Training French teachers in Montpellier: interview with a scholarship holder from the French Institute in Serbia at Accent Français

Every year, Accent Français has the pleasure of welcoming French teachers from various countries to take part in specialized pedagogical training. Among them is Vesna, a teacher from Serbia, who came to Montpellier as an outstanding grant recipient from the French Institute of Serbia, a long-standing institutional partner that has trusted Accent Français for several years in the continuing education of FLE teachers.
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In this interview, she looks back on her immersive experience combining French classes, innovative teaching approaches, and the discovery of the city of Montpellier.

Why did you choose Accent Français for your language training?

Vesna:
I had the opportunity to take part in this training as the winner of a competition organized by the French Institute on the occasion of the International Day of French Teachers. As I was already collaborating with the French Institute, I was delighted when they offered me a language course at the Accent Français school.

What impressed you the most about the French classes?

Vesna:
From our very first interactions, I was extremely impressed by the school’s excellent organisation. The team is highly communicative, caring, and attentive. Our interactions were natural and smooth, in an open and welcoming atmosphere, which immediately made me feel confident and confirmed that I had made the right choice.

Did you have time to discover Montpellier during your stay?

Vesna:
Montpellier is a magnificent city, and I really took the time to discover it as much as possible. On the very first day of the training, the school organised a guided walking tour through the city, which allowed us to discover the emblematic places of the historic center: Place de la Comédie, the Arc de Triomphe (Porte du Peyrou), the Jardin des Plantes, the Saint-Clément Aqueduct, and many other treasures. A big thank you to Lilia, our guide that day, who shared her passion with us and helped us discover the history and the spirit of this incredible city.

What did you do with your free time?

Vesna:
"Another day was dedicated to an excursion to Aigues-Mortes, a superb fortified medieval town. There, we discovered the salt marshes, the pink lakes, the flamingos, as well as the ramparts dating from the Middle Ages — a truly refreshing and memorable experience."

​​​​​​"Finally, the fact that the school is located right in the heart of Montpellier’s historic center was a real advantage. It allowed me, before and after classes, to stroll through the small streets in search of a good bookstore, a café, or a restaurant, and to fully enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere."

And what about your experience with the host family?

Vesna:
“My experience with the host family was simply wonderful, truly unforgettable. I stayed with Mina, an exceptional host: very communicative, attentive, warm and welcoming. From the very beginning, I felt at home.”
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“Mina showed me some of the newer neighborhoods of the city, the coastline, as well as very beautiful places along the Lez River. We notably visited the Marché du Lez, a lively and charming place that I really enjoyed. She also explained how to find my way around the city, where to take the tram, and how to visit the aquarium.”

Were you able to improve your French at home?

Vesna:
“Our evenings were often devoted to long and enriching discussions: we talked about life, education, culture, our viewpoints and our experiences. Even after my return to Serbia, we have stayed in contact. Today, I no longer see her as just a host, but as a true friend.”

🌍 An experience that reflects our commitment to international teacher training

Vesna's stay perfectly reflects the spirit of Accent Français: dynamic teaching methods, strong cultural immersion, and an international outlook, made possible through trusted partnerships such as the one with the French Institute of Serbia.

To learn more:
👉 Discover our French teacher training programs (FLE)
👉 Learn more about our French courses in Montpellier
👉 Explore our host family accommodation options
👉 Why choose Montpellier to learn French