Alix Martelly recently joined the leadership team at the Vilnius International French Lyceum as the director of the Nursery and Elementary school. Appointed by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), she brings over 20 years of experience in education. From teacher to trainer and school leader, she has held these roles across several countries, including France, Guatemala, Madagascar, the United States, and, most recently, Madrid, Spain. Excited to explore Lithuania, A. Martelly shares her thoughts on her journey, passions, and plans for the future of the LIFV.
A Passion for Education and World Cultures
Originally from Montpellier in southern France, Martelly is not only an experienced educator but also a musician. “I play the cello and the flute,” she reveals. In Lithuania, she was immediately captivated by the natural beauty of the landscapes, which perfectly aligns with her love for nature. “I love nature, so I’m really happy to be here,” she says with enthusiasm. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, cooking — “I am French, after all!” she adds with a smile — and, above all, traveling to discover new cultures and meet new people.
Her curiosity about the world fueled her decision to pursue an international career. “It’s more than being on vacation,” she explains. “It’s about arriving, trying to understand the culture, and living the everyday life… I will never become Lithuanian, but I truly want to get to know this culture that is still new to me.”
First Impressions of Lithuania
When Martelly learned she would be moving to Vilnius, she was thrilled. “We had already done some research, and I knew a bit about Lithuania through friends. We were very happy because it’s in Europe, right at the center of Europe.” Although she admits she’s not yet fully familiar with the country, coming from the south of Europe, she describes herself as “truly enchanted.” The only challenge she anticipates with a touch of humor: “We’ll see how I handle the depths of winter!”
A Rich and Diverse Career Path
Martelly began her academic journey by studying linguistics and French as a foreign language at university. “I’ve always worked with people for whom French was not their native language,” she explains. After earning her teaching qualification, she taught in France and abroad. Her career then led her to become a teacher trainer, a key step in her progression toward school leadership. “Being a trainer helps in leading a school because it provides a pedagogical direction,” she notes.
Over the years, she has alternated between working in France and internationally, gaining diverse experiences in contexts as varied as Guatemala, Madagascar, the United States ( the Pacific Northwest), and Madrid, Spain, where she spent the last four years. With more than 12 years abroad, she embarks on this new adventure in Vilnius with a unique perspective. At LIFV, she will work closely with the headmaster, Lilian Filipozzi, to continue advancing the school.
The Influence of International Experience
For Martelly, each experience abroad has enriched her approach to education. “Being a trainer or a principal is about constantly improving yourself to serve the collective,” she explains. Working in French schools abroad has taught her never to rest on her laurels. “You are always forced to step outside your comfort zone, to question what you know in order to better understand the environment you are in.”
Every new assignment is another building block in her career, yet she remains aware that there is always more to learn. “New experiences mean a new context to know, understand, and integrate into,” she says.
A Wish for the School Community
To conclude, Martelly extends a warm message to the LIFV community: “I wish the teachers an excellent school year, hoping they can apply all their skills and expertise so that each child can grow in the best possible conditions. To the students, I wish them wonderful discoveries, moments of sharing, and a lot of enjoyment in their learning. As for the families, I hope they find here a place of trust, exchange, and collaboration for the well-being and success of their children.”
Thank you to Alix Martelly for this inspiring interview. We wish her great success in her new role at LIFV and a wonderful adventure in Lithuania!