Testimonials

From the moment I arrived at the Maison des Étudiants Canadiens (MEC), I immediately felt at home in Paris. As a French-speaking and Acadian New Brunswicker, being able to express myself in French with other French-speaking Canadians and Quebecers helped me overcome any linguistic insecurities I might have had. The same is true for all MEC’s Francophile and Anglophone students. MEC’s greatest asset is its cultural, linguistic and professional diversity. It is home to individuals with fascinating backgrounds from across Canada and around the world. The MEC is much more than just a student residence; it’s a place of personal enrichment thanks to a multitude of events. Whether it’s music concerts, painting workshops, sports competitions between residences of the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP), movie and karaoke nights, or simply socializing on the terrace or the Grande Pelouse, there’s something for every resident.

Living at the Maison des Étudiants Canadiens has truly been one of the highlights of my time in Paris. I had the chance to meet incredible people from all over the world and learn so much about Canadian culture through everyday moments and events at the house. I made some amazing friendships that I’ll always carry with me.
The environment here is not only welcoming but also ideal for students. It has just the right mix of calm and liveliness. Whether you’re studying, sharing a meal, or simply chatting in the common areas, there’s always a sense of community.

For me, the Maison des Étudiants Canadiens became much more than a residence. It became a home away from home.

The MEC is a unique place in the world, right in the heart of Paris, that goes far beyond being just a university residence. It’s a place for exchanges, cultures and friendships that last a lifetime.

Living at the MEC during the period of confinements and curfews allowed me to keep a very strong social link and sense of community at a time of great student distress everywhere in France. The family spirit, the true fellowship and the respect which reign here have notably allowed us to organize collective events and memorable evenings, such as the Director’s party, Valentine’s Day, the Gala etc. I am also very proud to have been able to contribute to this common adventure by being the cultural agent of the MEC, and I wish the House to continue to shine for a long time thanks to its beautiful values and its joie de vivre.

For me, the MEC was a big, happy family and a great experience. It was not simply a house – it was a place where I felt safe, with a mixture of cultures without discrimination, respectful of others and their private lives, a meeting place with friends each evening in the kitchen and the shared spaces…
This house is full of life, and even in these times, it has managed to keep this vibe. The staff and those responsible for the house offer us great support, and are easy to understand.

I arrived at the MEC in September 2020, as a transfer (brassage) from the Heinrich Heine house. Before coming to Paris, I spent a fantastic year studying in Canada, which made me appreciate the country, its culture, its diversity, and its friendly people. It’s exactly this sense of community, support, joy and friendship that I experienced at the MEC – during film nights, concerts, meals together, or just passing in the hallways. Even though when you’re in a big city you can feel lonely, especially in these difficult times, you’ll feel like you belong with the big family of the MEC.