Testimony of Hélène Thoma

What's your background?

I trained as an Assistant Manager. After my studies, I quickly joined the ILCF, where I have been working with great pleasure for over 20 years. Over the years, I have held different administrative positions, and my missions have gradually evolved. I am currently a university administrative officer, in charge of international programs and partnerships.


What are your missions?

I am administrative referent, in charge of international relations at the ILCF and program coordination. My missions are varied, working closely with my colleagues at the ILCF and UCLy, as well as with external services. My role includes:

  • informing professional contacts from the outset;
  • maintaining and strengthening close relationships with our university, agent, institutional and corporate partners;
  • facilitating the administrative and logistical aspects of setting up study programs at the ILCF;
  • preparing and ensuring the best possible welcome conditions for students and professors accompanying them;
  • providing personalized support to our partners and their students throughout the registration process and during their stay in Lyon;
  • helping set up tailor-made programs for groups.

What do you appreciate about your profession?

There are so many aspects that motivate me in my job: teamwork, human contact, being in touch with others, being able to provide support and evolve in an international context. I am lucky enough to be able to travel on a daily basis, meeting people from all over the world and exchanging emails that take me across continents in the blink of an eye. As a Lyonnaise by birth and by heart, it is also a joy to welcome learners and help them discover our beautiful city!

A good memory from your ILCF experience?

I will take back many fond memories of the ILCF, the wonderful people I have met and the sincere, friendly relationships that could be forged. It is also a great pleasure to see projects built in collaboration with our partners flourish and become true. I am also thinking of the smiles and comfort we can bring to students far from home and their loved ones, as well as simple moments of sharing and exchange.