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
Sunday, November 22, 2009
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
interviews with immigrants Florian
Hello, today we will interview an immigrant who will tell us her story. Her name is Marie Rosa; she is 35 years old and lives in France. She is married and has got two children.
Hello Marie Rosa, I am a student at Le Granier High-School and I have to interview an immigrant living in France. So do you agree to tell me your story?
Of course I do!
Thanks. To begin, what was your home country and what were your living conditions in your family?
I was born in Portugal in a little village near Castelo. My family was very poor with five children including three sisters and one brother. My parents earned a small wage and had lots of difficulties to feed us and to pay for our studies...
When did you decide to leave Portugal?
When I was 14 years old, I chose to leave school and to go to France to help my parents.
Why did you choose France?
My brother and one of my sisters already lived in France and I suggested to them that I go to their home so that I would take care of their children.
Could you describe your journey to come to France?
My brother and my sister would go to see my parents by car every year. So I left Portugal with them to go to France. During the journey, it was awful, like a nightmare. I hadn't travelled by car before because my parents didn't have one. The trip lasted two days, it seemed never-ending! I was very carsick. However, I discovered new landscapes as mountains, big cities, skyscrapers… I was very impressed.
Did you speak French?
I didn’t speak any French and I didn’t understand this language. I began to speak French with my brother’s and sister’s children. I didn't learn fast, it was really difficult. I spoke French fluently four years after my arrival.
When did you leave your brother's and sister's house?
When I was 16 years old, I found a job as an au pair in a rich family but it was hard because I wasn’t 18 years old and I hadn’t got any legal papers. So they hired me but it was illegal... They took advantage of the situation by giving me a very little money... It was exhausting because I worked every day without holidays or any days off.
Do you regret now, to be in France?
No, I don't at all! I'm integrated in this country. I'm married, I've got two children and I own a beautiful house. Moreover, I've got my driving license and a lot of friends. By now, all my sisters and my brothers are in France. We also invite our parents to come and see us regularly.
Now, have you got French nationality?
No I haven't yet. But I'm applying to get it. To conclude, I would say that « My soul is Portuguese and my heart is French »
Thanks for your answers. It was very nice of you!
Hello Marie Rosa, I am a student at Le Granier High-School and I have to interview an immigrant living in France. So do you agree to tell me your story?
Of course I do!
Thanks. To begin, what was your home country and what were your living conditions in your family?
I was born in Portugal in a little village near Castelo. My family was very poor with five children including three sisters and one brother. My parents earned a small wage and had lots of difficulties to feed us and to pay for our studies...
When did you decide to leave Portugal?
When I was 14 years old, I chose to leave school and to go to France to help my parents.
Why did you choose France?
My brother and one of my sisters already lived in France and I suggested to them that I go to their home so that I would take care of their children.
Could you describe your journey to come to France?
My brother and my sister would go to see my parents by car every year. So I left Portugal with them to go to France. During the journey, it was awful, like a nightmare. I hadn't travelled by car before because my parents didn't have one. The trip lasted two days, it seemed never-ending! I was very carsick. However, I discovered new landscapes as mountains, big cities, skyscrapers… I was very impressed.
Did you speak French?
I didn’t speak any French and I didn’t understand this language. I began to speak French with my brother’s and sister’s children. I didn't learn fast, it was really difficult. I spoke French fluently four years after my arrival.
When did you leave your brother's and sister's house?
When I was 16 years old, I found a job as an au pair in a rich family but it was hard because I wasn’t 18 years old and I hadn’t got any legal papers. So they hired me but it was illegal... They took advantage of the situation by giving me a very little money... It was exhausting because I worked every day without holidays or any days off.
Do you regret now, to be in France?
No, I don't at all! I'm integrated in this country. I'm married, I've got two children and I own a beautiful house. Moreover, I've got my driving license and a lot of friends. By now, all my sisters and my brothers are in France. We also invite our parents to come and see us regularly.
Now, have you got French nationality?
No I haven't yet. But I'm applying to get it. To conclude, I would say that « My soul is Portuguese and my heart is French »
Thanks for your answers. It was very nice of you!
interviews with immigrants Audrey
A Kurd’s story
Last night, I met Mr. and Mrs. Yilmaz, who live in my neighborhood. They come from Turkey and they were with their daughter who was the interpreter of the interview. I spoke with them during an hour and I learned lots of interesting things about Turkeys’ life and culture.
This is my interview, enjoy!
First of all, when did you arrive in France and why did you leave your homeland?
Mr. Yilmaz : We come from Kurdistan, a region divided between four countries in 1917 : Iraq, Pakistan, Syria and Turkey. In 1974, I was eighteen and there was a war in my country. There were discrimination and ill-treatment against poor people. We lived in a little village in the mountains and during the winter, it was very difficult to find a job.
Mrs. Yilmaz : We were married and had a child, our first son. We decided to leave Kurdistan because life was too dangerous and hard for us and our family. My husband left first. He went to Germany by plane and I joined him a few months later. We stayed in Germany, in a village which is situated three kilometers from the French frontiers. Four years later, the renewal of our residence permits hadn’t been accepted so we left Germany to reach France. My cousin, who lived in Savoie, said he could find us a job so we went to Chambery. Here, the government gave us the right papers and now, our residence permits are renewed every ten years.
Did you find it difficult to integrate into French society?
Mrs. Yilmaz : When we arrived, I told my husband “I can’t stay here more than two years !” but finally, French people were really friendly and understanding with us. A neighbor helped us to get the right papers and I learned French by speaking with people or at work. I think French is a very difficult language: I understand it but it’s hard for me to express myself.
Mr. Yilmaz : The French government is also very helpful with its inhabitants. There are accommodation help and school grants which don’t exist in Turkey.
Do you ever go back to your homeland?
Mr. Yilmaz : Yes of course ! Unfortunately, we can’t go to Turkey every year because the journey is too expensive. We’ve got 6 children and a plane ticket costs 500 Euros. The last time we came to our homeland was in 2006, during the whole summer. We came by car and the journey lasted 3 days! We drove across Italy and took a boat to Greece. Then, we joined Turkey and Kurdistan. I really miss my family, and my wife and I would like to go back to our country for retirement.
Audrey MIEGE 1ere ES3
Last night, I met Mr. and Mrs. Yilmaz, who live in my neighborhood. They come from Turkey and they were with their daughter who was the interpreter of the interview. I spoke with them during an hour and I learned lots of interesting things about Turkeys’ life and culture.
This is my interview, enjoy!
First of all, when did you arrive in France and why did you leave your homeland?
Mr. Yilmaz : We come from Kurdistan, a region divided between four countries in 1917 : Iraq, Pakistan, Syria and Turkey. In 1974, I was eighteen and there was a war in my country. There were discrimination and ill-treatment against poor people. We lived in a little village in the mountains and during the winter, it was very difficult to find a job.
Mrs. Yilmaz : We were married and had a child, our first son. We decided to leave Kurdistan because life was too dangerous and hard for us and our family. My husband left first. He went to Germany by plane and I joined him a few months later. We stayed in Germany, in a village which is situated three kilometers from the French frontiers. Four years later, the renewal of our residence permits hadn’t been accepted so we left Germany to reach France. My cousin, who lived in Savoie, said he could find us a job so we went to Chambery. Here, the government gave us the right papers and now, our residence permits are renewed every ten years.
Did you find it difficult to integrate into French society?
Mrs. Yilmaz : When we arrived, I told my husband “I can’t stay here more than two years !” but finally, French people were really friendly and understanding with us. A neighbor helped us to get the right papers and I learned French by speaking with people or at work. I think French is a very difficult language: I understand it but it’s hard for me to express myself.
Mr. Yilmaz : The French government is also very helpful with its inhabitants. There are accommodation help and school grants which don’t exist in Turkey.
Do you ever go back to your homeland?
Mr. Yilmaz : Yes of course ! Unfortunately, we can’t go to Turkey every year because the journey is too expensive. We’ve got 6 children and a plane ticket costs 500 Euros. The last time we came to our homeland was in 2006, during the whole summer. We came by car and the journey lasted 3 days! We drove across Italy and took a boat to Greece. Then, we joined Turkey and Kurdistan. I really miss my family, and my wife and I would like to go back to our country for retirement.
Audrey MIEGE 1ere ES3
interviews with immigrants Quiterie
- From Bangladesh to France or a step in a different life -
Good morning, could you introduce yourself ? Who are you and where are you from ? Could you tell us a bit about your country ?
My name is Faisal and I am from Tunghy a town which is near the capital of Bangladesh, Dhâkâ. Bangladesh is a South-Asian state which was given independance from Pakistan in 1971. This country is a parliamentary democracy where Islam is the state religion. Although it is a democracy the country underwent many political turmoils. Bangladesh is the seventh most populous country and is among the most densely populated countries in the world with a high poverty rate. Even if this country faces economic difficulties it also has an important History, and the most wounderful places in the whole world.
How come you had to leave your country ?
My reasons are at the same time clear and complicated ; Bangladesh is mostly poor and there is no possibility to have a future. Then my case is a bit special, in fact I was under the threat of death there...
That's why I had to leave house, friends and family...
How did you travel to France ?
I did not go to France at the begining. First I spent two years in India where I travelled by car. Then I took a plane in order to go to Austria, at that moment I had a false passport. After staying several months in Austria I went in Italy and then arrived in France. Today I have the status of politica l refugee.
How long have you been in France ? And why did you come to Chambéry ? Did you know anyone ?
I've been living in France since 2005. First I lived in Lyon then friends of mine were in Chambéry that's why I came here. I also found a job here, in a restaurant, something that is really important for me.
I do like the city of Chambéry with the mountains and the nice climate. I enjoy walking around and discovering new places...
I got to contact you by the means of the association Fraternexo in Chambéry. Would you mind telling us about it ?
No, I would be glad to speak about it ! The aim of this new association is to help people like me who had received the status of refugee integrating into society. They organize excursions, tours of the city... . Fraternexo also organized a new event in Chambéry called ''le cercle du silence'' which involved more than 120 people last September. Those people made a circle and stayed totaly quiet for one hour to show their concern about the treatment reserved for foreigners coming to France. Another ''cercle du silence'' will take place on place saint léger in Chambéry on the 16th of December from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. To me, it is an excellent way to show our opinions without any violence.
To finish with all those questions, I would like to know how do French welcome you here ?
People are very very friendly, they are all very nice, with huge smiles. I am now motivated to stay here and to integrate into French society.
Quiterie Landèche
1 ES3
Good morning, could you introduce yourself ? Who are you and where are you from ? Could you tell us a bit about your country ?
My name is Faisal and I am from Tunghy a town which is near the capital of Bangladesh, Dhâkâ. Bangladesh is a South-Asian state which was given independance from Pakistan in 1971. This country is a parliamentary democracy where Islam is the state religion. Although it is a democracy the country underwent many political turmoils. Bangladesh is the seventh most populous country and is among the most densely populated countries in the world with a high poverty rate. Even if this country faces economic difficulties it also has an important History, and the most wounderful places in the whole world.
How come you had to leave your country ?
My reasons are at the same time clear and complicated ; Bangladesh is mostly poor and there is no possibility to have a future. Then my case is a bit special, in fact I was under the threat of death there...
That's why I had to leave house, friends and family...
How did you travel to France ?
I did not go to France at the begining. First I spent two years in India where I travelled by car. Then I took a plane in order to go to Austria, at that moment I had a false passport. After staying several months in Austria I went in Italy and then arrived in France. Today I have the status of politica l refugee.
How long have you been in France ? And why did you come to Chambéry ? Did you know anyone ?
I've been living in France since 2005. First I lived in Lyon then friends of mine were in Chambéry that's why I came here. I also found a job here, in a restaurant, something that is really important for me.
I do like the city of Chambéry with the mountains and the nice climate. I enjoy walking around and discovering new places...
I got to contact you by the means of the association Fraternexo in Chambéry. Would you mind telling us about it ?
No, I would be glad to speak about it ! The aim of this new association is to help people like me who had received the status of refugee integrating into society. They organize excursions, tours of the city... . Fraternexo also organized a new event in Chambéry called ''le cercle du silence'' which involved more than 120 people last September. Those people made a circle and stayed totaly quiet for one hour to show their concern about the treatment reserved for foreigners coming to France. Another ''cercle du silence'' will take place on place saint léger in Chambéry on the 16th of December from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. To me, it is an excellent way to show our opinions without any violence.
To finish with all those questions, I would like to know how do French welcome you here ?
People are very very friendly, they are all very nice, with huge smiles. I am now motivated to stay here and to integrate into French society.
Quiterie Landèche
1 ES3
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Integration
The meeting we had with Beverly Killeen during our English class was once more very pleasant, entertaining and productive at the same time. The thing I found most interesting were her captivating stories related to her personal life. I was very glad that she had shared all that information with us. My dream is to be able to travel around the world to discover different cultures, people and communities so I was captivated by Beverly’s words because she has done that almost all her life. I can say that it was a great opportunity to realize that it is not easy to move to another country or several other countries. From what I’ve heard and seen, not only from Beverly but from my friends and close relatives, it’s a very difficult thing to do. The result may be the integration of you and your family in that country, or not. Listening to others, especially the ones older than us is essential because you can be inspired to do the same or learn from their mistakes. I strongly believe that every piece of advice is useful and should be taken in consideration especially from the ones close to us like out family.
I could see that everyone in the class felt at ease and loved Beverly’s presence. So I can say that I admire her because of what she had accomplished. Overall I think that the meeting was a great success and I can’t wait for the next time Beverly will visit us.
Adrian Andreica 12 E
Yesterday, during the English class, we had an unforgetable experience.
Our class teacher gave us the chance to learn from another person's experience.
It's about a teacher who was all over the world, we might say. Her experiences made me think about life and realize that there is no place like home.
It was an awesome class, everyone was asking questions and we were all amazed and curious to know more about her trips.
I was deeply impressed by the fact that she was a very sociable, communicative person. I had so much to learn from her experiences, and in another way or the other, it marked each and every one of us and made us see things different.
I am thankful to my class teacher for this class.
Florina Fanea XIIE
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Interviewing a foreigner
Today, we had Mrs Beverly as our guest at our English class to tell us what she had experienced throughout the period when she travelled.
The meeting which took place today was the best one that we had during this school year
We were interested on the way she “tasted” the goods and bads of our country and the feelings that she had during this period.
I was surprised of the fact that a person can travel and experience so many things just in a lifetime, that a life of someone can be represented by traveling and experiencing new ways of living, meeting new people, different nations, and races.
What impressed me most was that integrating is not as difficult as it looks. At the beginning I thought that if I would go in a foreign country I wouldn`t be able to integrate but as Mrs Beverly told us the people are friendly almost everywhere and integrating cannot be a problem. Also, during our discussion with Mrs Beverly I realized that the rules are everywhere and this cannot be an obstacle of integrating if we accept and respect them.
After this meeting, I see much easier this style of living: traveling, experiencing. If before the meeting, I thought that I will never leave this country now I have a different opinion.
I think that you need ambition and courage to start living like this!
Xanta Luckacsovits
Yesterday was a special day for our class. Mrs. Beverly was invited to one of our classes to share with us her visions and impressions about traveling, accommodating and integrating in every country she had been to as foreigner.
The meeting began with smiles and a few emotions but during the discussion emotions faded away and everybody got connected in a conversation. My colleague, Paul gave her a bouquet of flowers to show our respect for her.
It was nice to see her again because she’s a nice person who loves to communicate with people. I like the way she presented her experiences and her memories from her travels around the world. She makes a warm atmosphere in communicating with others. That makes you concentrated when she talks, you can’t get bored because she catches your attention.
I liked the class with Mrs. Beverly because it was a relaxing one. It was funny and I’ve learned some things about integration and accommodation between strangers in a strange country by a person who lived and still lives in this way. I also liked the way she talked about herself and the sincerity with which she said what she likes and dislikes in Baia Mare and Romania.
During the discussion I learned that every person in the world is realy the same, everybody is equal. And I also learned how I should talk openly, relaxed and how to be polite in discussions.
Ionut Sleam
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