International Mountain Connection
Who is behind International Mountain Connection?
The Founder - Translator and English Trainer
My name is Michelle Onofrey. I’m an American currently living in Jarjayes, France. Before moving to France in 2003, I was a school teacher in the United States. Although I was sad to stop teaching, I was excited to come to France and explore my new home.
Surrounded by three mountain ranges, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to discover different mountain activities. As a result, one thing became clear; I was passionate about the mountains!
I spent as much time as possible exploring the French Alps through hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing… The list goes on and on!
In 2019, I founded International Mountain Connection and combined my two passions: teaching and mountains.
Why Create IMC?
I wanted to create International Mountain Connection for three main reasons:
Safety First. I understand the importance of communication when learning mountain sports. I want to help people learn technical vocabulary so they can practice or teach their favorite mountain sport/activity safely.
Communication is KEY. I want to help members of the mountain or tourism industry talk about their projects/products with confidence. In basic English courses, vocabulary with a mountain theme is not offered. I want to provide the missing pieces.
Learning should be fun. I know how hard it is to learn another language, especially later in life! Movies and books help, but if they’re too long or complicated, it simply isn’t motivating or fun. I want to change that.
What's in the Future?
In 2020, International Mountain Connection evolved into something even bigger!
In addition to being a language learning community, IMC now provides French to English translations and tailor-made English training for professionals in the mountain and tourism industries.
Our portfolio has expanded to include major players in the sporting goods industry and our local communities. It’s been a pleasure to work with our clients and we feel honored to be trusted with their translation projects!
2022 was another big year! Not only did International Mountain Connection become certified Qualiopi (to offer training to clients who want to use French government funding), we can now provide training where French residents can use their CPF.
This helps us reach even more clients who are looking to communicate better with international clients and we’re thrilled!
2024 was another exciting year! International Mountain Connection moved from Modane to Jarjayes, France. I am enjoying getting to know my new home in the Hautes-Alpes. Everyone has been very kind and helpful.
As always, I look forward to getting to know more of you in the mountain and tourism communities. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I have a really thick accent when I speak French, but friends and clients seem to understand me just fine!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about International Mountain Connection. Keep coming back to visit, and remember…
(If you don’t know what I’m referring to, watch the video here!)
Updated July 24, 2024
The Founder - Translator and English Trainer
My name is Michelle Onofrey. I’m an American currently living in Jarjayes, France. Before moving to France in 2003, I was a school teacher in the United States. Although I was sad to stop teaching, I was excited to come to France and explore my new home.
Surrounded by three mountain ranges, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to discover different mountain activities. As a result, one thing became clear; I was passionate about the mountains!
I spent as much time as possible exploring the French Alps through hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing… The list goes on and on!
In 2019, I founded International Mountain Connection and combined my two passions: teaching and mountains.
Why Create IMC?
I wanted to create International Mountain Connection for three main reasons:
Safety First. I understand the importance of communication when learning mountain sports. I want to help people learn technical vocabulary so they can practice or teach their favorite mountain sport/activity safely.
Communication is KEY. I want to help members of the mountain or tourism industry talk about their projects/products with confidence. In basic English courses, vocabulary with a mountain theme is not offered. I want to provide the missing pieces.
Learning should be fun. I know how hard it is to learn another language, especially later in life! Movies and books help, but if they’re too long or complicated, it simply isn’t motivating or fun. I want to change that.
What's in the Future?
In 2020, International Mountain Connection evolved into something even bigger!
In addition to being a language learning community, IMC now provides French to English translations and tailor-made English training for professionals in the mountain and tourism industries.
Our portfolio has expanded to include major players in the sporting goods industry and our local communities. It’s been a pleasure to work with our clients and we feel honored to be trusted with their translation projects!
2022 was another big year! Not only did International Mountain Connection become certified Qualiopi (to offer training to clients who want to use French government funding), we can now provide training where French residents can use their CPF.
This helps us reach even more clients who are looking to communicate better with international clients and we’re thrilled!
2024 was another exciting year! International Mountain Connection moved from Modane to Jarjayes, France. I am enjoying getting to know my new home in the Hautes-Alpes. Everyone has been very kind and helpful.
As always, I look forward to getting to know more of you in the mountain and tourism communities. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I have a really thick accent when I speak French, but friends and clients seem to understand me just fine!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about International Mountain Connection. Keep coming back to visit, and remember…
(If you don’t know what I’m referring to, watch the video here!)
