The origin of AILS Language Stays dates back to a chance encounter under the skies of Florida, where Barbara, from Basel, and Denis, from Paris, met during a language stay in 1994. Their friendship, born in a classroom where English was their only means of communication, turned into love during a memorable evening in Tampa at a Rolling Stones concert. This was the beginning of a transnational love story marked by bold decisions and significant moves.
Barbara first joined Denis in Paris in 1995, trying to embrace French culture, before the couple decided to settle in Basel so that Denis could immerse himself in Barbara's world. However, it was their move to Geneva in 1996 that marked a decisive turning point, offering a neutral and favorable ground for the realization of their dreams.
It was in this context that Barbara launched AILS in 1996, an initiative born from the desire to create a company that reflected their passion for languages and offered quality language stays. When the NBA, Denis's employer at the time, announced its move to Paris in 1997, Denis chose not to follow, fully joining Barbara in the AILS adventure.
Together, they shared a vision: that of a company that would prioritize quality and customer satisfaction over profitability. Their commitment to this vision was strengthened by Alain, a dedicated colleague who became a shareholder in 2010. His personal investment in AILS's growth was remarkable, especially through his direct involvement in expanding the company across France. Alain personally relocated several times to oversee the opening of new agencies, starting with Lyon, followed by Paris, and then Nantes. Each move exemplified his determination and commitment to taking AILS's philosophy and values beyond Swiss borders, fully embodying the team spirit and passion that define the company.
Together, Barbara, Denis, and Alain navigated challenges, including the COVID-19 crisis, which, due to the travel ban, led to the closure of all agencies except the one in Geneva. However, thanks to their resilience and hard work, AILS managed to save the Geneva branch and later opened a new agency in France, demonstrating their ability to bounce back and persevere in the face of adversity.
The impact of their journey also extended to their family, with their children, although not directly involved in the management of AILS, occasionally working for the company during school holidays and inheriting the linguistic and cultural richness of their parents by speaking 4 to 5 languages each. The children also participated in numerous language stays organized by AILS, acting as "affectionate guinea pigs" to test and refine the stays, thereby enriching their own multicultural and linguistic experiences while contributing to the continuous improvement of AILS's services.
The story of AILS is one of love that crossed borders, a passion for languages that inspired a business mission, and a family that, together, continues to dream and build a future where quality and customer satisfaction are paramount. It is a profound human adventure, rooted in love, determination, and a shared vision that goes beyond the professional sphere to touch lives around the world.
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