Testimony : Gabriela tells us about her mobility in France
Gabriela, a Brazilian student at Grenoble IAE arrived in France in January, she tells us about her mobility, her adaptation and her discoveries.
Hello Gabriela, could you introduce yourself to us in a few words?
My name is Gabriela Tusato and I am 21 years old. I’m from Curitiba, a city in the south of Brazil. I am studying business management at UFPR and thanks to a partnership with UGA, I am doing a one-year exchange here in Grenoble IAE.
My name is Gabriela Tusato and I am 21 years old. I’m from Curitiba, a city in the south of Brazil. I am studying business management at UFPR and thanks to a partnership with UGA, I am doing a one-year exchange here in Grenoble IAE.
Why did you choose to go on international mobility?
Since I was a child, I have always wanted to try the experience of living in another country. I love to travel and I didn't know Europe, and I've always lived with my parents, so I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and discover a new culture. I was convinced that the experience would teach me a lot and make me more mature.
How did you approach the idea of leaving for international mobility?
I was afraid of not adapting, not liking the place, not making friends or having problems with the language. But I was aware that it would be difficult at the beginning and that it was up to me (my initiatives and my management of things) to have a good experience.
Why did you choose France among all the possible destinations?
In my family there are a lot of people who speak French, they came here on exchange mobility . I heard them talking a lot about the good times they spent in France so after finishing my English classes, I started learning French. I always liked the fashion and style of French girls. So, as I wanted to improve my language skills and especially my French, I decided to come here.
What were your first impressions when you arrived in France?
I arrived in January, so my first impression was that it was cold! (laughs). The city of Grenoble is bigger than I had imagined. The snow covering mountains was very beautiful. Concerning socialisation, most people already knew each other, so it was a bit difficult to make friends, but I managed to do well with the language and it helped me a lot.
By the way, French cheeses and wines are not renowned for nothing, they are really good!
What is the cultural difference that has caught your attention the most since you've been in France? Do you have an anecdote about it?
France, and specifically Grenoble, are particularly committed to the environment and sustainable development. Here, there is a wide variety of organic products, we are fighting to reduce waste and we are encouraged to use cleaner, more environmentally friendly transports (bicycles, public transport etc.) I am really touched by the debate and people's eco-responsible choices, even in small actions, such as the habit of using reusable bags in supermarkets, for example. I would go back to Brazil with more ecological awareness, attention and responsibility for our planet.
What helped you find your place in this new environment? Did you feel integrated? Surrounded? By whom? What do you think is important for you to be as successful as possible in your integration and mobility in general?
Meeting friends is essential for adapting to a new environment, they are the ones who will make your stay more enjoyable and who will help you not to feel lonely. I think that having an accommodation in a pleasant residence is also an important element to feel comfortable.
For me, the most important thing in the whole process of exchange is to know how to adapt and to be open-minded about eating habits, social, economic levels, etc.
France, and specifically Grenoble, are particularly committed to the environment and sustainable development. Here, there is a wide variety of organic products, we are fighting to reduce waste and we are encouraged to use cleaner, more environmentally friendly transports (bicycles, public transport etc.) I am really touched by the debate and people's eco-responsible choices, even in small actions, such as the habit of using reusable bags in supermarkets, for example. I would go back to Brazil with more ecological awareness, attention and responsibility for our planet.
What helped you find your place in this new environment? Did you feel integrated? Surrounded? By whom? What do you think is important for you to be as successful as possible in your integration and mobility in general?
Meeting friends is essential for adapting to a new environment, they are the ones who will make your stay more enjoyable and who will help you not to feel lonely. I think that having an accommodation in a pleasant residence is also an important element to feel comfortable.
For me, the most important thing in the whole process of exchange is to know how to adapt and to be open-minded about eating habits, social, economic levels, etc.
Finally, if you had to give advice to all those who hesitate to go on a mobility trip or who don't really know what to expect, which one(s) would it be?
Cheer up! It is not easy, but it is a unique opportunity in your life, you will live many experiences that will bring you an open mind, imagination but also knowledge about the world and different cultures. You will develop unique skills that I am sure will be useful for your professional and personal future. When you will return to your home country, you will no longer be the same person.
Thank you Gabriela for your testimony !