Aline Harbec-Atchia came to Mauritius in September 1995. This dynamic young woman trained in physical education in her home country, Canada, and travelled a lot before settling here. ?I was with my husband Conrad in Honduras doing voluntary work before coming here.? In 2000, she changed sector and is now studying to be a doctor in SSR Medical College in Belle Rive.

?This experience is very enriching since, through my studies, I am in close contact with other students who are mostly Mauritians and I learn a lot about their lifestyle from them.? She also likes the atmosphere in her class to which she feels she belongs. ?People were actually interested when I said from where I came and were asking me what it was like.? Aline feels this is an opportunity that Mauritius is giving her since, in her home country, she could not bring up a child and study at the same time. ?People are much more individualistic than here. Here I have my in-laws that can help out and places are so quick to get to compared to Canada!?

In 2000, when she suddenly decided to study medicine, it changed her life since the studies are very challenging and she spends most of her time working. ?My family comes first but sometimes it?s difficult to manage studies and family life.? She is in a revision period right now, imposes rigorous timetables on herself and is free ?mainly on Sundays.? That?s when she can do what she likes most: go to the seaside with family and friends for a barbecue! She loves the sea and used to practise sports like windsurfing before starting her studies.

?I came here basically because I wanted to know my husband?s country.? She liked the country straight away and definitely wants a pied-a-terre here. ?Mauritius is a good place for social and family life.? She appreciates the cultural diversity her daughter Danika is exposed to, the fact that she can meet with friends often and have interesting outdoor evenings. Aline gives the impression of being someone who can?t stay inactive for very long. Her energy and spontaneity are very apparent. So is her sense of humour!

Aline firmly believes that in order to integrate properly in a country, ?you need to have the right attitude. I have learnt Creole and I have noticed that, when people realise you have made an effort, they try to include you and don?t make you feel an outsider.? Although she misses her family in Canada and the culture of Quebec - including the Christmas atmosphere with snow and carols - she appreciates Mauritius very much.

Yet, as a well-informed young person, she is also aware of the drawbacks of living here. She can?t stand the disparity between the salaries of people. ?On top of that, unscrupulous exploiters take advantage of others too,? she adds indignantly. ?In Canada there is more equality between salaries??