Sponsorship · October 2026
Why learn French for tourism in Laos?
Because tourism is growing in Luang Prabang, and speaking French opens the door to skilled jobs. NK Seeds launched a two-year professional course there in September 2026.
In Laos, tourism is growing fast, and Luang Prabang is its leading destination. French-speaking visitors are many, but professionals who speak French are scarce. For a young Lao person, speaking French can make all the difference in finding a skilled job.
That is the starting point of the professional French for Tourism training launched by NK Seeds in Luang Prabang. It prepares young Lao people for careers in hospitality, hotels and tourism: guide, receptionist, travel agency adviser.
Two years to learn a trade
Classes began on 14 September 2026, for two years, until August 2028. The programme runs 25 hours a week: mostly French, but also tourism, Luang Prabang's heritage, digital skills and art workshops. The goal is to reach B1 level in French by the end of the course. The students are welcomed in a classroom at the Institut français in Luang Prabang.
The idea is not new. As early as September 2025, NK Seeds welcomed nine students from northern Laos to learn French. Their dream: to become tour guides or French teachers. Before classes started, Ken, the sponsorship coordinator, gave them beginner lessons every lunchtime, sharing his own experience at the École normale supérieure in Luang Prabang.
One donation, one specific need
To launch the training, NK Seeds came up with a new way of giving in August 2026. Donors choose what they fund: a computer, teaching materials, school supplies or a student's accommodation. That way, they know exactly what their donation is used for. Behind every piece of equipment, there is a student learning and building their future.
At the end of September, a video gave a voice to the people behind the project: Bénédicte Deschamps, French Ambassador to Laos, Mélissa Lansmant of NK Seeds, Valounsopha, the course's lead teacher, and Alexandre Gilardeau, coordinator of the Institut français in Luang Prabang.
On 7 October, Laos celebrated National Teachers' Day. It was also the birthday of Sopha, a French teacher. The students of the course prepared a few small surprises for her, to celebrate this double occasion together.
They support the course
The French Embassy in Laos, the Institut français du Laos, XiLearn, Pasom Pasan and Loire Mékong.
Told from NK Seeds' Instagram posts, September 2025 to October 2026, and the Tourism training page of the website.
To meet them on your trip, read on NK Seeds Travel: Meet our guides: Luang Prabang's tourism students.
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Support a young Lao student through their studies, on your own or with others, so they can complete their training.
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A computer, books, a place to stay: every donation helps a student learn their future trade.