Citizen tandem bicycles...

Louvain-La-Neuve

... intercultural collaboration at UCL!

Started at the beginning of November, the “Citizen Tandem” (Citoyen Tandem) project encourages cultural integration and exchange in Louvain-la-Neuve.

The first meeting took place at the Law Faculty and consisted of tutoring sessions overseen by students living in the themed houses Migrakot and Kot Ardoise.

The objective: Get to know one another, exchange ideas, discover another culture and improve French language skills.

A group of Belgian students hosted enthusiastic refugees enrolled in the preparatory program, Access2University. Encouraged by Philippe Neyt (the director of the ILV), Jean-Marie Mutore (program coordinator) and Nancy Verhulst (French teacher), the students were happy and impatient to meet one another and create their tandems.

I think it is an excellent way to improve the integration and exchange of our cultures. I am really happy with how the program will take place.” (Provudan)

“In my opinion, it is important for oneself and for interactions.” (Nidal)

“I think that the project is smart and well-thought out and its implementation was really supported by a variety of actors.” (Mojtaba)

“I think that the program is heavenly! It is a way to integrate faster in the hope of starting university next year. We felt like we were being helped toward a better future. I am so happy to participate.” (Amina).

“I think that it is a really welcoming gesture that will help students build a bridge between different cultures and allow students to feel like they belong to their new environment. » (Hani)

“I think that the program is heavenly! It is a way to integrate faster in the hope of starting university next year. We felt like we were being helped toward a better future. I am so happy to participate.” (Amina).

“I think that it is a really welcoming gesture that will help students build a bridge between different cultures and allow students to feel like they belong to their new environment. » (Hani)

“I think the program is useful because it allowed me to learn and understand the university system. It allowed me to meet Francophone students. It allowed me to integrate into the student community.” (Shima)

“Thanks to this project, I have a friend. I hope we will participate in other projects together.” (Haytham)

“I think that this meeting is vital. I love meeting other students.” (Brevan)

“In my opinion, these activities are very important to improve our French language skills and to integrate into another culture and also to develop an international mind set by building friendships, like we did during the activity. Because it increases a person’s confidence and encourages one to share and succeed. This bike is very important for a person beginning a new life with new people, to connect, to integrate, to live life. Because the world and man are one.” (Muath)

Thanks to all participants !

Published on December 14, 2017