Lycée in the World

Click on the globe to discover how the Lycée experience comes to life around the world.

At Home in the World

A Lycée education is truly a global one, providing our students with the knowledge, experiences and skills to adapt and thrive wherever they go.

We embrace and learn from the diverse origins and cultures of our students, faculty, staff, and families and provide a true cross-cultural experience through a wide network of international learning trips, Cultural Center events and educational partnerships.

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Cédric Bouet, French Teacher in Uzbekistan and Armenia Susan Wei, Carrying Forward a Franco-Chinese Legacy Uschi Niethammer, Between Germany and the United States Sonia Rocca, An Academic Journey Across Europe and the United States Isabel Betances, Between the Dominican Republic and New York Sébastien Chabaud, From Burgundy to Morocco Laguerre-Wilkinson Family Study Trip to Berlin, Germany Study Trip to Toledo, Spain Sports Trip to Quebec City Study Trip to Oaxaca, Mexico Middle School Athletic Games, Panama City, Panama Study Trip to China Service Learning Trip to Vietnam “In the Footsteps of the Count of Monte Cristo” Study Trip Immersion Trips to Morocco University of Chicago Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne McGill University New York University, Stern School of Business Tel Aviv University & Columbia University Exeter College, Oxford University Berkeley and Sciences Po Harvard University Sciences Po Paris and Sorbonne Université Francis Cabrel - Artist in Residence Serge Bloch - Artist in Residence Philharmonie de Paris - Artist in Residence Emeline Michel - Artist in Residence Jacques Torres - Artist in Residence Compagnie Zolobe - Artist in Residence Alain Mabanckou - Conference Ibrahim Maalouf - Concert Cirque du Soleil - Artist in Residence Sweet Crude - Concert Natu Camara - Concert Nour Ayadi - Concert 2025 Paris Alumni Reunion 2024 New York Alumni Weekend Manuel Perez Luna '19 Yasiara Ortiz Moggio '97 Victor Dias Rodrigues '16 Samantha Golinski '99 Bénédicte Perrot '95 Eve de la Mothe Karoubi '02 Emmanuelle Saliba ‘07 JG Debray ‘10 Anne-Sophie Donnet ‘12 Maryam Breguet ‘11 Sonia Bouclainville '10 Sekou Coulibaly '99

Community

Cédric Bouet, French Teacher in Uzbekistan and Armenia

After more than thirty years sharing his passion for literature in France, Cédric Bouet chose to expand his journey abroad.

First to Uzbekistan, the legendary crossroads of the Silk Road, then to Armenia — two destinations as unexpected as they were profoundly formative — before joining the Lycée in New York in 2024. These experiences immersed him in cultures and educational traditions very different from those he knew, sparking his curiosity and renewing his perspective on teaching.

He notably worked with students able to navigate multiple languages and writing systems — Latin, Cyrillic, and Armenian. Living and teaching outside his comfort zone became an invitation to question his assumptions, broaden his perspective, and rethink his pedagogy. French was no longer just a subject, but a living language shaped by stories, accents, and diverse imaginations. “You leave your comfort zone… and it allows you to grow, mature, and see the world in a new way.”

At the Lycée, Mr. Bouet finds the same spirit of openness. He values the school’s international environment and the freedom teachers have to design ambitious projects that extend learning far beyond the classroom, inspiring students to see the world differently as well.

Community

Susan Wei, Carrying Forward a Franco-Chinese Legacy

Originally from China, our Mandarin teacher Susan Wei brings to the Lycée a deeply personal connection to language, education, and the French cultural world—one shaped by her father’s life and legacy.

In 1946, her father was awarded the prestigious Boxer Indemnity Scholarship and traveled to Paris to study at the Sorbonne. Although he returned to China in 1949, he devoted his life to French language and literature, founding French departments at two universities, teaching at Wuhan University, and publishing extensively to introduce French authors to Chinese readers.

Growing up during the Cultural Revolution in China, when books and schools were scarce, Ms. Wei’s earliest education came at home. “He is not only my dad, he is my mentor,” she says. Listening to her father recount French stories and literature shaped her worldview and, ultimately, her career. Inspired by him, she pursued a life in education—first teaching at several universities in China, then completing graduate studies in the United States before working in Washington, D.C.

Since joining the Lycée in 2006, she has founded and built the school’s Chinese language program, leading it for nearly two decades. She also oversees the long-running student exchange partnership with the High School Affiliated with Fudan University in Shanghai. Through her teaching and her dedication to cross-cultural exchange, Ms. Wei continues her father’s legacy, using language and education as bridges between cultures, generations, and worlds.

Community

Uschi Niethammer, Between Germany and the United States

Born in southern Germany, our German Teacher Uschi Niethammer brings our students a rich international perspective shaped by her studies in Germany, Scotland, and the United States.

She studied German language, English literature, and religious studies at the University of Heidelberg, including a year abroad at the University of Stirling, and completed her teacher training in Stuttgart.

After teaching at a German international school in Boston, she moved to New York City, where she taught German at the university level and worked with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), supporting international students and scholars.

Drawn back to the classroom, she joined the Lycée in 2021, where she values the school’s multilingual environment and students’ cultural curiosity. She also leads exchanges and trips to Germany, extending language learning beyond the classroom.

Community

Sonia Rocca, An Academic Journey Across Europe and the United States

Our Italian teacher, Dr. Sonia Rocca, has spent her life exploring how language shapes the way we connect.

Her journey began at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan and led her to a PhD in Applied Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Over the past three decades, she has taught in Italy, Britain, and the United States, discovering in every country how culture informs communication.

Since joining the Lycée Français de New York in 2005, Dr. Rocca has brought that international perspective into her Italian classroom, inspiring students to see language as a bridge to other worlds.

Beyond the school walls, she has founded the MOBILLE International Conference, served as a Fulbright Global Scholar, and traveled as a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, leading educational initiatives from Uruguay to Japan to Kazakhstan. Across continents and classrooms, her work is driven by a single belief: learning a language is more than grammar and vocabulary—it is a way to connect with people, expand horizons, and understand the world.

Community

Laguerre-Wilkinson Family: A Multigenerational Lycée Journey

For the Laguerre-Wilkinson family, the Lycée Français de New York is more than a school; it is a legacy spanning nearly seven decades.

Their story began in 1958, when they moved from Haiti to New York and enrolled at the Lycée, beginning a multigenerational journey through its classrooms. From aunt and cousins to siblings, and later to daughters, the family’s connection to the Lycée has been continuous, making it a central part of their lives across multiple generations.

This legacy lives on through Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson, alumna, parent, and now member of the Board of Trustees, whose own daughters walked the same halls. For her, the Lycée was always a natural extension of home and heritage. “French is my mother tongue. It was just a normal thing for us to be educated in the French system.”

After completing her studies in France, she built a distinguished career in American broadcast journalism, including 16 years at 60 Minutes, reporting globally and producing award-winning stories. That global professional experience ultimately brought her back to the Lycée, this time as a parent, determined to give her children the same immersive education that had shaped her own life.

Some of her closest friends are former classmates; their families are still closely connected, across New York and Paris. Staying involved through the Board allows her to contribute in a concrete way, helping steward the institution that has shaped multiple generations of her family. “The Lycée in many ways is my family. You’re never not part of it — even as an alum. It always holds a space.”

Today, as a Board Member, she continues to help guide the institution that shaped her childhood and her daughters’ futures. Walking through its doors still carries emotion; a testament to the depth of that bond. For the Laguerre-Wilkinson family, the Lycée is not simply a place of learning, but an intergenerational home — a microcosm of the world where language, culture, and lifelong connection are passed through generations.

Trips & Exchanges

“In the Footsteps of the Count of Monte Cristo”

Study Trip Across Paris, Marseille, and Rome

Led by the Literature Department in collaboration with CDI teachers, from October 19-28, 2025, Grade 10 students traveled throughout Paris, Marseille, and Rome, following Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo.

In this immersive nine-day journey, students explored the world of 19th-century literature through the life and work of Alexandre Dumas. In Paris, they discovered the Dumas family legacy at the Musée Alexandre Dumas, examined the evolution of French power at the Musée de l’Armée, and cultural landmarks including the Palais Garnier and the Seine.

In Marseille, students explored the historic Panier district, the MUCEM, the bustling port, and the Château d’If, the very settings that inspired Dumas’ epic tale. The journey concluded in Rome with visits to Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, and other key sites. Throughout the trip, students became writers, artists, and historians – capturing their discoveries through journals, sketches, photography, poetry, and collaborative projects.

Each step offered a chance to reflect on the art of storytelling, the sources of inspiration, and the creative process behind a literary masterpiece. The experience culminated in an interdisciplinary exhibition, showcasing students’ travel journals, photos, videos, and reflections.

Trips & Exchanges

Trips to Morocco

Each year, our students participate in an immersion trip to Morocco—a unique experience that combines cultural discovery and service learning.

In 2024, the school reached a new milestone with its first trip dedicated specifically to community service in Morocco. After a stopover in Casablanca—where our students shared in the daily lives of families from the Lycée Français Guy de Maupassant—the group traveled to the Atlas Mountains.

There, they provided support to communities still affected by the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake. This human connection profoundly enriched their intercultural understanding and their sense of global responsibility. The 2026 edition focused on the richness of Moroccan heritage.

From Marrakech to Ouarzazate, by way of the ramparts of Essaouira, students experienced nine days of rare intensity: Arabic language and craft workshops, immersion in the bustling energy of the souks, exploring the Agafay Desert on camelback, and an introduction to local cuisine. More than just a trip, this program remains a pillar of our educational mission, opening our students’ eyes to the world and the diversity of cultures.

College Destinations

Nour Vanoosthuyse '22 – Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne

After graduating from the Lycée Français de New York in 2022, Nour Vanoosthuyse, returned to Paris, where he grew up, to pursue higher education.

He is currently studying for a Master’s in Business Law, with a focus on corporate law and taxation, at Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, after completing a double bachelor’s in Law and Political Science. Raised between two cities and several cultures, tthis Franco-Egyptian graduate chose an academic path that allowed him to maintain broad intellectual openness while offering numerous professional opportunities. “I wanted a program that would challenge me intellectually but also open doors to careers in law, public service, and diplomacy.” His experience at the Lycée prepared him to thrive in demanding and international environments, helping him develop a critical mindset and comfort with different perspectives.

Among the highlights of his studies are internships at prestigious Paris law firms, where he worked on high-profile cases, as well as attending conferences featuring figures such as former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain.

Looking ahead, Nour plans to take the Paris Bar exam, with the possibility of pursuing the New York Bar in the future.

College Destinations

Agathe Audrain '21 – McGill University

Agathe Audrain, Class of 2021, completed her entire academic journey at the Lycée, from Preschool through Terminale.

She then went on to McGill University in Montreal, where she earned a degree in Liberal Arts with minors in Communications and Hispanic Studies.

Agathe also served as president of Chabad, a Jewish student organization on campus. “I chose McGill because of the environment that Lycée created for me. It offered a bicultural perspective on the world that I truly valued and could not imagine living without.”

Studying in English while living in a francophone and multicultural city allowed her to continue building on the values that shaped her Lycée experience.

In 2025, Agathe returned to the Lycée as a member of the Development Team. Reflecting on her path, she says, “Lycée did so much for me, and the clearest way I can show my appreciation is by choosing to work here. I want to give back to the community that supported and shaped me when I was a student.”

College Destinations

Melania Gill '24 – New York University, Stern School of Business

Melania Gill graduated from the Lycée Français de New York in 2024, after 14 years at the Lycée.

Growing up in Manhattan, she became deeply influenced by the Lycée’s bilingual environment and international perspective. “Being surrounded by different cultures and ways of thinking made [her] curious and adaptable in fast-paced academic settings.”

Melania pursued a Bachelor of Science in Business at NYU Stern, concentrating in finance and computing & data science. NYU felt like “the best mix of academic rigor and real-world proximity.”

She reflects that her time at the Lycée prepared her to navigate long-term workloads, and think critically across disciplines. Specializing in economics and geopolitics at the Lycée fostered her interest in how markets and institutions shape people’s lives, while her bilingual and international experiences gave her a global lens she continues to rely on at university.

While studying at NYU, Melania has also completed an internship with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in New York, and participated in the Deloitte Tax Consulting Case Competition, where her NYU team advanced to regionals.

Looking ahead, she hopes to combine analytical finance with broader impact through roles in investing, strategy, or international development, while continuing to cultivate leadership and community wherever she is.

College Destinations

Ellie Benichou '25 – Tel Aviv University & Columbia University Dual Degree Program

Ellie Benichou graduated from the Lycée Français de New York in 2025, after 11 years at the school. Deeply involved in student life, Ellie served as captain of the volleyball team, class president, and president of the Jewish Community and Culture Club.

After the Lycée, Ellie pursued a dual degree program with Tel Aviv University and Columbia. During her first two years, she studied Philosophy with a minor in Jewish and Israel Studies at Tel Aviv University, before heading to Columbia to complete a major in Political Science and a minor in Human Rights.

“This program combines academic excellence with an environment that encourages reflection on identity and growth… Together, these studies have allowed me to grow intellectually while grounding me in my culture and history.”

Being in an international environment and following a French curriculum at the Lycée prepared Ellie to study abroad as it taught her to thrive in a multicultural setting.

Since starting university, standout experiences include hiking Masada during orientation, which she describes as a moment that “summarizes the essence of this program: to reach academic and personal intelligence all while growing your individual connection to your environment and the people around you.”

College Destinations

William Roberts '24 – Exeter College, Oxford University

William Roberts graduated from the Lycée Français de New York in 2024, after completing the Baccalauréat français international and an international journey spanning France, the UK, and the US.

Moving to New York and joining the Lycée allowed him to continue his bilingual and international education, an experience he described as having “prepared me to thrive in new academic and cultural environments.”

After Lycée, William came to Exeter College, Oxford University, to study French and Portuguese. Drawn to Oxford’s long history, literature-focused approach, and intensive tutorial system, he will spend their third year in Portugal or Brazil before returning to complete his degree.

He reflects that his time at the Lycée Français de New York equipped him to navigate academic rigor, manage demanding workloads, and engage deeply with languages and cultures.

College Destinations

Lou Mantelin '24 – Berkeley and Sciences Po

Lou Mantelin graduated from the Lycée Français de New York in 2024 after attending preschool through senior year.

A French-American born in New York, she completed the Baccalauréat français international with specializations in Mathematics, SES (Economics and Social Sciences), and NSI (Computer Science).

Lou joined the dual degree program between Sciences Po and University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Economy and Society with a minor in International Trade and Finance, before studying Political Economy and Data Science in California.

“The Lycée made me curious, open-minded, and adaptable. It taught me how to navigate different cultures and perspectives with ease.”

At Sciences Po, Lou was elected Executive Secretary of the Bureau des Élèves, helping lead major campus events and student initiatives. Alongside her studies, she joined the French military reserve, completing intensive training and continuing active service — a commitment that reflects both leadership and a dedication to impact.

College Destinations

Nora Koutoupes Guessous '24 – Harvard University

Nora Koutoupes Guessous graduated from the Lycée Français de New York in 2024 after 12 years at the school.

She was raised in a Greek and Moroccan family where French, Greek, and occasionally Arabic were spoken at home. After graduation, Nora began her studies at Harvard University, pursuing a joint concentration in Human Evolutionary Biology and Anthropology while completing the pre-med track.

“I loved going from Philosophy class to Maths Spécialité in Terminale — drawing parallels between reasoning through words and reasoning through variables.”

Nora credits the Lycée with fostering her multidisciplinary mindset and strong writing skills.

“A highlight of my studies so far at Harvard has been a nomination of one of my papers for a publication in the Society of Linguistic Anthropology by one of my professors. I wrote a systematic, and responsible analysis of Edith Piaf’s distinctive R, to show how multiple elements converge in the vibrato on R, transforming it into a musical emblem of feeling. I feel proud to have my Francophone culture and writing skills recognized by a mentor.”

College Destinations

Sarah Vanoosthuyse '25 – Sciences Po Paris and Sorbonne Université

Sarah Vanoosthuyse graduated from the Lycée Français de New York in 2025 and currently pursues a dual degree between Sciences Po Paris and Sorbonne University.

Her program brings together literary studies, from classical culture to theater, and political science, including sociology, political institutions, and history. Dividing her time between the two institutions, she values the intellectual range and interdisciplinary dialogue this path offers.

“I am passionate about literature, but also very interested in the contemporary issues shaping our world.”

Eager to maintain the breadth of learning she experienced at the Lycée, Sarah chose a program that bridges these interests. Her specialties at the Lycée (HLP, Geopolitics, and SES) strengthened her analytical skills and prepared her for the rigor and independence required in higher education. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in journalism at Sciences Po before eventually working in the film industry. “I have long been passionate about the art of cinema and aspire to build my career in the film industry.”

Alumni

Manuel Perez Luna '19

Manuel Perez Luna, class of 2019, grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, and joined the Lycée Français de New York at 14, quickly adapting to a multilingual, international community with limited French and English.

“At the Lycée, I learned to see the world through many perspectives. Being surrounded by students from all over the globe taught me how diverse experiences shape ideas—and how collaboration across cultures can spark innovation.”

After studying at the University of Chicago, Manuel founded Fluo, a company that designs ergonomic, movement-friendly furniture for work and learning spaces. Manuel remains actively involved with the Lycée, regularly participating in school events such as Start-Up Day where he meets with students to discuss their own entrepreneurship goals.

He also invites students to test his prototypes and share feedback, creating practical opportunities for them to engage with the design process.

Alumni

Victor Dias Rodrigues '16

Victor Dias Rodrigues, Class of 2016, was born in Brasília and grew up across four continents before settling between São Paulo and New York.

A graduate of the Lycée Français de New York, he works as a documentary filmmaker, producing and editing independent films and international projects.

Raised across four continents, he brings a global perspective to his work as a NY Emmy–winning and PBS documentary filmmaker. He traces his interest in cinema to his time at the Lycée: “Cinema class at the Lycée was my first real contact with the craft. Through classes with John Tasevoli, Eric Samulski, and Victoire Patouillard, I realized I had an aptitude for it. That environment made it feel natural to pursue film seriously.”

Among his projects, All Riders (2021), a short documentary on accessibility in the New York City subway, premiered at DOC NYC. Victor is currently a producer at Balthazar Filmes, working on projects between Brazil and the United States.

His projects, including upcoming international documentaries, continue to reflect a worldview shaped by his multicultural upbringing and a belief in storytelling as a bridge between communities.

Alumni

Bénédicte Perrot '95

Originally from Bourges, France, Bénédicte Perrot moved to New York at the age of five and attended the Lycée Français de New York for her final three years of high school.

After earning her baccalauréat, she pursued business studies in Paris and went on to work in communications and marketing for several luxury brands, including Céline, Ralph Lauren, and Bonpoint.

In 2019, drawing on her experience as a mother of three, she founded Limo by VIDIAMO, a stroller designed to convert from single to double. She now oversees the development and growth of the company.

Reflecting on her time at the Lycée, she notes the influence of its international environment and close-knit community: “Growing up in a place where anything is possible, where the world has no limits, and where falling only makes you stronger taught me that at any age, you can reinvent yourself—and that truly, anything is possible.”

Alumni

Eve de la Mothe Karoubi '02

Eve de la Mothe Karoubi, class of 2002, lives in Paris and works at the intersection of climate policy, international cooperation, and environmental advocacy.

She currently leads International Climate Policy at the Global Gas & Oil Network (GGON), where she coordinates a global coalition of civil society organizations working toward a fair and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.

Building a career across global institutions has shaped Eve’s commitment to collaboration and inclusive leadership. Alongside her professional role, Eve serves as the Board President of Greenpeace France and as a Trustee of Greenpeace International, contributing to the organization’s long-term strategy and global advocacy efforts.

Looking ahead, she remains committed to strengthening global cooperation and developing leadership models that support a just and sustainable future.

Alumni

Emmanuelle Saliba ‘07

Emmanuelle Saliba grew up in New York in a Franco-Brazilian family and graduated from the Lycée Français de New York in 2007.

She is Chief Investigative Officer at GetReal, where she works on issues related to disinformation, deepfakes, and emerging AI-driven risks, at the intersection of investigative journalism and digital security.

Trained as a journalist, she developed an early interest in examining how information is shaped and circulated. As social media transformed the media landscape, she focused on methods for verifying online content and analyzing digital manipulation. Her work now centers on identifying large-scale information threats. As she notes, “The most dangerous manipulations no longer pass only through words, but through image, voice, and the illusion of reality.”

Having lived and worked in different cultural contexts, she maintains an international perspective and emphasizes the importance of context in understanding information. She credits the Lycée with fostering critical thinking and intellectual rigor—foundations that continue to inform her work.

Alumni

Anne-Sophie Donnet ‘12

Anne-Sophie Donnet, class of 2012, joined the Lycée Français de New York for Première and Terminale.

Completing the International French Baccalauréat opened doors abroad, and she was accepted to study medicine at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She later completed her clinical training in Manchester and her foundation years in Glasgow.

In 2020, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anne-Sophie moved to Brisbane, Australia. She now works at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and has begun specialty training in acute medicine, caring for critically ill patients and supervising junior doctors in a large tertiary hospital setting.

Reflecting on her international path, she credits the Lycée with shaping her adaptability and resilience—qualities that have proven essential in both her medical career and personal life. “Life is unpredictable, and time is of the essence,” she notes, a perspective that continues to inform her approach to medicine and to the communities she serves.

Alumni

Maryam Breguet ‘11

Maryam Breguet, Class of 2011, studied Economics at McGill University after graduating from the Lycée Français de New York.

She began her career in digital consulting in London before later relocating to Dubai. She now works with two startups, contributing to product development at LUVED, an AI-powered marketplace, and to brand and event projects at Bambi Events.

Her work spans product strategy, customer experience, and creative direction across different markets. She credits the Lycée’s multicultural environment with instilling confidence and ambition early on.

“There’s a common ambitious spirit we all share,” she reflects, noting how the Lycée network has remained present throughout her journey—professionally and personally. From launching global digital platforms to contributing to major projects in the Middle East, Maryam continues to build across cultures, carrying forward the global mindset first cultivated at the Lycée.

Alumni

Sonia Bouclainville '10

Sonia Bouclainville, Class of 2010, was born in Paris and raised in New York, where she attended the Lycée Français de New York from first through twelfth grade.

She is Foundation Manager at the Apax Foundation in London, the philanthropic arm of a global private equity firm. Her work focuses on initiatives that support social mobility, partnering with organizations working in areas such as access to employment, education, healthcare, and poverty relief.

After graduating from the Lycée, she studied at Tufts University in Boston and began her career in New York before moving to London to pursue an MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics. She now works closely with nonprofit partners to support their development and measure long-term impact.

“Philanthropy can go beyond financial support — it can also mean building partnerships that help organizations grow and strengthen their impact.”

Her international path continues to shape the way she approaches collaboration and social impact.

Alumni

Sekou Coulibaly '99

Sekou Coulibaly, Class of 1999 of the Lycée Français de New York, lives and works between Europe and West Africa.

After studying International Management and Marketing at McGill University and ESCP in Paris, he began his career at Dassault Aviation before joining L’Oréal, where he later held leadership roles in Nigeria and across English-speaking West Africa.

He now leads Africa Commerce Eagle, a consulting firm that supports multinational executives in their expansion projects on the African continent, and co-founded SEKBI Bogolan, a sustainable fashion brand focused on local manufacturing. Reflecting on his time at the Lycée, he emphasizes the impact of its intellectual environment and international outlook.

“Its teaching encourages rigorous thinking while developing the ability to ‘read between the lines,’ a skill essential in complex international environments.”

He also remembers the friendships and sense of community that shaped his experience, many of which have remained part of his life long after graduation.