Who are oui?

Born and raised in Southern California, she has been working with foreign exchange students for over 35 years—it is her passion. People come in different shapes and sizes, with different customs and cultures; no two are alike, which is why she loves this program so much. Her grandmother grew up in a time when learning multiple languages was common—she spoke seven different languages. Her family spoke three languages at home: English, Spanish, and French. Maybe this is why she loves this program so much. Her children grew up with international “siblings,” and they loved every minute of it.

Hector Bachelot has lived and breathed cultural exchange his entire life. As a former exchange student and someone who grew up welcoming students into his own home, he experienced firsthand the power of discovering the world through people. Today, he continues that tradition with his wife and two young boys, opening their home to students from around the globe. In 2014, Hector launched Oui-Connect with a small group of just 14 French students. What began as a passion project has grown into a thriving international organization that has welcomed more than 2,000 students and host families into unforgettable cultural experiences. Hector’s favorite part of his work is meeting families, connecting with students, and watching friendships grow across countries and cultures. He believes deeply in one idea that guides the heart of Oui-Connect: “Everyone smiles in the same language.”

Born and raised in the heart of America in St. Louis, Missouri, Brittany Bachelot has always had a natural curiosity for people, cultures, and the connections that bring us closer together. After studying Marketing at Cal State Fullerton, she combined her love of communication with her passion for cultural exchange. Brittany has formed strong, lasting relationships with countless host families and understands how transformative cross-cultural experiences can be both for the students and the families who welcome them. Over the years, she and her family have hosted students from Italy, France, and Thailand, creating memories that her children still talk about with joy. Warm, welcoming, and loved by every student who meets her, Brittany brings heart, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of travel and human connection to the Oui-Connect mission. Its not hard to convince people to do this when you know how much fun it is!

Judy has been a part of the Oui-Connect team since the beginning. She has been working in the international exchange world for over 6 years & has hosted over 47 students. She is an all-star host mom & her love of people & different cultures shines.

Rebecca has been working with international exchange students for about 14 years. She’s placed more than 1,000 students with host families over the years & she is still going strong today. It’s not an easy task for anyone. Rebecca is not only an incredible recruiter but she is an incredible Mom, host Mom, and wonderful person. Rebecca and her family have endured more than most families but she still comes out with a smile and a kind word.

They love hosting international students! Their family has been hosting students for 15 years. They have the privilege of being the “California Mom & Dad (and siblings)” for students from over 15 countries. Their own children have grown up learning about other cultures and have maintained these special relationships. They look forward to hosting every summer!

Their family has been hosting for 15 years, and they love it! It has been a wonderful opportunity for their home-schooled children to experience the world. It has given their family the chance to travel and meet their students in their own towns. They have hosted more than 20 international students in their home over the past 10 years.

Marla is an incredible coordinator for Oui-Connect who has dedicated her life to cultural exchange and building meaningful connections. Alongside her husband, she has personally hosted over 30 international students in California and Utah, opening her home and heart to young people from around the world. Over the years, Marla has placed hundreds of students with host families, changing lives and creating long-lasting relationships between students, families, and communities. Now living in St. George, Utah, she continues to be a vital part of Oui-Connect, known for her kindness, experience, and unwavering commitment to making every exchange experience truly life-changing.