HOW IT ALL STARTED
A little more about me
I’m Jérôme Vanbaelinghem. French teacher, author, photographer, and a naturally curious person based in Lille, France.
Becoming a French teacher wasn’t exactly part of my original plan. I studied energy, but after graduating, I found myself helping people practice French online, simply because I enjoyed it.
Then life took me to Mexico, where I decided to take that interest into a career. I started teaching before I’d even finished my training. And I didn’t even speak Spanish yet!
Mexico became my first real classroom. Looking back, I think that unconventional beginning shaped the teacher I am today.
The people make the difference
After more than ten years of teaching French, it’s still the people I enjoy most. Every student has a different story, whether they’re learning French to travel, move abroad, or simply feel more confident speaking
I still remember Josue, a student from Peru whose first language was Quechua. He was learning French to build a new life in Canada. We prepared for his TEF exam together, and he passed with excellent results.
Stories like his remind me why I love teaching. It’s not just about grammar or pronunciation, but about meaningful conversations, and sometimes helping someone change their life.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
A curious eye on the world
I’ve always been curious about people, places, and the little moments that often go unnoticed.
Photography has become another way for me to explore that curiosity. Whether I’m walking through the streets of Lille or travelling somewhere new, I enjoy capturing everyday life as it unfolds.
In many ways, it’s the same curiosity that brought me to teaching: an interest in people, their stories, and the world around them.
ROOTED IN NORTH OF FRANCE
Lille, my corner of France
After spending time abroad, I eventually settled in Lille, in northern France.
It’s a city I’ve grown deeply attached to. I love its architecture, its history, its cafés, and above all, the warmth of the people who live here
Today, Lille is more than home. It’s also where I welcome French learners for one-to-one immersion experiences, sharing the places, stories, and everyday moments that make this region special.