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.
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
General Manager
Born and raised in France, Vinciane took the helm of AFX in 2006. But her journey with FX started in 1998, as AFX very first exchange student, a transformative experience at St Catherine’s School in Toorak that deepened her connection to Australia. This inspired her to further her education in Australia, where she earned a Master's degree from Monash University, following her Law Degree in France.
Now embracing her Franco-Australian identity, married to an Australian and raising two binational children, Vinciane's leadership at AFX is driven by her belief in the power of a Franco-Australian team. She is convinced that such a team is uniquely equipped to guide families through the complex world of cultural exchange, leveraging her personal and professional experiences to ensure the success of AFX's mission.
Now embracing her Franco-Australian identity, married to an Australian and raising two binational children, Vinciane's leadership at AFX is driven by her belief in the power of a Franco-Australian team. She is convinced that such a team is uniquely equipped to guide families through the complex world of cultural exchange, leveraging her personal and professional experiences to ensure the success of AFX's mission.
Audrey Masson
Host Family and Partnership Coordinator
Passionate about discovering cultures from around the world, Audrey has had the opportunity to live in many countries, including spending some time in Australia.
Now based in Toulouse since 2024, she supports schools and French families in their hosting and exchange programs. Her goal is to create enriching experiences for all participants by fostering lasting connections.
Now based in Toulouse since 2024, she supports schools and French families in their hosting and exchange programs. Her goal is to create enriching experiences for all participants by fostering lasting connections.