Grenoble is a city in France located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The city is surrounded by mountains, and the Isère River flows through it. Upon my arrival in Grenoble, my host mom took me to see the river. We walked along the Isère and admired the breathtaking views. The sound of the water flowing through the city was very peaceful and calming. 

The view of the Isère River flowing through Grenoble 

After seeing the river, my host mom took me home and showed me my room. As I stepped into my room, I felt relieved and welcomed. My host mom had prepared it with essentials, and it was very spacious, with a window that allowed fresh air to flow in. 

My room in a French homestay room felt like mine after I settled in. 

During my first official week in Grenoble, I toured the Université Grenoble Alpes, where I am taking intensive French language classes with the University Centre of French Studies (CUEF). The campus has amazing views of the mountains and beautiful scenery. In my French class, I was able to meet other international students. Despite everyone coming from different countries and cultures, we were able to communicate with each other by speaking French. After completing the course, I learned more about others and built long-lasting relationships. 

Mountain views from Touring Université Grenoble Alpes campus 

Even though I was building new relationships and immersing myself in French culture, I felt homesick. To cure this, my Vietnamese classmates took me to a Vietnamese grocery store in Grenoble to buy my favorite snacks. After I got home, my host mom made Vietnamese spring rolls, known as “nem” in French, from scratch. I felt seen and reassured that it was normal to feel homesick. 

International students taking a French course at the CUEF- UGA Campus 

Walking to a Vietnamese store in Grenoble with classmates 

My host mom immersing into my Vietnamese culture 

Being far from home was very difficult for me because it was my first time going abroad alone. I soon realized that home is not just a feeling or place but a community. 

The CEA CAPA team in Grenoble also made me feel welcomed and accepted. Whenever I encountered any difficulties, they were the first people I went to for help and advice. Even though I have only been here for a month, they have made me feel comfortable and safe in Grenoble. 

CEA CAPA team making Grenoble feel like home 

Besides the CEA CAPA team, I was able to meet people in the French community by volunteering and making dinner at Les Petites Cantines. During my time at Les Petites Cantines, I practiced speaking French and cooked a French recipe. After cooking, we all sat down at the table and enjoyed dinner together. 

Volunteering and making dinner at Les Petites Cantines 

Aside from having a community to cure homesickness, I also found comfort in gelato and street art in Grenoble. Whenever I felt sad, I would go to Amorino and get strawberry, mango, and lemon-flavored gelato. Afterwards, I would walk home and admire the street art murals on the buildings. 

Best gelato in Grenoble 

Street art murals on Grenoble buildings 

During the month that I have been in Grenoble, I have sometimes felt disconnected from my Vietnamese culture and French culture. However, I am confident that by building close relationships and interacting with people in both communities, I will be able to learn more about myself, achieve self-discovery, and understand my role in this world.