CAMBODIA HOUSE

PERSONAL ACCOUNTS

“Before I came to France, I studied both French literature and computer engineering at university in Tehran; I came first on a test for Iranian students of French organised by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I came to the Cité internationale in 2003 with a scholarship from the Ministry. I really wanted to become involved here and I ran for and was elected chairman of the residents’ committee for Cambodia House. We organised all kinds of activities such as regular weekly “bailo-therapy” classes (a type of athletic dance from Venezuela) or one-time special activities like an international dinner before Christmas. The community in the Cité internationale is diverse and therefore really interesting. It’s an amazing opportunity to meet students from around the world and be able to show them another face of my own country, one that is different from what is too often reported on the news.” Amir, student 2004

“Students in New Caledonia have to come to France after the first year of medical studies to finish their schooling as there is no college of medicine on the islands. The partnership between New Caledonia and the Cité internationale made everything about coming to France easier. It meant I didn’t have to look for a flat, which is really reassuring when you’re getting ready to go 20,000 kilometres from home! I have been really happy living here in this green setting, surrounded by other students who are going through the same things I am; there are several other students from New Caledonia in Cambodia House and it’s really nice to be together. I felt less isolated, and it made it easier to adjust to life here. The communal kitchens are great for meeting and talking to other people and you get a good feel for how diverse the Cité internationale really is.” Graziella, 2007

“When I arrived at the Cité internationale as a resident of the Franco-British College, I was really excited to see practice rooms. It’s so nice to know that you can practice without bothering any of you neighbours! The studios are really well sound-proofed and the acoustics are good, too. Plus they’re really flexible; you can reserve a room on the internet, change the time you want to come, etc. And you get to meet and talk with other musicians and the personnel at the Cité internationale, which is always interesting. The Cité internationale is great for that, you can just talk with anybody you happen to meet[...] Last year we organised a concert in the Franco-British College. These practice rooms have been such a treat for me!” Juan, cellist and music school student, Franco-British College, 2005