The Administrative Team of our French Language School in Montpellier

ILA French language school in Montpellier is run by dedicated and qualified professionals who have many years’ experience in the various aspects of managing language training operations. We all speak several languages and are always ready to help you with your queries during your French language stay with us.

Claudia Adenet

Co-founder and Director

“Originally from Martinique, a French Overseas Department, I went to Paris after my Bachelor to pursue my studies. After graduating from a business school IFG (French Institute of Management), I decided to improve my training with the learning of foreign languages in Europe. My path led me to work and take courses in several language schools in London and Hamburg. After these experiences, I returned to France after 5 years, and I moved to Montpellier which I literally fell in love with. Stefan Kaven, my associate, and I created ILA French language school in 1998 and are since consistently committed to a quality approach, and ensuring the quality of our customer service. I deal with the educational and financial centres of our French language school in Montpellier, putting in place the various educational projects in coordination with our educational manager, as well as various issues of accreditation. Because of my personal experience of learning English and German, I know well the needs and expectations of learners in studying abroad and I put every effort in to make your stay a memorable experience at ILA …”

Stefan Kaven

Co-founder

“Stefan was born and grew up in Hamburg, Germany. He studied Business Administration and held an MBA from Hamburg University. After obtaining his MBA, he spent one year in Wellington, New Zealand, and then London, studying English, before returning to Hamburg to start a career at Europe’s biggest publishing house.
A couple of years later, he joined their London branch where he worked for another 3 years.
Always having enjoyed languages and travel, and after having read the full collection of Peter Mayle books 🙂 , he decided in 1998 to settle down in the South of France and founded the Institut Linguistique Adenet, with his associate Claudia.
Stefan set up an extensive network of educational agents and consultants making ILA’s name well known worldwide in the language industry up to august 2018. He was a wonderful collegue, boss and the ILA team is proud to keep his spirit alive !”

Sophie

Commercial Manager

“Originally from London in the UK, I arrived in France at the age of 6. I moved to Montpellier at the age of 14 years, where I eventually got my degree in tourism and public relationships. After a time in Andalusia and three years in the Alps, I returned to Montpellier simply because I love it here! I will be the first to convince you that the Mediterranean spirit, young, warm and cultural Montpellier will seduce you ! Having a solid experience in customer care, I joined ILA French language school in Montpellier in 2010. I will be your first contact for any questions, and will advise you according to your wishes and needs regarding accommodation, courses, leisure and life in Montpellier. I’ll take care of your registration and will remain available for you on spot; my goal being that you book the stay that fits you best.”

Solenn

Reception / Internal Coordination Manager
Person of contact for people with disabilities, and for Covid measures

“I was born in Montpellier, and grew up in a small village in the countryside where I still live today! Very quickly during my school years, I knew I wanted to work in direct contact with people. After my French Baccalauréat, I joined a tourism school in Montpellier. Once I obtained my diploma, off I was for my first job in the hotel industry in 2006, industry in which I stayed for 12 years. A need of change pushed me to open new doors, with still the same desire of direct contact with customers. I joined the ILA team in 2018 where I am in charge of the reception and internal coordination. I will be here for you throughout your whole stay, with the ambition to make your stay the easiest and most pleasant it could be.”

Mélanie

Academic Manager

“With a Master’s degree in Education sciences and a Master in Consulting and Training, I went to Alliance Française in Arequipa, Peru, after my studies to teach. Back in France, I taught FLE in several schools in Montpellier and I had the opportunity to progress at ILA French language immersion school where I have been since 2004. Passionate before all about teaching, I am interested in the different approaches, and find myself at my best in active and fun methods that give life to the learning process. But my desire to teach is soon caught up by the will to train and advise in order to share experiences… Curious and creative … I take as much pleasure teaching in classrooms than in sharing ideas with other teachers as this allows new ideas to point the tip of their nose ! Educational consultant, I recruits and support educators, insuring they respect and follow our educational, and I am available to answer their questions. Pedagogical creations respond to my constant need to learn new things and developing programs that are organized and neat.”

Alisson

Accommodation in Host Families

“After spending a year as a foster student in the United States, I had no doubt that my professional life would be international. I worked for more than 10 years in the air and maritime transport sector in the north of France and in Belgium before arriving in Montpellier and to join the team of ILA in 2016 to place our students in our Host families and to supervise that your stay runs smoothly. I will take care of finding the ideal family for you in which you will have an unforgettable stay.”

Kathryn

Bookings

“Born and raised in New Zealand, I came to Montpellier at the age of 21 after having completed a foreign languages degree. I fell in love with this amazing city, which was so different to what I was used to. I am passionate about languages and over the years, I have worked as an English teacher, project coordinator, office manager, travel agent and ballet teacher. I feel very lucky to be working at ILA where I get to meet new and interesting students every week and help them to have an amazing time while here in Montpellier.”

Charlotte

Bookings

“I was born and studied In Montpellier before working for several years on cruise ships. On board, I learned a lot about different cultures and developed my taste for contact and customer service. After many professional changes and several journeys, I decided to settle in Montpellier to enjoy the sun, the sea and all the cultural activities that the city has to offer. I have a passion for languages and I am proud to work in a dynamic and cosmopolitan team at ILA. You can also ask me all questions before you arrive or before you book your language course so I can help you make the most of your language course in Montpellier!”

Alvin

Reception / Bookings

“I was born in Martinique and lived there until I was 20. From 2018 to 2022, I studied at Montpellier Business School which allowed me to open up to the international scene through various enriching experiences (including a 1-year language exchange in Spain and internships in tourism). The practice of foreign languages and himan relations have always been at the heart of my career. Today, freshly graduated from a Master 2 Advanced Marketing and with a strong background in international exchange, I joined ILA in May 2022 with the aim of putting into practice all that I have learned previously. At ILA, I have a multi-tasking role. You can find me at the Reception Desk to answer all your questions but also at the Sales Department to prepare your trip in the best conditions! I will always welcome you with a smile! ILA is the best French school in the best sunny city!”

Jessica

Reception / Maintenance

“Being bi-cultural, having Spanish and French blood, I have a particular interest in foreign languages and cultures. I love to travel and to meet people. I love cooking, music, sea and sun. This is why the city of Montpellier is ideal to me! Thanks to my unusual path, I had the opportunity to do an internship in Canada, to participate in the Erasmus program in Spain (Seville), and finally studying and working on an American campus in Louisiana (LSU). I finally ended my studies here in Montpellier with a Master’s degree in Translation (English-Spanish). Today member of the ILA French immersion school team, I organize your arrival upstream. I work in collaboration with Sophie, reservations manager. I prepare all documents for visa applications. During your stay, I will also be at the reception to welcome you and I will be here for you, if you have any special requests.”

Irina

Planning / Human Resources

“Originally from Russia, I was born and grew up in Tver (city near Moscow) where I started to learn French. After 3 years of university in Russia and 5 years learning the French language, I arrived in Montpellier as an exchange student, and never left. Of course for me, accustomed to cold weather and temperatures below zero, it was a big change! I got used to the culture, customs and of course the French language! (it seems that I even have a slight southern French accent)! 5 years later, I got my master’s degree in international business at the IAE of Montpellier and decided to turn towards the linguistic field that I had always been attracted to. I am a passionate about travelling, I like to discover the world and meet different cultures. Today, my role at ILA French language school is to place you in an appropriate level class in which you will progress quickly, and in a class where you feel good. For those who want to pass a DELF / DALF exam, I’ll be your contact for all administrative matters. I will be available for you, to advise you.“

Stéphane

IT Manager, Web Developer and Database

“I’m one of the few team members to be born in Montpellier, where I trained as a web developer and database engineer. After a few years of experience in a web development company, I was hired at ILA French immersion school in Montpellier in 2005 where I occupy the position of IT manager. My role includes managing IT assets, taking care of the maintenance on our intranet, our management tools that I designed, and managing the various websites of the company, and the computerized equipment at school.”

See the teaching staff