Interview with the director of EFI
For over 40 years, En Famille International has been offering children the unique opportunity to experience long-term immersion in a foreign family, going far beyond a simple language exchange. This human, cultural and educational adventure transforms the young participants, as well as the families who host them. Today, the association is embarking on a new chapter. In this interview with EFI Director Céline Kline, we discover her career path, her vision for the future of the association, and the values that drive her in this deeply human mission.
🎙️ Introduction & Career Path
Can you tell us about your career path and what led you to take over the management of En Famille International?
At 52, I already have a rich career behind me, but a few key steps led me to En Famille International.
First, I taught French as a foreign language, building bridges between cultures and supporting people from all walks of life in their learning and integration.
Then I founded Frenchips, an association that helps people discover the French-speaking world through immersive stays. I also created the Livret du citoyen, a tool to facilitate naturalisation and encourage people to explore French culture. Then, I collaborated on European projects around the French-speaking world — a human adventure that taught me how to manage projects and work with passionate teams.
For four years, I was responsible for reciprocal exchanges for an agency specialising in school mobility. My role? To support young people and their families, adapt programmes to local realities, and promote these schemes, which are still too little known.
The aim: to give all young people the chance to experience immersion abroad, in a spirit of reciprocity and openness. It was demanding work, but it taught me the importance of cultural differences and the richness of these shared experiences.
All these experiences naturally led me to En Famille International. As director, I find everything I love here: teaching, project management and openness to the world with a committed team. It’s a wonderful way to give meaning to my career by helping to grow an association that promotes human encounters and cultural exchanges.
What particularly attracted you to this organisation?
What appealed to me was the quality of the preparation of the families, the rigorous monitoring of the exchanges, and the cohesion with the ambassadors abroad and the volunteers, whether or not they are members of the board of directors. EFI stands out for its truly human approach and its commitment to promoting immersive exchanges, in which each family is fully involved. It is an association where people are at the heart of every project.
Have you yourself had any experience of cultural or family exchanges abroad?
In the 1980s, I did two exchanges in England. The first, when I was 12, was a real shock: I was ill-prepared and hardly dared to speak. But the second, in Year 9, changed everything. More open and determined to communicate, I understood that it’s your attitude that makes the difference.
These experiences have taught me one thing: even failures help us move forward. Above all, it is open-mindedness that defines success. Not to mention: with a British husband, it’s daily immersion, especially in terms of cuisine! (laughs)
🌍 Vision & Objectives
What is your vision for the future of En Famille International?
My goal is to preserve EFI’s DNA: reciprocal exchanges based on human values that bring families closer together, while opening up the association to the modern world. Remaining true to our roots while adapting to current realities.
I would like to:
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- Grow the association while maintaining its family-oriented and human spirit.
- Open up new partnerships abroad.
What major initiatives or projects would you like to launch or strengthen?
One of our main challenges is to create a network of school partners abroad. We, myself and everyone involved in the association, are working to establish collaborations with schools in Germany, Spain and beyond, so that they can become active partners in promoting our exchanges. We also want to strengthen our English-speaking programmes, particularly in Canada and the United Kingdom, and explore new European destinations that might be interested in working with us.
How do you see family exchanges evolving in a post-pandemic world?
The pandemic marked a turning point, but today it is mainly school reforms and political crises that may cause concern for families. Our role is to strengthen the support framework for exchanges to reassure parents before, during and after the stay. Trust is our priority
🧒 Children & Families
What are the essential qualities for a family wishing to host a foreign child?
Patience and flexibility are essential. Hosting a young person means opening up to another culture, accepting differences and knowing how to adapt. It’s also an incredible human adventure!
How do you support children and families before, during and after the exchange?
Beyond the processes already in place, we focus on open dialogue and transparency. A successful exchange relies on fluid communication between families, ambassadors and our team. We are there to listen, advise and support at every stage.
Do you have a memorable anecdote about an exchange that particularly touched you?
Every exchange is unique and touches me. I always admire the courage of the young people who dare to take the plunge, and the commitment of the families who support them in their project and prepare to welcome them.
🤝 Partnerships & Challenges
What are the main challenges facing the association today?
Today, we have to deal with several realities: school reforms, overcrowded classrooms that reduce our available places, and stronger competition in France and Europe. Not to mention that the economic or political context can sometimes discourage families. But the challenge is precisely to remove these obstacles so that every young person can enjoy this adventure. We are not giving up: we are adapting, innovating and always looking for solutions. For example, by working hand in hand with schools, finding financial aid, or simplifying procedures. The most important thing is to maintain everyone’s commitment. EFI needs committed volunteers, people who believe, like us, that these exchanges change lives. Whether it’s supporting a family, organising an event or helping us communicate, every helping hand counts.
How do you work with international partners to ensure the quality of exchanges?
With our partners (schools, ambassadors), we focus above all on transparency: we define from the outset what we expect from them and what they can expect from us. Certain points are non-negotiable, such as respect for our values — that’s the basis. On other issues, such as the content of courses abroad, we have to find compromises so that it works for everyone. Above all, it’s about trust and rigorous monitoring. Successful collaboration is like human interaction: it’s built on clear rules, but also on listening and, inevitably, adaptation. That’s how we guarantee quality experiences for young people and families.
How does En Famille International differ from other exchange programmes?
EFI’s great strength is its team of local ambassadors. Where other organisations use local agencies or schools, we rely on people who share our values and are deeply committed.
Their role is more than just a relay: they provide rigorous follow-up, organise in-depth interviews with each family, and prepare family meetings and young people as required, in accordance with EFI standards. It is this human contact and these high standards that make all the difference and guarantee successful exchanges. Harmonisation guarantees consistent quality, regardless of the country. And that reassures parents.
💬 Personal & Inspiring
What value do you think is most important to convey to children through these exchanges?
I could talk to them about resilience, but at their age, it can sometimes be difficult to understand. What is certain is that attitude makes the trip: the more open you are, the more you dare to communicate, the more positive you are, the more unforgettable the experience becomes.
If you could give one piece of advice to a child who is about to spend six months with a foreign family, what would you say?
Go with an open mind and be curious!
Don’t stress if you make mistakes, ask any questions that come to mind, and be yourself. That’s how you’ll have a great adventure!
And don’t forget: the families hosting you may be a little nervous too. They just want you to feel comfortable and are also afraid of not doing it right. Be patient!
What motivates you every day in your role as director?
What motivates me every day is seeing these projects come to fruition. When a family sees their project take shape, often after a long wait and a lot of preparation, when we succeed in creating new partnerships or opening up new destinations, I am very, very happy.
I am also touched by the commitment of our ambassadors. These are people who are proud to uphold EFI’s values, determined to bring the association to life, and who put their heart and soul into these exchange projects.
They make these encounters possible, which change everything for young people and families. And that is one of EFI’s greatest achievements.