Staff Profile - Global Connections Program Director

Staff Profile - Lucie Dickens, Global Connections Program Director

Q1. Why did you accept the role of Global Connections Program Director at Kilvington?

A. I'm deeply passionate about fostering cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship among young people. Kilvington's commitment to promoting international connections and cultural experiences aligns perfectly with my values and professional goals, making it a natural fit for me.

Q2. You also hold similar positions outside of Kilvington, can you tell us a little about this?

A. Apart from my role at Kilvington, I also serve as a board member and Vice-President for the Association of French Teachers in Victoria (AFTV). This professional not-for-profit organisation is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of French teachers and promoting French language education in schools. The activities we offer aim to develop intercultural understanding in our students. We provide opportunities for students and teachers to experience the French culture beyond the classroom setting.

Q3. What do you think is the most important part of the role/s you do? 

A. Creating opportunities for young people to broaden their perspectives through exposure to different cultures, languages and ways of life. Facilitating meaningful cross-cultural experiences can have a profound impact on students' personal growth and development.

Q4. How important is it for young people to spend time experiencing and learning in other cultures, and why?

A. It's incredibly important because learning about other cultures helps students to develop empathy, tolerance and a global mindset. In today's interconnected world, the ability to navigate cultural differences and communicate effectively across borders is a crucial skillset for future success.

Q5. What are the most challenging aspects of your role? 

A. The most challenging aspects involve overcoming logistical hurdles to ensure our programs run smoothly and safely.

Q6. Do you have any ‘aha’ moments that reinforced your decision to take the career path that you did? 

A. Yes, I've had several 'aha' moments that solidified my decision. One memorable instance was witnessing the transformative impact of an overseas experience on a group of students. They returned with newfound confidence, language skills and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. 

Also, I'm so grateful to work with passionate, efficient and hard-working staff from our partner schools; it's a real pleasure to liaise with them.

Q7. What are the goals you hope to achieve by doing this role?

A. One of my key goals is to expand Kilvington's Global Connections program, so that more students get the opportunity to participate in these enriching cultural opportunities and immersive learning experiences. 

Q8. You also help to develop resources with the AFTV for students learning French. Tell us what this means to you.

A. Developing resources with the AFTV for French languages students is incredibly meaningful to me. It allows me to contribute to the enhancement of language education and provide students and teachers valuable tools to engage with French culture. Moreover, working as a volunteer is very important to me. It allows me to work with colleagues from other schools and settings, and generally enriches my life, not only professionally, but also on a personal level. 

Q9. If you could live anywhere else other than Australia, where would it be and why?

A. My two home countries are France and Australia, so if I'm not in Australia, you'll probably find me in France. There are many different regions to explore in France, that I'd probably travel a lot and enjoy what each region has to offer. Often, people think that staying in Paris can be enough to experience France, but Paris is a unique city, and not representative of the rest of the country. Each region has its own distinct culture, landscape and charm, so there's much more to discover beyond the capital city.