Q&A with Joelle Cousson
Q: Introduce yourself…
A: My name is Joelle Cousson. I teach hair and beauty at Lycée Professionnel Aïzpurdi, the school trains future professionals in the fields of hairdressing, aesthetics and personal services.
My school is in the south-west of France, near Biarritz, just before Spain. Since 2009 we have had a European section where we work with other colleges in England and Spain.
Q: Why have you come to Jersey?
A: This year we had the opportunity to send one of our teachers abroad. The goal is for so many things, but especially to discover how it works, in other countries especially in in Jersey.
We’ve had many exchange programmes before in Dublin and Cork, but since Brexit it’s been difficult for us because people who went to London before Brexit – it is now impossible.
Then we decided to find another destination that is safe, because every year we send some students outside on their own, so we have to be sure they are secure and safe. I think Jersey is right destination for them.
I am here because I would like to improve my English and learn how it works here, the qualifications, the teaching, everything. And then when I’m in France, I can explain to my students how it works in another country. One of the goals I’m here to achieve is to have an agreement with Highlands College, especially the Hair and Beauty department for student exchange.
Q: What have you learnt during your time at Highlands College?
A: The way teaching is done here is about being practical, there’s more theory in France. Since I arrived here and I saw everything that happens in the school, I think French people are a little bit elitist. But the goal in France is to help all the students after they have the teaching in hairdressing to continue in some way, to continue their studies maybe in further education.
I have found the people at Highlands College are really kind and smiley.
Q: What has stood out to you about Jersey?
A: The coast is fantastic. I went to Gorey Castle (Mont Orgueil), St Catherine’s Woods, Corbiere, I’ve been to Devil’s Hole. We spent the weekend all around the island. I’ve shared all the pictures with my colleagues, hopefully they will want to come here too.
Q: How does Jersey compare to home?
A: I live in a beautiful place in France. We have beach too. Jersey is an island, so it’s quite a bit smaller. The streets are really tight, wow it’s difficult to pass another car. There’s a French Normandy touch. The landscape is beautiful, it’s really green and there are flowers everywhere.
Q: What is a good conversation starter in French?
A: I think we have a common topics like food. You could ask “what food do you like?”
French: Quel plat aimes? English: What dish do you like?
Q: What will you take away from this experience?
A: The hospitality.