I heard a lot about LISEL since my first semester in the University of Luxembourg… Things like: they are a great support for students, they have diverse activities from cooking to English classes, and a long etcetera. So I was actually curious but never had the chance to pass by until now.
I went to the address of LISEL (5 avenue Marie-Thérèse, L-2132 Luxembourg) on a sunny afternoon. It was easy to find, I did not have to ring at the door (it was open), climb the stairs to the first floor (where LISEL is located) and knocked, just to realize the door was open again.
I opened and called “Halloo?” and a voice replied “Hello, you must be Raquel”. She greeted me with a smile and we shook hands. I knew it was Ms. Rausch.
I looked around: pictures, musical instruments, comfortable furniture, colorful walls, paintings, a big world map. In general, there were many symbols from different and varied cultures and countries.
After finding a comfortable chair and the round table, I sat down. I took out my laptop, and thought… indeed, it feels like home, as other students pointed out.
Ms. Rausch came back telling me about the Cameroon trip. She was preparing this trip with a group of students for a social project of several weeks and she needed to reserve train tickets. I found that quite impressive, and felt I would like to go to Cameroon too.
Instead, I asked her about her life and her aims. She is the initiator of LISEL and this is what she said:
Ms. Rausch finished a Bachelor in Social Sciences in Brussels in 1978 in the Université Libre. Afterwards, she acquired a certificate in tropical medicine, and she went for 4 years to Congo in a project to setup basic health care.
What made her go to Congo? What called her?
She had this dream as a child, to go to Africa. In Luxembourg, in the villages, there were always visits of missionaries and religious sisters that came from Africa. They also had pictures of Africa with people and children. They left an impression.
How is LISEL created?
Later she came back to Luxembourg, and she was 15 years the head of Caritas Refugee Department From her experience in Caritas Refugee Department and with the time passing by, she thought it is important to pass over the flame to the young generations. She felt it was important to link the concern for refugees and solidarity movements to the young population. On 2005 she started with this idea. And on June 2006 LISEL is founded. Just 3 years after the University of Luxembourg was founded.
What is LISEL?
Lieu d’initiatives et de services des étudiants au Luxembourg
What is the aim?
Setup an association to reply to the needs of students.
LISEL is based on 3 columns:
1) to be a place where students can meet, feel at home, discuss, eat, etc.
2) to give a service, reply to direct needs: housing, jobs, support to studies (French and English), and
3) to discover the world (in Luxembourg, the region, and for Luxembourgish students to discover Africa).
How did LISEL approached students?
Through meetings and visits to the students associations on the three campuses: Walferdange, Limpertsberg, and Kirchberg.
The first year most students were African. Afterwards, LISEL established good connections with Chinese students. A first house where students can rent for a lower price was created. Then an Indian student was involved. Since the second year, the proportion of students from distinct backgrounds is about: 1/3 European, 1/3 African, and 1/3 Asian students.
A Frequent Asked Question to LISEL is about the diversity of backgrounds of the students and the catholic background of LISEL (it is funded by 5 catholic organizations). How do they approach this?
Ms. Rausch answered, “I come from a social field, and for me there is no distinction between origin, nationality, etc. Of course the spiritual dimension of a person is important. For that reason, on Thursday we have faith sharing. The students are invited to join the activities according to their desires, and it is ok either if they decide or not to join.”
What are some worries that students face and ask LISEL for support?
Some students have problems finding housing. For that reason, LISEL started 3 houses for students. In each house, 6 students can live. Ms. Rausch mentioned that they try to make each house an international community. In the houses, they also have guidance sessions; meetings with an external person that helps them solve any issues in the house. Also, the University of Luxembourg has made available more housing places for students in different locations of the city and the country.
Other students are looking for jobs, especially summer student jobs, and they might have problems finding one, given the old legislation in Luxembourg. Nevertheless, this is changing.
A third issue LISEL is concerned with is the cultural shock that students might experience. On the beginning, arriving from one country with certain weather, customs, language, etc. to another very different can make students feel confuse. Sometimes you don’t know how to behave. The easiest things can look complicated, and in LISEL they try to make it easier for the students.
Being in LISEL makes them feel less home sick. Ms. Rausch mentioned that Chinese students use to say this.
Regarding all the issues mentioned before, the University of Luxembourg is doing an effort to organize and inform students before arrival. Moreover, now they have an office to help students with finding jobs, mentioned Ms. Rausch as an example.
A Recommendation to students
“Study hard but don’t forget to prepare the revolution.“
The revolution means changing the world.
Just to end, a highlight narrated by Ms. Rausch about LISEL:
“On the 24 of December last year, Christmas Eve, there were 45 students here and I only had cooked for 30 but it was sufficient. The students were here sitting and singing Christmas Carols in different languages. All of them were participating, no matter if Jesus is for them a wise man, a prophet or son of God.”
She mentions that her biggest wish is for people to unite: “There is no need for separating and together we are strong.”
Contact LISEL:
phone: 26 44 01 01 or 621 358 168
email :info@lisel.lu
Study in Luxembourg Blog 
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