Grenoble INP - UGA welcomes its international students
The aim of this event was to offer a moment of exchange and connection, fostering the integration of new international students into the Grenoble university community.
A Warm Welcome
The afternoon took place at the Espace Vie Étudiante (EVE) and brought together more than 190 students from the various schools of Grenoble INP - UGA based in Grenoble.
Gülgün Alpan, Vice President for International Affairs at the Institute, opened the event with a warm welcome. She praised the courage and curiosity of these students who came from all over the world to pursue their studies in Grenoble, emphasizing how cultural diversity enriches campus life:
“Our community is strengthened by each and every one of you. You bring unique ideas, perspectives, and experiences that help our Institute grow.”
After these welcoming words, participants discovered the afternoon’s program and met the teams and partners mobilized to support them as they take their first steps in Grenoble.
Our Partners Committed to Supporting Students
12 partners took part in the event, combining university services and local organizations active in Grenoble students’ life: the Grenoble Alpes Tourist Office and the Bienvenue aux étudiants program, the Maison Internationale Grenoble (MIG) and its Europe Direct information center, the Unite! Alliance, the Student Health Service, the Career Center, ISSO, the Jeunes Ambassadeurs program, the associations InteGre and the Bureau International des Étudiants, as well as the Grenoble INP – Alumni international network.
The international relations teams from the Grenoble INP - UGA schools were also present to meet directly with students. Together, all these partners helped create a friendly and supportive atmosphere, encouraging curosity and dialogue.
A Festive and Cheerful Atmosphere
The afternoon unfolded in a warm and relaxed setting, filled with conversation, laughter, and sweet treats. Refreshing drinks and a cotton candy stand added a colorful and joyful touch to the event. The cotton candy stand was particularly popular. Some students even tried making their own, with varying degrees of success but plenty of good humor!
One of the highlights of the day was the Feel@Home prize draw. Feel@Home is a service set up by Grenoble INP – UGA for international students to help them prepare for their arrival in France and to provide practical information about life in France, particularly in Grenoble and Valence. The platform offers a range of online activities that students can take part in. The more activities they complete, the higher their participation score. For the draw, a higher score meant a greater chance of winning one of three prizes.
The event was therefore an opportunity to award the Feel@Home contest prizes, celebrating the creativity and engagement of international students as they discover Grenoble. Three winners were honored: one received a Kodak PixPro AZ425 camera, another a basket of local products sponsored by the Grenoble Alpes Tourist Office, and a third a multi-store gift card.
A discovery of Grenoble and its services
At the end of the day, 90 pre-registered students enjoyed a guided tour of downtown Grenoble, organized by the Grenoble Alpes Tourist Office.
Beyond the activities themselves, the afternoon mainly allowed international students to discover the services available to them, meet their peers, and start building their first connections in Grenoble.
