Norah Jones talks with Katy Wheelock, a French educator with 30+ years of classroom experience and the founder of Vive l’Experience, about why language learning is ultimately about connection, not perfection—and how centering Francophone Africa (especially Senegal) transforms teachers, students, and communities.

Katy shares her personal path to Senegal, what teacher immersion experiences unlock, and why being seen—down to pronouncing someone’s name correctly—can change everything.

You’ll Hear About

• Why Katy felt drawn to French-speaking Africa and how she ended up studying in Dakar
• How Senegal became a lifelong part of her teaching and professional mission
• What transforms teachers most when they experience Senegal through immersion
• Practical ways teachers bring Senegal into lessons (food, clothing, drinks, hospitality, cultural norms)
• Why Francophone Africa matters for the future of French worldwide
• How immersion experiences restore teachers who feel isolated or burned out
• How Katy approaches colonial history with care, humility, and Senegalese expertise
• The “power of names” story (Diallo/Jalo) and what it means to be truly seen
• What Senegalese communities gain from these exchanges
• Katy’s take on AI: impressive language tools, but human connection still matters most

Contact Norah :
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