In 2006, Hichem Moussa, a Tunisian-born actor and translator, embarked on a unique journey to bring French language tuition to Australia. Armed with a bicycle, a bundle of flyers, and a vision, Hichem began promoting his services as a French tutor across Sydney. Little did he know that this grassroots effort would evolve into VoulezVouloz, a thriving business offering private French lessons and conversation groups in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and the Central Coast.
Building a Foundation Through Passion and Perseverance
Growing up in Tunisia, a former French colony, Hichem was immersed in the French language and culture. When he moved to Australia, he noticed a gap in the market for accessible, quality French language instruction. While there were some options available, they were limited and often lacked the flexibility that many Australians needed. Recognizing this as an opportunity, Hichem decided to fill the void.
Hichem’s early days with VoulezVouloz were characterized by his hands-on approach. Without a car, he cycled through Sydney, distributing flyers and connecting with potential students. His determination paid off as he quickly built a loyal client base, attracting individuals eager to learn French for travel, work, or personal enrichment. As demand grew, Hichem expanded his team, recruiting skilled tutors to reach more students across the city.
A Flexible and Accessible Approach
One of VoulezVouloz’s key selling points is its flexibility. Students can choose to have lessons at their home, workplace, or even a local café or library. This adaptability has been instrumental in making French lessons accessible to a wide range of learners, from busy professionals to schoolchildren. The emphasis on convenience and personalized instruction sets VoulezVouloz apart from traditional classroom-based language courses.
In addition to private lessons, VoulezVouloz offers French conversation groups, providing students with an opportunity to practice their skills in a relaxed, social setting. The combination of structured lessons and conversational practice helps students build confidence and fluency.
Emphasizing Diversity and Sustainability
From its inception, VoulezVouloz has celebrated the global nature of the French language. Hichem has made a concerted effort to hire tutors from diverse French-speaking countries, including Switzerland, Madagascar, Guadeloupe, Canada, Burkina Faso, Belgium, and Algeria. This approach not only highlights the rich cultural tapestry of the Francophone world but also dispels the misconception that French is synonymous only with France. For Australian students, this exposure broadens their understanding of the language and its cultural contexts.
Sustainability has also been a guiding principle for VoulezVouloz. Hichem’s commitment to eco-friendly practices is evident in the company’s encouragement of cycling as a mode of transportation for its tutors. VoulezVouloz-branded bicycles are a common sight in the suburbs it serves, and the company even runs a promotion offering a free first lesson to anyone who photographs one of these bicycles and shares it with the head office. This initiative not only aligns with his personal values but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Overcoming Challenges: Adapting During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for VoulezVouloz, as the business had exclusively offered face-to-face lessons prior to 2020. When lockdowns made in-person instruction impossible, the company had to pivot quickly to online lessons. While this transition was initially daunting, it allowed VoulezVouloz to continue serving its students during a difficult time.
Today, face-to-face lessons remain the preferred option for most students, but the experience of adapting to online teaching has made the company more resilient and versatile. Online lessons are now offered as an alternative for students in remote areas or those without a nearby tutor, ensuring that VoulezVouloz’s services remain accessible to all.
The Role of Gift Vouchers and Word-of-Mouth
One of VoulezVouloz’s most popular offerings is its French gift vouchers, which range in price from $100 to $300. These vouchers make for unique and thoughtful presents, allowing recipients to embark on their own language-learning journey. This initiative has helped the business reach new audiences, as satisfied students often recommend VoulezVouloz to friends and family.
Why VoulezVouloz Works
The success of VoulezVouloz can be attributed to its student-centered approach. The company prioritizes quality instruction, employing tutors who are not only skilled educators but also engaging and personable. Lessons are designed to be interactive and enjoyable, making the process of learning French both effective and fun.
Additionally, the emphasis on flexibility and accessibility ensures that students can fit language learning into their busy lives. Whether it’s a professional brushing up on French for business trips or a family preparing for a holiday in Paris, VoulezVouloz tailors its services to meet diverse needs.
A Lasting Impact
VoulezVouloz’s journey from a one-man operation to a multi-city enterprise is a testament to Hichem’s vision and dedication. By identifying a niche and addressing it with creativity and determination, he has built a business that not only meets a demand but also enriches the lives of its students.
As VoulezVouloz continues to grow, it remains committed to its core values of diversity, sustainability, and excellence in education. For anyone in Australia looking to learn French, VoulezVouloz offers not just a language class but an experience—one that celebrates the richness of the French language and its global culture.
