Who are we ?

The Maison des étudiants canadiens has been welcoming students, researchers and artists since 1926.

The MEC is located in the heart of Paris, as one of about 40 international houses that form the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris (CIUP), an extraordinary multicultural environment which offers much more than simply housing. It’s the experience of a lifetime, offering among the best quality of life for students, and an exceptional place to connect and network with people from all around the world.

Vision

The MEC is a welcoming place of intellectual exchange for exceptional Canadian students who are open to the world.

Values

Respect, tolerance, openness to the world, safety and community spirit are the main values of  the MEC.

Our History

The first foreign house of the CIUP, the Maison des étudiants canadiens has almost 100 years of history. The MEC was inaugurated in 1926, one year after the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris was founded. It has already hosted great names such as Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Adrienne Clarkson, Jacques Parizeau, Louise Beaudoin, Gaston Miron, Émile Borduas and Alfred Pellan. 

Discover the significant events of its history :

1926

Thanks to the efforts of High Commissioner Philippe Roy and the financial support of Senator Marcelin Wilson, the Maison des étudiants canadiens is inaugurated on October 30, 1926. Many celebrities were present at the event, including the Prince of Wales, representing the British government, and the President of France. The MEC was the second house in the Cité.

1937 – 1947

Many students leave the MEC during World War II. The Germans occupy the houses of the Cité internationale universitaire, including the Maison des étudiants canadiens.

1948 – 1951

Paul Riou is appointed as the first Director of the MEC.

1952

With the arrival of the new Director of the MEC, Lionel Lemay, cultural activities flourish in the house. Lionel Lemay welcomes numerous groups, actors and musicians. This cultural dynamism continues to this day.

1957 – 1958

Arrival of the first women in the House.

1967 – 1968

To secure its financial viability, the MEC undertakes an expansion. This allows it to double the number of rooms, and increase the shared spaces.

1984 – 1985

In 1984, the MEC closes for one year for major renovations. These take place thanks to the support of Jean P. W. Ostiguy, who was President of the Canadian Committee of the MEC, and who volunteered during many years of his life to support the House.

1987 – 1996

The MEC becomes increasingly popular and prestigious among Canadian students and those of other countries. The tradition of artistic and intellectual events expands even more.

2001

The MEC celebrates its 75th birthday. Jean P. W. Ostiguy passes the torch of the presidency of the Canadian Committee to Robert Panet-Raymond.

2006 – 2016

The House undergoes additional renovations to offer private bathrooms in every room. The MEC acquires the status of a foundation contributing to the public good.
The great hallway of the House is transformed into an art gallery, and hosts several exhibits during the year.

Façade de la MEC 1
Vue de la Maison et de son environnement paysager. On aperçoit l'extrémité du pavillon Curie de la Fondation Deutsch.
Canada-Extérieur-Façades Sud et Ouest
MECanadiens1

Meet France Mainville

Bachelor of law and member of the Quebec Bar, France Mainville has experience in many fields. 

Following a long career as Director of numerous sectors at l’Université de Sherbrooke, she is appointed Director of the MEC in July 2020.

France brings with her a great managerial mind and openness to new ideas. She is recognized among residents for her friendly and respectful approach.

Our Team

Our team spares no effort so that the time residents spend at the MEC is the best it can be. We are always available to respond to your questions and concerns, to have discussions, and to help guide you.

Our Residents

Every year, the MEC welcomes Canadians from across the country. We also welcome some residents who are « brassés », that is, students who have been transfered from other houses in the Cité.

Our residents come from Canada, Argentina, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria and Ukraine.

Meet our 2023-2024 residents :

Level of studies 2022 – 2023

Where do our residents come from?

The nationalities of our 2023-2024 residents are :

And in Canada…

A Foundation

Since 2005, la Maison des étudiants canadiens has been granted the status of a foundation serving the public good in France (FRUP).

The mandate of the foundation is to maintain and operate the Maison des étudiants canadiens. 

The foundation is administered by an 11-member board, and chaired by her Excellency the Ambassador of Canada in Paris. The other members of the board of directors are:

  • Representatives of the Committee in Canada;
  • Full members, namely the Rector Chancellor of l’Université de Paris, and the President and General Delegate of la Cité internationale;
  • Qualified members, namely the General Delegate of Quebec in Paris, and the President of the residents’ committee of the Maison

The Committee in Canada

The Maison des étudiants canadiens à Paris is supported by a non-profit organisation named « Comité au Canada de la Maison des étudiants canadiens à Paris ».

The committee’s objective is to help in the maintenance, development and promotion of the work of the MEC, through all the means at its disposal, financial or otherwise.

To learn more:

The President of the Committee in Canada, Mr. Panet-Raymond, presents the history and work of the committee in the video below:

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