The International Engineer

It’s crazy to think that I’ve been here in Grenoble since January 3rd. And now it’s May 1st. Four months flew by but was also a sufficiently long enough time to learn many new things. Looking back on my earliest blogs, I can see the transformation I’ve had between now and then.

I came into this country not knowing what to expect. And immediately was introduced to strike after strike, as visible in one of my first posts. For me personally, I never had the initial honeymoon phase right after landing in Grenoble. I experienced crisis and culture shock. In another one of my earlier posts, I discuss feeling uncomfortable in France as a person of color. This is something that I feel like my opinion has shifted in regards to now. But back then, I believe part of it had to do with having just arrived and adjusting to the country. I felt even more out of place than I normally would have. Now that I’ve found my routine and have a set schedule, I am able to be more confident in my identity as “other.” Stares affect me less, and even if it may not be true, I feel like I blend in more with life here. From the blog posts itself, this transition is evident. I discuss biking in France and getting my own Metro Vélo here. I feel that this is something that gave me a great deal of confidence in participating in the life and culture of Grenoble. Similarly, my internship started and we began to cover more topics in classes. As my commitments increased, my confidence grew and I was more immersed in the experience so to speak.

To me, it’s really interesting to examine how my French evolved (discussed in a blog post). Ironically, I don’t know that many words in French but my accent has improved tremendously (I think). All of these components went hand in hand in reaching the integration/acceptance stage on the below cultural adjustment graph. Another part of France that I will miss is the food. Food here is so rich, preservative free, and tasty. Although it’s carb-heavy, it really made me appreciate the flavors of good bread and cheese…so much so that didn’t miss Indian food as much as I thought I would.

The biggest change I see within myself is the sheer amount of independence I’ve gained from this experience. As someone who went to college close to home, I could always head home on weekends anytime things were going south. In Grenoble, I don’t have the same luxury. I am cooking for myself, cleaning the apartment, buying all the necessary supplies and groceries, and figuring out transportation on a daily basis. I do sometimes wonder whether my experience would have been more authentic had I stayed with a host family. At the same time, I think it would have contributed to a heightened culture shock at the beginning of my time here which may have delayed the time it took to finally reach the acceptance stage.

From my last few posts, it’s evident that I’ve finally found my way around Grenoble. I’ve been to museums here, I have my favorite bakeries and pastry items, and I’m able to enjoy whether I’m on my own or with friends. One of my recently favorite activities is to go running next to the Isère. Another trip highlight is hiking the Bastille and separately taking the cable cars to the top and eating at a restaurant nestled in the clifftops.

Another thing that’s been on my mind recently is comparing how I adjusted to a new country versus how my parents adjusted. My parents moved from India to America around 30 years ago. But importantly, they settled in the new country permanently while I have only been here for four months. And it has me wondering whether I would be able to handle staying here for the next 30 years. Even though I am finally getting a grip on the language, I know that I am so used to life in America that making such a drastic adjustment would be difficult. So overall, my time in Grenoble has been one of self-growth and finding my independence. But it has also given me a newfound admiration for those who move to another country permanently, and make a new life for themselves. The strength and resilience it takes to do this is something I do not have yet. For Grenoble to feel like home, it would take much more than these few months. And to be brutally honest, it would probably even take my family moving here with me.

But I’m so glad I decided to embark on this chapter of my life. Because even if Grenoble isn’t home, it has taught me so many things. I’ve met so many new people, been introduced to a beautiful culture, and am coming home with a plethora of memories and experiences. Ironically, in December 2022 I was worried that I wouldn’t have friends being the only one from Columbia University and would have a terrible experience. It seems almost ridiculous now but I definitely had those “pre-departure” ups-and-downs (see graph). But having come here and gotten the opportunity experience Grenoble for these four months, I am so grateful I let my college friends convince me that I was making the right choice (shoutout to Nicole, Krisna, and my roommate Sridevi). And who knows, maybe I’ll come back here someday to do research, a masters, or pursue another degree. Or perhaps far in the future as a mom who can show her kids where she traveled for a semester and simultaneously impress them with her French.

Thanks for a lifetime Grenoble. I’ll miss you and hope to see you again one day!