“I came to Paris to study for my secondary school teaching certificate (CAPES) since the course wasn’t available in Guadeloupe, which is often the case with postgraduate studies. Unfortunately, a lot of students never make the journey because they don’t have accommodation. When I arrived in Paris, I stayed in student housing. That’s when I found out about the partnership between the Cité and Guadeloupe. I submitted my application to the region and it was accepted. The House I’m staying in now is like a dream! Living with other students from Guadeloupe is really positive, and you don’t get that clique effect. I often eat in the university restaurant, where I meet a lot of other students. Talking to people from different cultures gives me a different outlook on what’s going on around me.”
Florence, student resident at French Provinces House, 2005
“I applied to the Guest Researchers’ Office before coming to France. In a couple of weeks, everything was taken care of: accommodation, papers, and so on. The Cité Internationale gave us special terms of residence. We live in an apartment at French Provinces House along with other international science students who also have children. I even met a former schoolmate, a Brazilian doctor, who happens to be my neighbour at the Cité Internationale.”
Gustavo, resident professor at French Provinces House, 2006
“I’m really happy at French Provinces House. I’ve met a lot of people here. Since I’ve been living at the Cité, I’ve started seeing things a little differently. For instance, in my country, the United States, when we talk about Africa, we imagine it as one big continent, a single block. At French Provinces House, people don’t say they come from Africa: they talk about Algeria, Morocco and so on... The point of view is different and I’m learning a lot about France, largely thanks to my neighbours.”
Carole, resident at French Provinces House, 2007
