Get to Know the Staff: Meet Katia Ménard Pons

Katia Ménard Pons is one of the many hard-working, caring and creative Georgia Tech-Lorraine staff members who helps keep the program running smoothly in Metz. Katia oversees student life activities on the Metz campus, ensuring that students have a healthy balance of social activities along with their studies.

Originally from Angers (located in the west of France), Katia moved to the Moselle region 14 years ago to join the Georgia Tech-Lorraine team. She began her career at Georgia Tech-Lorraine working on logistics for the summer program. At that time, the summer program had about 160 students; it has since grown to include 330 students.

While studying abroad, students gain cultural experience both on and off campus. Katia schedules events throughout the semester and keeps students informed about events happening in Metz. She provides services for students including shuttles to and from the airport and French Healthcare registration for master’s students.

Katia’s campus life events include tours of Metz upon arrival, non-alcoholic “happy hours” each month for students to try fresh fruit drinks and snacks, indoor skiing, food trucks on campus and more. Her favorite event to plan for the students is the French Family dinner. Each semester, students have the opportunity to visit the home of a local family to enjoy a traditional meal and learn more about French life and culture.

“This is a unique experience for them, and families are always very enthusiastic to share their way of life and French food with foreign students. Students sometimes keep in touch with their host families after their departure, which is a very positive sign,” Katia said.

Katia’s work is driven by her love of travel and desire to provide students with a cultural experience that will help them build their careers and make them better world citizens.

“When I was a student myself, I used to travel abroad, as I think this is the best experience of a lifetime. Eager to share cultural experiences, I visited several countries over the course of several months (England, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands ...). I am convinced that it broadens opportunities and perspectives,” Katia said.