Interview with an Immigrant
Myriam HERIZI, an Algerian immigrant has kindly accepted to answer my questions. This is the interview :
Can you introduce yourself, please ?
My name is Myriam HERIZI, I am 32 years old. I come from Algeria and I live in Albertville.
How long have you been in France ?
I have lived in France since I was 7 years old. First my parents and I lived in the suburbs of Paris and after they décided to leave the capital in order to live in the provinces. So we moved to Albertville where I am still leaving now.
Why did you leave your homeland, Algeria ?
We are a huge family, there are 5 children. My father was the only worker in the family because my mother had to take care of us.My father's job was not well paid and since it was the only income of my family,life in Algéria was very hard for us and we didn't live in good conditions.They have always had a dream: one day they would like to leave Algéria and go to France to try their luck and enjoy a better way of life.As they knew a friend who had emigrated to France one year before, they decided to contact him to know if it was possible to come and what the procedure was. A month later, the décision was taken, we left Algéria, our country, our family, our friends and everything that we had there. This was the begining of a new life for us!
What was your journey like ? And what were your first impressions on your arrival ?
First my father left the country on his own. He took the plane directly to Paris and looked for accommodation where he could live and started to apply for a job. It was not easy for him to find a job but finally he succeeded in his search, and after 2 months the rest of the family (my mother,brothers and I) could join him there.
He sent us plane tickets and we came to France. When I arrived in Paris, I was only 7 so I don't remember clearly what my impressions were , the only thing I remember is that the city was very big and there were many people and I was very impressed.
What do you think about living in France ?
Living in France is the best thing I have ever known.I thank my parents for having taken this décision when I was young because it helped me to be quickly integrated and to enjoy a better éducation and now get a decent job. I didn' t have any problems about the language because we also speak French in Algeria.
Do you regret leaving your homeland ?
A part of me knows that Algéeia is still my country and I am proud of it but I don't regret that I left it 25 years ago because I don't think that I would have the same lifestyle in Algéria as in France. I come back to my homeland sometimes for holidays to help me remember a part of my childhood.
Laura PELLET 1ere ES3
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
interviews with immigrants Ines
A Rwandan Exile
Which country do you come from ?
I come from Rwanda, a small country in the heart of Africa. I decided to leave Rwanda in 1996 to escape civil war. Actually, when I came into France, the war was over. But there were still violent confrontations. Some of my relatives had been killed and I didn't feel safe in my homeland anymore. It was such a difficult choice but I felt threatened, that's why I decided to leave.
Why did you choose France to go and settle ?
Actually, I had to go to Germany. A friend of mine, who had married a German and who settled in her husband’s country, managed to get an entry permit for me. That’s why I took the opportunity to come into Germany. But my aim was to reach France because I already spoke French, so it would have been easier for me. I managed to come into Paris and I asked for political asylum. They first refused my request and I was threatened with being deported to Germany …
Finaly, did you manage to stay in France ?
Yes I did ! But it was long and difficult ! I was told to collect information in order to obtain the refugee status. I did it, but it took a while for me to get the right papers. I had to wait for about one year… I would call the prefecture every day to get information about my situation !
During this period, did you get an accommodation ?
Yes, I was hosted by fellow countrymen in Paris but I soon as I got the right papers, I decided to go to Lyon in order to start again a study period. Actually, in Rwanda, I had already graduated and I had a job. But when I arrived in France, I had to start from the begenning…
And, did you finally get your degree ?
I got it in 1999 in order to work as an auxiliairy nurse for the disabled. But I’m still looking for a job…
Have you ever suffered from racial discrimination ?
Yes… I’ve already applied for several jobs and sometimes, when I send a CV, then I get an interview. But as soon as people see my face, they don’t agree to hire me anymore.
So, you think it’s difficult to integrate into French society ?
I think so. Things are really different here. People don’t speak to each other. When you say « Hello » to somebody you don’t know, people look at you in a strange way… In my country, everybody talks to each other! And moreover, France is also very cold !
Yes it is. Do you have any plans for the future ?
I’d really like to join a charity, in order to work as a volunteer. I'd like to go and help people in poor countries.
Thanks for answering my questions… Good luck for your projects !
Ines FRESKO 1ES3
Which country do you come from ?
I come from Rwanda, a small country in the heart of Africa. I decided to leave Rwanda in 1996 to escape civil war. Actually, when I came into France, the war was over. But there were still violent confrontations. Some of my relatives had been killed and I didn't feel safe in my homeland anymore. It was such a difficult choice but I felt threatened, that's why I decided to leave.
Why did you choose France to go and settle ?
Actually, I had to go to Germany. A friend of mine, who had married a German and who settled in her husband’s country, managed to get an entry permit for me. That’s why I took the opportunity to come into Germany. But my aim was to reach France because I already spoke French, so it would have been easier for me. I managed to come into Paris and I asked for political asylum. They first refused my request and I was threatened with being deported to Germany …
Finaly, did you manage to stay in France ?
Yes I did ! But it was long and difficult ! I was told to collect information in order to obtain the refugee status. I did it, but it took a while for me to get the right papers. I had to wait for about one year… I would call the prefecture every day to get information about my situation !
During this period, did you get an accommodation ?
Yes, I was hosted by fellow countrymen in Paris but I soon as I got the right papers, I decided to go to Lyon in order to start again a study period. Actually, in Rwanda, I had already graduated and I had a job. But when I arrived in France, I had to start from the begenning…
And, did you finally get your degree ?
I got it in 1999 in order to work as an auxiliairy nurse for the disabled. But I’m still looking for a job…
Have you ever suffered from racial discrimination ?
Yes… I’ve already applied for several jobs and sometimes, when I send a CV, then I get an interview. But as soon as people see my face, they don’t agree to hire me anymore.
So, you think it’s difficult to integrate into French society ?
I think so. Things are really different here. People don’t speak to each other. When you say « Hello » to somebody you don’t know, people look at you in a strange way… In my country, everybody talks to each other! And moreover, France is also very cold !
Yes it is. Do you have any plans for the future ?
I’d really like to join a charity, in order to work as a volunteer. I'd like to go and help people in poor countries.
Thanks for answering my questions… Good luck for your projects !
Ines FRESKO 1ES3
interviews with immigrants Tom
Interview with an immigrant
What is your nationality ?
I’m Italian.
Where were you born ?
I was born in Palermo, in Sicilia.
Why did you come in France ?
I came to France because I didn’t have a really good job and you know that in Sicily there is the mafia and they were very violent with my father who had a small shop near my house.
Also I had a friend who was living in France and she told me that the salary was better.
When did you come to France ?
I came to France in 1986 with my parents, my brother, my sister and my wife, I was 38 years old.
Do you like France ?
Yes, I do. I think that France is a very beautiful country and I like the mountains that’s why I live in Savoy.
What was your journey like ?
I came to France with my father’s car, the journey took a lot of time. At first we went to Milan, in Northern Italy. After we decided to go to Paris because we thought that life was better there and we lived during two years. Then we went to Lyon because we had a cousin who had a flat as in Paris, the house was too small for us. In Lyon I found a good job in an oil refinery, this job wasn’t great every day, but it was well paid. In 1994, I saw an ad to work at Chambery’s town hall and I applied as a secretary. Then I bought a house. Now I’m living in Chambery and I’m retired.
What difficulties did you meet ?
At first, the most difficult was to learn the language, French is a very difficult language ! Also at the beginning, it’s wasn’t very easy to make new friends. But year after year, you meet a lot of people and you make new friends.
Do you think one day you’ll return to your homeland ?
Yes, I’m used to returning to my homeland every summer holidays since my family (my cousins and uncles) still live in Italy.
Do you prefer your homeland or France ?
I don’t know because Sicily and France are very different. In Palermo, the climate is warmer than in Savoy, but in winter, I can ski because it’s colder than in Italy but there is snow and I like it.
What was the attitude of other people towards you ?
In general, they ignored me, but in Lyon a man was very nice to me and my family and he tried to help me to find a good job, so thanks to him, I found the job at the refinery.
What do you like in France ?
I like France for the various and beautiful landscapes, such as Paris, which is the most beautiful city in the world, the very high Eiffel Tower. In Savoy, mountains are very beautiful with snow. Also, the climate is very temperate.
Tom STARNINI 1ES3
What is your nationality ?
I’m Italian.
Where were you born ?
I was born in Palermo, in Sicilia.
Why did you come in France ?
I came to France because I didn’t have a really good job and you know that in Sicily there is the mafia and they were very violent with my father who had a small shop near my house.
Also I had a friend who was living in France and she told me that the salary was better.
When did you come to France ?
I came to France in 1986 with my parents, my brother, my sister and my wife, I was 38 years old.
Do you like France ?
Yes, I do. I think that France is a very beautiful country and I like the mountains that’s why I live in Savoy.
What was your journey like ?
I came to France with my father’s car, the journey took a lot of time. At first we went to Milan, in Northern Italy. After we decided to go to Paris because we thought that life was better there and we lived during two years. Then we went to Lyon because we had a cousin who had a flat as in Paris, the house was too small for us. In Lyon I found a good job in an oil refinery, this job wasn’t great every day, but it was well paid. In 1994, I saw an ad to work at Chambery’s town hall and I applied as a secretary. Then I bought a house. Now I’m living in Chambery and I’m retired.
What difficulties did you meet ?
At first, the most difficult was to learn the language, French is a very difficult language ! Also at the beginning, it’s wasn’t very easy to make new friends. But year after year, you meet a lot of people and you make new friends.
Do you think one day you’ll return to your homeland ?
Yes, I’m used to returning to my homeland every summer holidays since my family (my cousins and uncles) still live in Italy.
Do you prefer your homeland or France ?
I don’t know because Sicily and France are very different. In Palermo, the climate is warmer than in Savoy, but in winter, I can ski because it’s colder than in Italy but there is snow and I like it.
What was the attitude of other people towards you ?
In general, they ignored me, but in Lyon a man was very nice to me and my family and he tried to help me to find a good job, so thanks to him, I found the job at the refinery.
What do you like in France ?
I like France for the various and beautiful landscapes, such as Paris, which is the most beautiful city in the world, the very high Eiffel Tower. In Savoy, mountains are very beautiful with snow. Also, the climate is very temperate.
Tom STARNINI 1ES3
interviews with immigrants Justine
Curiosity about the West
NAME : Milinkov
SURNAME : Ljubomir
DATE OF BIRTH : April 23rd 1938
IN : Sovac, Serbia
DESTINATION COUNTRIES : The United States & France
JOB : Artist
DATES
1962 : Departure to France
1967 : Departure to the United States
1972 : Exhibition in Louisiana
1973 : Exhibition in New-York
1982 : Return to France
1990 : Cover for a UNICEF book
1994 : Exhibition in Paris
2002 : Exhibition in New-York
Official website
http://sazelmad.free.fr/demos/milinkov/
Ljubomir Milinkov was born on April 23rd 1938 in Sovac ( Serbia ). He decided to come to France in 1962 ( he was 24 years old ) for several reasons. First, at the time there was Tito's dictatorship in Yugoslavia. Tito was a communist and stayed in power until he was 87 years old. He set up the personality cult and he had his opponents killed. Moreover, only one party was authorized. Ljubomir left his homeland so that he could have more freedom and rights. The second reason is curiosity about Europe. In fact, Ljubomir wanted to discover the western way of life and more particularly French culture. For example, he was interested in literature. The journey hitch-hiking from Serbia to Paris took 6 weeks. He stayed there 5 years. He was an artist in Montmartre and learnt French on the job. He didn't meet any problems and felt fully integrated. « I've been very well welcomed » he said. In 1967, when he was 29 years old, he took a plane and settled in New-York to acquire spiritual enrichment and a new vision of painting. « The United States is very different from France, but I enjoyed living in those two countries and I managed to get by in both » he said. The Serbian political refugee worked in restaurants as a waiter to earn money because he was broke. He obtained American Nationality after 5 years. In 1972, he came back to Paris, married a French woman and they had two children. He then obtained French nationality. He returned to Serbia after 25 years of absence. « My life has been eventful but I don't regret anything » he said to conclude the interview.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
interviews with immigrants Mélanie
Journey of an immigrant
José is 35. He comes from Pombal, situated in the west part of central Portugal. He has lived in France since the age of 18 He married Lourdes 12 years ago and he has got a child aged 11, Jacento. He works in a vineyard near Chambéry.
Mélanie PAGET: To begin, why did you choose to leave your country?
José: I wanted to find a job and earn some money. In Portugal, it’s very difficult to find a good job when you come from a modest family. At school, I wasn’t a very good pupil and the long studies weren’t made for me. I had found a manual job which was perfectly convenient for me in France. It wasn’t a choice but rather an obligation: if I wanted to succeed in life, I had to leave Portugal.
M.P: Why did you choose France instead of another country?
José: At first, I wanted to go to England because I could speak some words in English. It was easier to communicate with people and to find a job. But, my uncle already lived in France and he proposed me a job where I could be well paid and a place where I could be accommodated. I had a good opportunity and I accepted. Finally, I don’t regret coming to France.
M.P: How did you come to this country? Did you meet difficulties?
José: Near Pombal, there is a city, Leiria, where a bus regularly made round-trips between Chambéry and Leiria. We were about fifty in the bus but most people just went to France to visit their family. During the journey, I worried a lot about my arrival in France. I didn’t really know what was going to take place when I would arrive. During the journey, I almost turned back. The only problem I met was when I arrived in France: I didn’t know a single word of French. I felt lost.
M.P: How do you feel in this new country?
José: I don’t regret coming here. I’m rather well integrated in spite of my language difficulties. I learnt French in 3 months and now I can speak fluently. I consider France as my second mother. If you told me to go back to Portugal for ever, I don’t think that I would do it : here, now, I have my job, my friends, my family, my habits, … Living conditions are very pleasant here.
M.P: Do you think it’s selfish to leave your country to enjoy a better standard of living?
José: (Unsteady) No, I don’t think it’s selfish. My parents agreed and even urged me to leave Portugal. They knew that here I wouldn’t find a well-paid job because of my low school level qualifications. I wanted to prove them that I was able to succeed there. Also, every month, I send some money to my family: I work for me but also for them.
M.P: Do you miss your family?
José: No, because I often return to Portugal during the holidays. Then, today with internet, it’s easier to speak with them, I have more news. We see each other regularly with webcams: I have the impression to have them in front of me.
M. P: Do you think one day you will return to your homeland?
José: (Smiling) I don’t think so. I love this country. Today, I have my house, my friends, my family, my habits here. If I had to go back Portugal, it would just be for holidays and to visit my family.
Mélanie PAGET 1ES3
José is 35. He comes from Pombal, situated in the west part of central Portugal. He has lived in France since the age of 18 He married Lourdes 12 years ago and he has got a child aged 11, Jacento. He works in a vineyard near Chambéry.
Mélanie PAGET: To begin, why did you choose to leave your country?
José: I wanted to find a job and earn some money. In Portugal, it’s very difficult to find a good job when you come from a modest family. At school, I wasn’t a very good pupil and the long studies weren’t made for me. I had found a manual job which was perfectly convenient for me in France. It wasn’t a choice but rather an obligation: if I wanted to succeed in life, I had to leave Portugal.
M.P: Why did you choose France instead of another country?
José: At first, I wanted to go to England because I could speak some words in English. It was easier to communicate with people and to find a job. But, my uncle already lived in France and he proposed me a job where I could be well paid and a place where I could be accommodated. I had a good opportunity and I accepted. Finally, I don’t regret coming to France.
M.P: How did you come to this country? Did you meet difficulties?
José: Near Pombal, there is a city, Leiria, where a bus regularly made round-trips between Chambéry and Leiria. We were about fifty in the bus but most people just went to France to visit their family. During the journey, I worried a lot about my arrival in France. I didn’t really know what was going to take place when I would arrive. During the journey, I almost turned back. The only problem I met was when I arrived in France: I didn’t know a single word of French. I felt lost.
M.P: How do you feel in this new country?
José: I don’t regret coming here. I’m rather well integrated in spite of my language difficulties. I learnt French in 3 months and now I can speak fluently. I consider France as my second mother. If you told me to go back to Portugal for ever, I don’t think that I would do it : here, now, I have my job, my friends, my family, my habits, … Living conditions are very pleasant here.
M.P: Do you think it’s selfish to leave your country to enjoy a better standard of living?
José: (Unsteady) No, I don’t think it’s selfish. My parents agreed and even urged me to leave Portugal. They knew that here I wouldn’t find a well-paid job because of my low school level qualifications. I wanted to prove them that I was able to succeed there. Also, every month, I send some money to my family: I work for me but also for them.
M.P: Do you miss your family?
José: No, because I often return to Portugal during the holidays. Then, today with internet, it’s easier to speak with them, I have more news. We see each other regularly with webcams: I have the impression to have them in front of me.
M. P: Do you think one day you will return to your homeland?
José: (Smiling) I don’t think so. I love this country. Today, I have my house, my friends, my family, my habits here. If I had to go back Portugal, it would just be for holidays and to visit my family.
Mélanie PAGET 1ES3
interviews with immigrants Morgane
The fabulous destiny of a Scottish Savoyard
Julian is an immigrant who has been living in France for 29 years. He left Scotland when he was 23 years old. He has been living in Puygros, a small village near Chambéry in the Savoy department, since 1992. Before that he spent 12 years in Paris. He is a self-employed technical translator and has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Edinburgh University.
When and why did you decide to leave your homeland?
- I decided to leave Scotland in 1980. I left Scotland because my girlfriend was French and I had "fallen in love" with France! But from a very young age I was pretty sure I would not stay in Scotland – the country is beautiful but too small.
What was your journey like?
- I can't remember how I travelled when I came to live in France. But I came alone and I used public transport and showed my passport at the border. I had done the trip from Edinburgh to Paris frequently, often by train from Edinburgh to Dover, ferry from Dover to Calais, then train again from Calais to Paris. I have also done that journey by car, bus and plane. By plane it takes about 2 and half hours, by car it takes about 14 hours, and by train-boat-train it takes even longer.
Why did you choose France instead of another country?
- I loved France, plus the fact that French is the only foreign language I speak (my mother tongue is English) and I knew quite a lot of people.
What were your first impressions on your arrival here?
- When I came to France in 1975, it was the bustling and lively life style of Paris that impressed me. Walking down the Champs Elysées, sitting on the terrace of a “café” in Saint Germain or the Latin Quarter, or just taking the metro - It was all exciting.
How long did you think you would stay in France when you first arrived ? And now ?
- When I came in 1980, it was with the intention of staying for a long time, perhaps all my life.
I don't think I will leave France, I consider it my home now.
What difficulties did you meet?
- I had studied French at school, but did not speak fluently. The first time I stayed for a long time in France was in 1975-76 when I left school. The transition from "school French" to "real French" takes some time. To begin with it's difficult to follow conversations – everything goes too fast.
How long did it take to become integrated and what was the attitude of other people towards you when you arrived ?
- I became integrated almost immediately. Being a white European helps ! I found people very helpful and very friendly. They knew I came to improve my French. When I came back to live in 1980, I already spoke fluent French and was considered almost like a Frenchman (but with a slight foreign accent).
Now, I feel that people consider me to be a fully integrated member of the French community, a Frenchman with an accent if you like !
Was there a difference between the attitude of the townsmen and the countrymen ?
- When I arrived in Puygros, people took an interest in me because I was something of a "rarity" being British. In Paris (or any other large town or city), you are just one of the crowd.
Do you often speak your mother language?
- Yes, regularly with my job and my travels. I go to Britain about once a year and to Scotland every 2 years (roughly).
If you had to remake the choice you made when leaving your homeland, what would you choose ?
- I would do it again There are too many things, I like, in France, to list them. For example, I love the food and wine.
Morgane REYNAUD 1*ES.3
Julian is an immigrant who has been living in France for 29 years. He left Scotland when he was 23 years old. He has been living in Puygros, a small village near Chambéry in the Savoy department, since 1992. Before that he spent 12 years in Paris. He is a self-employed technical translator and has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Edinburgh University.
When and why did you decide to leave your homeland?
- I decided to leave Scotland in 1980. I left Scotland because my girlfriend was French and I had "fallen in love" with France! But from a very young age I was pretty sure I would not stay in Scotland – the country is beautiful but too small.
What was your journey like?
- I can't remember how I travelled when I came to live in France. But I came alone and I used public transport and showed my passport at the border. I had done the trip from Edinburgh to Paris frequently, often by train from Edinburgh to Dover, ferry from Dover to Calais, then train again from Calais to Paris. I have also done that journey by car, bus and plane. By plane it takes about 2 and half hours, by car it takes about 14 hours, and by train-boat-train it takes even longer.
Why did you choose France instead of another country?
- I loved France, plus the fact that French is the only foreign language I speak (my mother tongue is English) and I knew quite a lot of people.
What were your first impressions on your arrival here?
- When I came to France in 1975, it was the bustling and lively life style of Paris that impressed me. Walking down the Champs Elysées, sitting on the terrace of a “café” in Saint Germain or the Latin Quarter, or just taking the metro - It was all exciting.
How long did you think you would stay in France when you first arrived ? And now ?
- When I came in 1980, it was with the intention of staying for a long time, perhaps all my life.
I don't think I will leave France, I consider it my home now.
What difficulties did you meet?
- I had studied French at school, but did not speak fluently. The first time I stayed for a long time in France was in 1975-76 when I left school. The transition from "school French" to "real French" takes some time. To begin with it's difficult to follow conversations – everything goes too fast.
How long did it take to become integrated and what was the attitude of other people towards you when you arrived ?
- I became integrated almost immediately. Being a white European helps ! I found people very helpful and very friendly. They knew I came to improve my French. When I came back to live in 1980, I already spoke fluent French and was considered almost like a Frenchman (but with a slight foreign accent).
Now, I feel that people consider me to be a fully integrated member of the French community, a Frenchman with an accent if you like !
Was there a difference between the attitude of the townsmen and the countrymen ?
- When I arrived in Puygros, people took an interest in me because I was something of a "rarity" being British. In Paris (or any other large town or city), you are just one of the crowd.
Do you often speak your mother language?
- Yes, regularly with my job and my travels. I go to Britain about once a year and to Scotland every 2 years (roughly).
If you had to remake the choice you made when leaving your homeland, what would you choose ?
- I would do it again There are too many things, I like, in France, to list them. For example, I love the food and wine.
Morgane REYNAUD 1*ES.3
interviews with immigrants Michael
Maria Ferreira
Interview with a Portuguese immigrant
-Hello, what’s your nationality?
I’m Portuguese and I come from Lisbon where I was born.
-When did you decide to leave your country?
I left in my country when I was three years old. So I’m not the one who decided to leave but my parents.
-Why did they choose France instead of another country?
They decided to come to France because they had already come three years before and had found a job which allowed them to live. So, they wanted to find a job again to be able to bring me up.
-Did you come to France with your family?
Yes, I came to France with all my family because there were my brothers, my parents, my cousins, my uncle and his wife and also my grandparents. We all came by cars.
-What was your journey like?
My journey was very long because we stopped in a lot of cities before finally settling in Savoy. At the beginning, we lived in Nice for a short time then in Saint-Etienne, afterwards we lived in the Ain for one year then we left for Isola 2000 and finally to Savoy, to Albertville where I have lived for more than forty years.
-Did you know anyone in France when you first arrived?
No, unfortunately I knew nobody and neither did my father. It was very hard to find accommodation and a job.
-Did you have difficulties finding work?
Not me because I’ve been in France since my childhood but my father had a lot of difficulties particularly because he didn’t speak French very well. I remember when I was child we had to follow our father each time he changed job, it was very frequent. We were sometimes forced to sleep in bungalows next to sites so that my father could go to work, to allow us to live with a little money.
-Do you regret leaving you homeland?
No, I don’t regret leaving my homeland. I consider myself as a French person contrary to my parents who they will return to Portugal as soon as they can. As for me I sometimes go back to appreciate the country where I was born but I prefer staying in France.
Mickaël ROUX 1ère ES3
Interview with a Portuguese immigrant
-Hello, what’s your nationality?
I’m Portuguese and I come from Lisbon where I was born.
-When did you decide to leave your country?
I left in my country when I was three years old. So I’m not the one who decided to leave but my parents.
-Why did they choose France instead of another country?
They decided to come to France because they had already come three years before and had found a job which allowed them to live. So, they wanted to find a job again to be able to bring me up.
-Did you come to France with your family?
Yes, I came to France with all my family because there were my brothers, my parents, my cousins, my uncle and his wife and also my grandparents. We all came by cars.
-What was your journey like?
My journey was very long because we stopped in a lot of cities before finally settling in Savoy. At the beginning, we lived in Nice for a short time then in Saint-Etienne, afterwards we lived in the Ain for one year then we left for Isola 2000 and finally to Savoy, to Albertville where I have lived for more than forty years.
-Did you know anyone in France when you first arrived?
No, unfortunately I knew nobody and neither did my father. It was very hard to find accommodation and a job.
-Did you have difficulties finding work?
Not me because I’ve been in France since my childhood but my father had a lot of difficulties particularly because he didn’t speak French very well. I remember when I was child we had to follow our father each time he changed job, it was very frequent. We were sometimes forced to sleep in bungalows next to sites so that my father could go to work, to allow us to live with a little money.
-Do you regret leaving you homeland?
No, I don’t regret leaving my homeland. I consider myself as a French person contrary to my parents who they will return to Portugal as soon as they can. As for me I sometimes go back to appreciate the country where I was born but I prefer staying in France.
Mickaël ROUX 1ère ES3
interviews with immigrants Maud
‘WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A WAY!’
At school, we spoke about immigration in English. That’s why our teacher asked us to interview an immigrant. I decided to interview my neighbour. It allowed me to know her a little more because I really didn’t know her story.
Petra KELLER is my neighbour, an immigrant who comes from Germany. Her story pleased me. When she arrived on her own in France, she was only 20 years old. She already knew Bernard; she met him during her previous visits. She didn’t leave her homeland with her family.
At first, she chose this country to learn the language and to feel happier. Then, she got married with a Frenchman, Bernard. In the course of time, she made many friends. She left her country to better herself.
Today, she has not the intention of going back to her homeland; her only visits are to see her family.
She came to France to have a better life. With her husband, she settled in the countryside so that she could be more at peace. Moreover, Bernard likes taking care of his garden and his beehives.
They have 2 children, Sarah and Martin. Sarah studied old architecture in India and Martin studied in Chambery.
Petra works in Grenoble. Her job consists in correcting school books to publish news. But Bernard has retired lately, she works less than before so that she can spend more time with him.
When she arrived in France, she was very surprised because she obtained her foreign language degree very easily. The hardest thing was understanding something which was simple for people but not for her. Petra also told me about the first time she used the phone in France. First of all, she didn’t dare but finally she decided to do it. She wrote on a piece of paper what she wanted to say. Then she dialled the phone number and the woman understood and asked her something. In the end she didn’t understand exactly what the woman said but was proud of the French woman understanding her.
When she was in Germany, the teachers repeated that she would never manage to speak good French. To conclude, Petra’s story gave me hope and helped me to understand that ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’.
I would like to thank Petra. Without her help I wouldn’t have managed to do this job.
Maud VIGUET 1ES3
At school, we spoke about immigration in English. That’s why our teacher asked us to interview an immigrant. I decided to interview my neighbour. It allowed me to know her a little more because I really didn’t know her story.
Petra KELLER is my neighbour, an immigrant who comes from Germany. Her story pleased me. When she arrived on her own in France, she was only 20 years old. She already knew Bernard; she met him during her previous visits. She didn’t leave her homeland with her family.
At first, she chose this country to learn the language and to feel happier. Then, she got married with a Frenchman, Bernard. In the course of time, she made many friends. She left her country to better herself.
Today, she has not the intention of going back to her homeland; her only visits are to see her family.
She came to France to have a better life. With her husband, she settled in the countryside so that she could be more at peace. Moreover, Bernard likes taking care of his garden and his beehives.
They have 2 children, Sarah and Martin. Sarah studied old architecture in India and Martin studied in Chambery.
Petra works in Grenoble. Her job consists in correcting school books to publish news. But Bernard has retired lately, she works less than before so that she can spend more time with him.
When she arrived in France, she was very surprised because she obtained her foreign language degree very easily. The hardest thing was understanding something which was simple for people but not for her. Petra also told me about the first time she used the phone in France. First of all, she didn’t dare but finally she decided to do it. She wrote on a piece of paper what she wanted to say. Then she dialled the phone number and the woman understood and asked her something. In the end she didn’t understand exactly what the woman said but was proud of the French woman understanding her.
When she was in Germany, the teachers repeated that she would never manage to speak good French. To conclude, Petra’s story gave me hope and helped me to understand that ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’.
I would like to thank Petra. Without her help I wouldn’t have managed to do this job.
Maud VIGUET 1ES3
interviews with immigrants Mathilde
FROM ITALY TO FRANCE: A COMPLICATED JOURNEY
FRANKA
What is your homeland? Where do you live now?
I come From Bergamo in the North of Italy and I live in St Pierre d' Albigny at present.
How long have you been in France ?
Since 1950. I was 21 when I arrived.
Why did you leave your homeland ?
My mother died in Italy and my father remarried. I had sisters already settled in France. Among my sisters, one lived to Aigleblanche ( Tarentaise), I joined her.
What was your journey to France like ? Did you travel to France on your own ?
I made the journey by car and by train, alone. I was afraid because it was the first time when I left alone and I did not speak a word of French.
Did you find work quickly ?
Yes, My sister made me start work in a hotel as general help, I had to give her all the money which I earned because she accommodated me. Later I was employed at a doctor's, I did everything: the housework, the reception, the telephone, the secretariat … But I was not officially then declared these years did not count for my pension.
Why did you choose to France in particular ?
I chose France because it was not far from Italy and I already had relatives over there.
Do you enjoy living in France ? Have you regrets?
I like living in France, I have no regrets because when I miss Italy I can return to it very easily because it is not far from St Pierre D' Albigny, where I live at present.
Did you find it difficult to integrate into French society ?
The language barrier gave me problems of integration. Furthermore, I was young and without experience of life.
Today do you feel you more French or Italian?
I feel very Italian because I am attached to my homeland and its traditions. I am here but my heart is still in Italy.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
ALFRED
What is your homeland? Where do you live now?
I come From Cismon del grappa in Italy and I live in St Pierre d' Albigny at present.
How long have you been in France ?
My father Nicolo arrived in 1922, alone. My mother, my brothers and I joined him four years later. We were seven brothers and sisters among whom some people were born in France.
Why did you leave your homeland?
We wanted to escape from fascism (regime established in Italy from 1922 till 1945, established by Mussolini and based on the dictatorship of a single party.
What was your journey to France like? Did you travel to France on your own ?
We travelled by car and on foot with very few belongings.
Did you find work quickly?
First I worked as a laborer in a quarry, then as a mason. Finally I was employed by Vetrotex (a large company manufacturing glass fiber) in Chambéry. There was plenty of work at this time but often it was rather hard physical work.
Why did you choose France in particular?
We chose France because there was only a single border to pass. It was close to Italy and France embodied freedom.
Do you enjoy living in France? Have you regrets?
I love France. I was able to build a family and a house here, to work: I was a football referee. My life here satisfies me.
Did you find it difficult to integrate into French society?
In the first years we stayed among Italians, we did not mix. Then with time we were accepted.
Today you feel you more French or Italian?
I now feel more French but this does not mean I do deny my origins.
Mathilde DURET 1ES3
FRANKA
What is your homeland? Where do you live now?
I come From Bergamo in the North of Italy and I live in St Pierre d' Albigny at present.
How long have you been in France ?
Since 1950. I was 21 when I arrived.
Why did you leave your homeland ?
My mother died in Italy and my father remarried. I had sisters already settled in France. Among my sisters, one lived to Aigleblanche ( Tarentaise), I joined her.
What was your journey to France like ? Did you travel to France on your own ?
I made the journey by car and by train, alone. I was afraid because it was the first time when I left alone and I did not speak a word of French.
Did you find work quickly ?
Yes, My sister made me start work in a hotel as general help, I had to give her all the money which I earned because she accommodated me. Later I was employed at a doctor's, I did everything: the housework, the reception, the telephone, the secretariat … But I was not officially then declared these years did not count for my pension.
Why did you choose to France in particular ?
I chose France because it was not far from Italy and I already had relatives over there.
Do you enjoy living in France ? Have you regrets?
I like living in France, I have no regrets because when I miss Italy I can return to it very easily because it is not far from St Pierre D' Albigny, where I live at present.
Did you find it difficult to integrate into French society ?
The language barrier gave me problems of integration. Furthermore, I was young and without experience of life.
Today do you feel you more French or Italian?
I feel very Italian because I am attached to my homeland and its traditions. I am here but my heart is still in Italy.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
ALFRED
What is your homeland? Where do you live now?
I come From Cismon del grappa in Italy and I live in St Pierre d' Albigny at present.
How long have you been in France ?
My father Nicolo arrived in 1922, alone. My mother, my brothers and I joined him four years later. We were seven brothers and sisters among whom some people were born in France.
Why did you leave your homeland?
We wanted to escape from fascism (regime established in Italy from 1922 till 1945, established by Mussolini and based on the dictatorship of a single party.
What was your journey to France like? Did you travel to France on your own ?
We travelled by car and on foot with very few belongings.
Did you find work quickly?
First I worked as a laborer in a quarry, then as a mason. Finally I was employed by Vetrotex (a large company manufacturing glass fiber) in Chambéry. There was plenty of work at this time but often it was rather hard physical work.
Why did you choose France in particular?
We chose France because there was only a single border to pass. It was close to Italy and France embodied freedom.
Do you enjoy living in France? Have you regrets?
I love France. I was able to build a family and a house here, to work: I was a football referee. My life here satisfies me.
Did you find it difficult to integrate into French society?
In the first years we stayed among Italians, we did not mix. Then with time we were accepted.
Today you feel you more French or Italian?
I now feel more French but this does not mean I do deny my origins.
Mathilde DURET 1ES3
interviews with immigrants Marie
An English woman’s story
I asked my immigrant a few questions about her reasons for leaving the UK, about her journey, about her living conditions when she arrived in France and about her integration and her situation today.
Her name is April. She first came to live in France in November 1998; she was 19 years old at the time. Before coming to France, she lived in a town called Oldbury which is about a 15 minute drive from Birmingham city center. This is the second largest city in England. She lived in a little house with her parents and her two sisters who are called Joy and Diana.
Before coming to live full time in France, she worked in France in an English children’s camp as a cook, she got to know quite a few French people who lived in the village and she liked the way of life here. She would come back and live here full time.
Therefore, in November 1998 she packed her stuff up said goodbye to her family and travelled down to Dover by coach and got the ferry over to France.
At the beginning living in France was hard because she didn’t speak French. She didn’t have any English friends near by so mentally it was tiring, even watching the television was hard she just watched the images and tired to work out the rest of the story.
One thing, she had to get used to was paying to see the doctor and having to sort out medical insurance. Whereas it’s free in England, unless you go private.
Another thing, she found strange was that everything stops at 12 o’clock a.m all the shops shut up and then reopen at 2 o’clock p.m. In England they stay open nonstop until 5 o’clock p.m.
Also, at lunch time the French eat a good hearty meal, whereas in England normally we have something light like a sandwich. Also they eat late on the evening around 7-8 o’clock p.m, whereas in England it’s about 5-6 o’clock. It was little things like this that she found strange, but then, she got used to it.
Then, learning to speak the language helped, because at the beginning she felt left out not being able to understand conversations, she felt rejected. People probably thought she was being rude as she didn’t participate in the conversation, but when she explained that she was English they seemed to understand.
In conclusion, it’s now been 11 years since she has been living in the north of France in a little village called Bremes-Les-Ardres. She lives with her French boyfriend and they have just had their first children. His name is James and hopefully he will be bilingual. She can speak and read French reasonably well now. She works for a ferry company checking in lorry drivers who are transporting goods to England. She has a lot of French friends but she doesn’t see them as French they are just her friends, and she still loves living in France. She doesn’t think she will ever go back to live in England but she stayed in contact with her family and she sees them for Christmas.
Marie WEPIERRE 1ES3
I asked my immigrant a few questions about her reasons for leaving the UK, about her journey, about her living conditions when she arrived in France and about her integration and her situation today.
Her name is April. She first came to live in France in November 1998; she was 19 years old at the time. Before coming to France, she lived in a town called Oldbury which is about a 15 minute drive from Birmingham city center. This is the second largest city in England. She lived in a little house with her parents and her two sisters who are called Joy and Diana.
Before coming to live full time in France, she worked in France in an English children’s camp as a cook, she got to know quite a few French people who lived in the village and she liked the way of life here. She would come back and live here full time.
Therefore, in November 1998 she packed her stuff up said goodbye to her family and travelled down to Dover by coach and got the ferry over to France.
At the beginning living in France was hard because she didn’t speak French. She didn’t have any English friends near by so mentally it was tiring, even watching the television was hard she just watched the images and tired to work out the rest of the story.
One thing, she had to get used to was paying to see the doctor and having to sort out medical insurance. Whereas it’s free in England, unless you go private.
Another thing, she found strange was that everything stops at 12 o’clock a.m all the shops shut up and then reopen at 2 o’clock p.m. In England they stay open nonstop until 5 o’clock p.m.
Also, at lunch time the French eat a good hearty meal, whereas in England normally we have something light like a sandwich. Also they eat late on the evening around 7-8 o’clock p.m, whereas in England it’s about 5-6 o’clock. It was little things like this that she found strange, but then, she got used to it.
Then, learning to speak the language helped, because at the beginning she felt left out not being able to understand conversations, she felt rejected. People probably thought she was being rude as she didn’t participate in the conversation, but when she explained that she was English they seemed to understand.
In conclusion, it’s now been 11 years since she has been living in the north of France in a little village called Bremes-Les-Ardres. She lives with her French boyfriend and they have just had their first children. His name is James and hopefully he will be bilingual. She can speak and read French reasonably well now. She works for a ferry company checking in lorry drivers who are transporting goods to England. She has a lot of French friends but she doesn’t see them as French they are just her friends, and she still loves living in France. She doesn’t think she will ever go back to live in England but she stayed in contact with her family and she sees them for Christmas.
Marie WEPIERRE 1ES3
interviews with immigrants Louison
Interview with Suzanne Le Puil, an Australian immigrant.
1) First of all what can you introduce yourself and what can you tell me about your immigration?
My home country is Australia and I was born in a town which is called Brisbane. Now I live in Saint Pierre d'Albigny. When I decided to leave Australia I was 25. Two years earlier, I met Serge, who is now my husband, during a trip to Africa. We travelled overland; it took us 6 months to come to France. We crossed Asia, China and east of Europe. We didn't take the plane; we took boats, trains and buses...
2) Do you remember a funny or difficult moment when you arrived in France?
It was difficult in the beginning because I couldn't speak to my mother-in-law. So during the meal I ate a lot because I couldn't speak and everybody said “oh she has a big appetite the Australian girl”. So I went to school in Paris during one month in “Alliance Française”. It took me six months to be able to speak to Serge's Family.
3) Do you appreciate French culture ?
Yes I love French culture. French people talk about everything (politics, religion, and they tell jokes about all the subjects). In France you can also bend the rules.
4) Do you remember if it was difficult to obtain all the right papers?
It was complicated, long and expensive to obtain all the French papers. First I married in Paris but when I arrived in Chambery they told me my papers were not good, however I was already married. I have had the French nationality for one year (it took one year to get the papers). For 20 years I was just resident and I didn't have the same rights, for example I couldn't vote. Besides I'm better paid since I have the French nationality I think it is not normal.
5) Have you already returned to your homeland?
Yes of course, I try to go to Australia every two years but it is very expensive. I have already been to in my homeland on my own and with my family, but my husband almost never comes with me he doesn't really like Australia.
6) Now do you enjoy living in France and have you got a good job?
I really enjoy living in France this is a great area and I love my job. I'm an English teacher in Chambery. But it was very difficult to have a permanent contract, a stable job. For 20 years I had temporary contracts. Besides in France there are the mountains and the snow but I miss the beach and the sea.
7) Did a person help you in particular?
A person who worked in the immigration office helped me to stay in France and to get my French papers faster. In the beginning to be a resident normally I had to work 2 years before I could work in France so because we knew somebody I only waited 1 year before I could work. But they accepted to help just because I was white, I spoke a little French and I come from Australia (a non risk country).there were two different systems in the immigration office: one system for the African people (very slow or nonexistent) and one system for the others.
8) Australia or France ?
It is a good question because now I have lived in France for 20 years, it means so longer in France than in Australia. I don't really know if I am French or Australian. When you are in France you say “Ah Australia is fantastic” but when you are in Australia you say ”Now I am a little bit French, it is not so great...”. When I am in France this is my home but when I go to Australia I say I “go home” so where is home. In this case I leave home to go home.
Louison Muller 1ES3
interviews with immigrants Léo Rubin
An interview with an immigrant:
What are the reasons which made you come to France?
First of all, I left Romania at the age of 23. I had been studying tourism for four years. I decided to leave my homeland in the 4th year of my studies. I thought I would finish them in France. But my main aim was to get professional experience in the tourist industry. Later, as I also really wanted to discover another culture and to improve my professional skills, I decided to leave France for Canada. There, I met THE ONE MAN of my life, he was French you know. So when he proposed to marry me and to live in his country, I didn't hesitate! So that's why I am back in France now...
Could you describe to me your journey from Romania to France by way of Canada?
I had contacts with a French family who helped me to find somewhere to live in Reims (200 Kilometers east of Paris). So I moved to a home with some other young immigrant adults like me. I left Romania on my own but I made friends among the other migrants rapidly. The fact that I wasn't alone as a migrant helped me to become better integrated in France.
I already knew the work I would apply for from the beginning. In France, I worked as a tourist guide for 3 years. Then, in 2005, I saw an ad concerning a national program of immigration between France and Quebec which interested me. Like my first journey from Romania to France, procedures were numerous and long (I had medical visits for instance). I had already left twice to go to Montreal in Quebec. There, everybody in the street was friendly and nice towards me! Just like towards every foreigner. Yet, when I wanted to find a job, it was more difficult.
I stayed 2 years in Canada before coming back to France. As I said I met a French man, we married and decided to live together in France. That's why I am here, living in a magnificent house with my husband in Challes-Les-Eaux .
What were the difficulties that you have met until now?
The first part of my journey went very well and I had few problems. Romanian and French cultures are very similar. From a professional point of view, it was very easy because my skills were recognized and there wasn't any discrimination in my job. Racism could be sometimes present in the French people's words.
In Canada, It was totally the contrary! My diplomas weren't recognized by employers. I felt it like discrimination, It was difficult for me. Moreover, the culture was very different. It looked like that of the USA and not that of Europe. So I had once again to adapt.
When I came back to France, the administration gave me many problems because I was Romanian and because, in 2006, my country wasn't in the European Union. At this time, to have a good job I had to work twice as hard as French people in order to prove my skills! You know, it was very hard professionally speaking.
Do you enjoy yourself in France now?
The problems I meet now are worse than before because I'm unemployed. I think racism is a cause of my situation and if I succeed in obtaining French nationality, it could improve my work conditions. Generally speaking, I enjoy myself in France because I have found the love and a stable emotional life in a beautiful house.
And finally, what did you learn from this experience? What did it bring you?
I have learnt positive and negative things from this experience. I think some things are more difficult in the sense that I always have to “fight” and to struggle to have something in terms of work or administrative things. Leaving Romania, then France and then Canada was an uprooting experience. I began three times something new, and for me this was the most difficult thing.
Yet, It permitted me to know many different mentalities Moreover, thanks to this experience and my studies, now I can speak four different languages: Romanian, French, Spanish and English.
And of course, I've met the man of my life!
Léo RUBIN 1ere ES3
What are the reasons which made you come to France?
First of all, I left Romania at the age of 23. I had been studying tourism for four years. I decided to leave my homeland in the 4th year of my studies. I thought I would finish them in France. But my main aim was to get professional experience in the tourist industry. Later, as I also really wanted to discover another culture and to improve my professional skills, I decided to leave France for Canada. There, I met THE ONE MAN of my life, he was French you know. So when he proposed to marry me and to live in his country, I didn't hesitate! So that's why I am back in France now...
Could you describe to me your journey from Romania to France by way of Canada?
I had contacts with a French family who helped me to find somewhere to live in Reims (200 Kilometers east of Paris). So I moved to a home with some other young immigrant adults like me. I left Romania on my own but I made friends among the other migrants rapidly. The fact that I wasn't alone as a migrant helped me to become better integrated in France.
I already knew the work I would apply for from the beginning. In France, I worked as a tourist guide for 3 years. Then, in 2005, I saw an ad concerning a national program of immigration between France and Quebec which interested me. Like my first journey from Romania to France, procedures were numerous and long (I had medical visits for instance). I had already left twice to go to Montreal in Quebec. There, everybody in the street was friendly and nice towards me! Just like towards every foreigner. Yet, when I wanted to find a job, it was more difficult.
I stayed 2 years in Canada before coming back to France. As I said I met a French man, we married and decided to live together in France. That's why I am here, living in a magnificent house with my husband in Challes-Les-Eaux .
What were the difficulties that you have met until now?
The first part of my journey went very well and I had few problems. Romanian and French cultures are very similar. From a professional point of view, it was very easy because my skills were recognized and there wasn't any discrimination in my job. Racism could be sometimes present in the French people's words.
In Canada, It was totally the contrary! My diplomas weren't recognized by employers. I felt it like discrimination, It was difficult for me. Moreover, the culture was very different. It looked like that of the USA and not that of Europe. So I had once again to adapt.
When I came back to France, the administration gave me many problems because I was Romanian and because, in 2006, my country wasn't in the European Union. At this time, to have a good job I had to work twice as hard as French people in order to prove my skills! You know, it was very hard professionally speaking.
Do you enjoy yourself in France now?
The problems I meet now are worse than before because I'm unemployed. I think racism is a cause of my situation and if I succeed in obtaining French nationality, it could improve my work conditions. Generally speaking, I enjoy myself in France because I have found the love and a stable emotional life in a beautiful house.
And finally, what did you learn from this experience? What did it bring you?
I have learnt positive and negative things from this experience. I think some things are more difficult in the sense that I always have to “fight” and to struggle to have something in terms of work or administrative things. Leaving Romania, then France and then Canada was an uprooting experience. I began three times something new, and for me this was the most difficult thing.
Yet, It permitted me to know many different mentalities Moreover, thanks to this experience and my studies, now I can speak four different languages: Romanian, French, Spanish and English.
And of course, I've met the man of my life!
Léo RUBIN 1ere ES3
interviews with immigrants Laura Voinot
Journey of an immigrant
For this work I chose an immigrant who is a friend of my parents. She comes from Italy.
Hello, can you tell me about yourself please?
Hello, my name is Laura, I’m forty six. I’m Italian.
When did you arrive in France?
I arrived in France in 1977, at the age of my 14.
Did you come to France with your family?
Yes I came with my mother and my two sisters. We went to join my father who had already lived in France for three years.
Why was your father already in France?
My uncle, was much younger than my father, and had left Italy during his adolescence with his parents. My father had stayed in Italy with my mother. His brother had found him a job that’s why he came to live in France. After 3 working years in France, my father had earned a lot of money, and we to join him.
Did you go there for better living conditions?
Yes because we lived in this period in the south of the Italy and living conditions were not good. Moreover we had no family in Italy. And my sisters and I did not know the family towards my father.
What was the journey like?
The journey… A long story! Very hard but not too long. We found it was difficult when we arrived here.
Can you explain?
Sure, it’s finished now and history! To begin with as I’ve already explained my mother my sisters and me, we did not have much money. We succeeded in taking the train from our small village in Calabria then to Cosenza and on to Milan. This trip took us a lot of time, 2 or 3 days, I don’t know exactly. Once arrived in France, we had no more money to take the train which went directly from Milan to France. But we had to go fast because my father was waiting for us at the border. We thus hitchhiked to Turin.
All four of you?
Yes, a truck took us. We were very lucky. Then to go from Turin to the border, we had to travel secretly because at this period many Italians were sent back. A truck driver took us in his lorry. I am going to stop speaking to you about the journey, because it’s not really interesting.
What were your first impression on your arrival here?
At the beginning it was very difficult because we did not speak French, but the inhabitants of our village were very welcoming.
Ok. Thank you for giving me your time.
Laura VOINOT 1èreES3
For this work I chose an immigrant who is a friend of my parents. She comes from Italy.
Hello, can you tell me about yourself please?
Hello, my name is Laura, I’m forty six. I’m Italian.
When did you arrive in France?
I arrived in France in 1977, at the age of my 14.
Did you come to France with your family?
Yes I came with my mother and my two sisters. We went to join my father who had already lived in France for three years.
Why was your father already in France?
My uncle, was much younger than my father, and had left Italy during his adolescence with his parents. My father had stayed in Italy with my mother. His brother had found him a job that’s why he came to live in France. After 3 working years in France, my father had earned a lot of money, and we to join him.
Did you go there for better living conditions?
Yes because we lived in this period in the south of the Italy and living conditions were not good. Moreover we had no family in Italy. And my sisters and I did not know the family towards my father.
What was the journey like?
The journey… A long story! Very hard but not too long. We found it was difficult when we arrived here.
Can you explain?
Sure, it’s finished now and history! To begin with as I’ve already explained my mother my sisters and me, we did not have much money. We succeeded in taking the train from our small village in Calabria then to Cosenza and on to Milan. This trip took us a lot of time, 2 or 3 days, I don’t know exactly. Once arrived in France, we had no more money to take the train which went directly from Milan to France. But we had to go fast because my father was waiting for us at the border. We thus hitchhiked to Turin.
All four of you?
Yes, a truck took us. We were very lucky. Then to go from Turin to the border, we had to travel secretly because at this period many Italians were sent back. A truck driver took us in his lorry. I am going to stop speaking to you about the journey, because it’s not really interesting.
What were your first impression on your arrival here?
At the beginning it was very difficult because we did not speak French, but the inhabitants of our village were very welcoming.
Ok. Thank you for giving me your time.
Laura VOINOT 1èreES3
interviews with immigrants Laetitia
Interview with an Italian immigrant
One day in
The couple chose France because it was the nearest country and there was some work. They preferred settling in Savoie because there were other Italians there and this region is close to the border. They travelled by train. They stayed 20 hours seated in the corridor with their luggage. The journey was long, tiring and hard. It is
First, they lived in a hotel. Luckily, they found jobs quickly: Giuseppina worked as a cleaner and Giuseppe was a builder. Because of their jobs they rented an apartment in Cognin. It was very tricky for them to integrate into French society. In fact, they didn’t speak French, and they didn’t know how to read and write. So, it was hard for the administrative documents likes the driving license and identity papers.
They have been living in France for 47 years and they love this country. They have 3 children who speak the two languages: Italian and French. This family is a mixture of two cultures. The Italian culture is always present in their lives. Frequently, they return to their small Italian village “San Pietro in Amentea” to go back to their roots. They meet up with family and friends again.
So there is the story of my grandparents.
Laetitia MASSARD-COMBE 1ère ES3
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