In 1972, the Collège was active only during the summer months of July and August and was located at the lycée Carnot. With this particular constraint, the Collège’s administrative team* could only occupy the space starting on the day before the new sessions began.  This necessitated a particular improvisation that the students could sense upon their arrival leaving quite an impression… Not to mention the rudimentary physical conditions of the lycée Carnot: white wooden walls which did not reach the ceilings; no doors, only curtains. Some students left the day of arrival, and some young girls could often be seen breaking down and crying at the beginning of the sessions. It wasn’t enough just to take them to their rudimentary rooms.  It took some diplomacy and a bit of consolation.  However, very quickly, with the particular conditions for a good ambiance, Milk Bar coffee breaks and the miracle of international mixing, the question became subsidiary and if there were any tears by the last days, it was for other reasons.