LSI Paris is one of LSI’s oldest language schools being founded back in the early 1970s. Since its early beginnings the school has been relocated on numerous occasions and seen many changes in staff, teaching methods and students. One constant at the school for the last 33 years is the academic director, Sylvia Kabbani. We talked to her about her time at LSI and what keeps her here after so many years.
Sylvia: I started working for LSI Paris in August 1984 as a French foreign language teacher. From the start, I really liked the friendly atmosphere in the school. The relationship between colleagues was excellent with the sharing of professional good practice being commonplace. It gave me the chance to meet students from all around the world. It made me want to travel myself!
In the early 1990s we moved to rented premises in the 12th arrondissement. At this time I was teaching and acting as centre manager. Then, little by little, I was given more and more responsibilities. By the mid 1990s I was supervising a small team, organising excursions to Provence. After LSI became an approved TEF centre in 1998 and received its accreditation from the Private Institution of Higher Education in 2003, I was appointed to my current post, Director of Studies. From this point onwards my main role has been to look for ways to improve the quality of teaching in the school.
Thirty-three years later, I am still here and happily so. It is such a great chance to work with people from all over the world. Meeting students from so many different cultures helps me to stay open minded.
LSI: So what does the future hold for Sylvia?
Sylvia: Maybe another thirty-three years (jokes). I think I’m spoilt after working at LSI. It’s truly the best place to be!