OUR STORY

It all began with a mother's determination. In 1998, Elisabeth, not just any Parisian mother but one with a vision for her daughter Vinciane, decided to reshape the concept of cultural exchange. Discontent with the existing impersonal options, she envisioned a program that was as much about forging lasting bonds as it was about mastering a language.

Her vision led her to collaborate with Ben Dinning, a Melbourne-based Francophile and our family friend, who was deeply influenced by his time in France during his school days at Melbourne Grammar. Together, they pioneered a reciprocal exchange program uniquely tailored to the personalities and preferences of each participant and their families.

The heart of this new venture began to beat when Vinciane spent a transformative couple of months at St. Catherine's School in Toorak.

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OUR TEAM

"It takes a village..." and in our case, it's a team effort spanning dozens of dedicated members across France and Australia. However, allow us to introduce you to the first team members you'll encounter as you embark on this journey.

Vinciane Thomas
Director

Born in France, Vinciane Is the first participant of afx in 1998. She lived in Australia for 18 years before becoming Director in 2006. Married to an Australian and mother of binational children, she embodies a strong Franco-Australian identity. She believes this dual perspective is best placed to guide families through the richness and complexity of cultural exchanges."

Laura Bret
Manager

Passionate about languages and travel, Laura participated in exchange programs in the US and Canada before moving to Australia in 2017. Now based in Perth with her Franco-Australian family, she brings her intercultural experience to AFX. As Program Manager, she coordinates teams in Australia and France, ensuring smooth exchanges and meaningful experiences for students.

Camille Tomasini
Schools Coordinator Australia

Camille participated in several exchanges as a high school student and knows how empowering and fulfilling it is to discover a new culture. Before moving to Australia with her family, she was a primary school teacher in France. Now based in Melbourne, she brings both her teaching background and her personal experience of exchange programs to her role as School Coordinator at AFX.

Philomène Pierrard
Programs Coordinator Australia

Philo arrived in Melbourne to begin a Master’s in Engineering Management at the University of Melbourne, bringing a strong passion for languages and culture. Having participated in exchanges in Ireland and the United States, she knows firsthand how exciting and rewarding cultural immersion can be. At AFX, Philo supports students as they prepare for their own international experiences, helping them get the most out of their exchange.

Séverine COLIN
Programs Coordinator Australia

Based in Melbourne, Séverine is a French expatriate with a strong interest in cultural exchange and human connection. With over ten years of experience in communication, marketing, and project coordination, she brings a people-focused and adaptable approach to the AFX team, supporting meaningful and enriching international experiences.

Anais Girard
Program Coordinator France

After living in Australia for ten years, Anaïs recently returned to France with intimate knowledge of the Australian lifestyle. She shares her on-the-ground experience to help students approach their exchange with confidence.

Karla Dorange
Schools and Programs Assistant

Karla is passionate about languages, travel, and meeting new people, she is committed to contributing to language exchange programs that create unforgettable memories and foster lasting connections between cultures.

Lisa Ornetti
Schools and Programs Assistant

With early exchange experiences in Germany and the US, Lisa joined AFX in 2025. Fresh from a year living in the States, she is dedicated to promoting the value of international experiences through our marketing and communications.

Melissa Bac
Enrolment Officer

Based in Mauritius, Mélissa brings valuable experience in journalism and teaching to the AFX team. Having spent several years supporting students with educational challenges, she developed a deep passion for education. At AFX, Mélissa guides candidates from the moment they apply until all documents are submitted, ensuring a personalized and efficient support throughout the process.

Mathilde Blanvillain
Schools Coordinator France

Mathilde brings particularly valuable experience to the world of international exchanges: a year of study at the University of Sydney, followed in 2024 by supporting a group of 16-year-old French high school students during their stay in Germany. Trained as a translator and inspired from an early age by her mother, an English teacher involved in school exchanges, she is now based in France with her family and supports young people, families and schools with insight, warmth and professionalism.

Jess Henskens
Local Representation

Jess participated in her first AFX exchange in Azay-le-Rideau in 2008, which inspired her to teach French as a Foreign Language in both Melbourne and France. Now a mother of two, she uses her teaching background to coordinate school partnerships, ensuring students have the best opportunity to start their own adventure.

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