nice et à Sète, et j’ai travaillé dans le tourisme international pendant plusieurs années.

Je suis retournée à l’université pour étudier l’enseignement aux élèves du secondaire.

Je travaille avec des élèves de tous niveaux et de tous les âges à A French Journey depuis 2020 et je prends plaisir à les aider à progresser dans la langue.

Hello, I'm Sally!

I hold a Bachelor of Arts majoring in French (University of Tasmania) and Diploma of Education (Queensland University of Technology).

I lived in France for two years in Paris, Nice and Sète and worked in international tourism for a number of years.

I returned to university to study secondary school teaching as a mature-age student and have been teaching and tutoring students of all ages and levels at ‘A French Journey’ since 2020. I gain great satisfaction from seeing my students progress in French.

Cécilia

Bonjour, moi c’est Cécilia!

Je suis française, installée à Melbourne depuis juillet 2023 et professeur de français à A French Journey depuis juin 2024. Mais avant ça, je vivais dans le sud de la France, près de Nice, où j’étais professeur de mathématiques depuis plus de 20 ans.

L’enseignement du français a été une révélation pour moi. J’adore partager ma passion pour la langue de Molière mais aussi parler de notre culture et de notre histoire.

J’enseigne à des lycéens qui veulent progresser, mais également à des adultes qui veulent améliorer leur français ou qui souhaitent apprendre une nouvelle langue.

Hello, I’m Cécilia!

I’m French, and I’ve been living in Melbourne since July 2023. I’ve been a French teacher at A French Journey since June 2024. Before that, I lived in the south of France, near Nice, where I taught mathematics for over 20 years.

Teaching French has been a real revelation for me. I love sharing my passion for the language of Molière, as well as talking about our culture and history.

I teach both high school students who want to improve and adults who wish to enhance their French or learn a new language.