Throughout my time studying abroad in Grenoble, France, my group and I rotated between different community spaces engaging in conversation, and learning about the lives and cultures of the people around us. One of the most memorable places we visited was Association Beyti, an Arab cultural hub that welcomes anyone interested in learning about Arab culture and creating a welcoming community for immigrants.  

Dabke lessons & unforgettable memories.

The coziest vibes and the richest flavors. 

Girl dinner! 

During my visit, I had the opportunity to learn a traditional Palestinian dance and try local dishes. I even watched and observed one of their many initiatives to help refugees learn French and navigate the area with detailed hand-drawn maps. The warmth and intention behind everything they did was inspiring to see.  

Celebrating Arab culture, cooked and shared with care. 

On one particular day, after four hours of classes, we were set to spend another seven hours at Beyti. Now, while it did initially seem like a lot of time, the hours went by so quickly in such a welcoming and peaceful environment. Time well spent is the perfect way to describe it.  

Step by step, creating a home away from home. 

Egyptian movie night! Got to watch and discuss different cultural views on social issues. 

Another meaningful experience was at La Birfurk, a community space that serves both as a gathering place and educational center. There were expositions for locals and visitors to learn about the impacts of unconscious tourism, raise awareness on wars worldwide, choirs practicing outside, and people of all ages playing basketball in the courtyard. There were people engaging in deep philosophical conversations, inviting others to join in or just listen. It was a place where just being present and sharing moments created community.  

I also visited Barathym Café Associatif, a community center in a low-income apartment complex where we discussed the city with locals and learned about their initiatives in the community to advocate and care for their neighbors.   

Grateful for the lessons on resilience and advocacy from the communities we visited! 

Even in the corporate world, there was thoughtfulness and intentionality behind the job structures for the wellbeing of employees. During a visit to a L’Occitane distribution center in Aix-en-Provence, we learned how rotating assembly line tasks were implemented to help workers maintain focus, support their muscles and joints, and care for brain health. It showed me one way that consideration for people can be integrated into larger operations and the importance of advocacy. While we weren’t allowed to take pictures inside the facility, I took one outside to remember that their work system could be implemented more in the US.  

Not pictured: the factory manager explaining how rotating assembly line tasks benefits worker's health, a small practice with a big impact! 

Similarly, visiting the Château de Vizille where representatives of the Three Estates met in 1788 to call for a new political order, showed me the power of speaking out to create change. Both experiences showed me that whether in corporate structures or in historical movements, intentionality and shared voices shape better conditions for people and create a stronger democracy.  

Standing where history proved that speaking up can shape a new future. 

At Château de Vizille, learning from the past to inspire advocacy today. 

All in all, these experiences have taught me to be more purposeful in how I show up and to embrace my responsibility to speak up, especially when people’s lives and well-being are on the line. 

This post was written by Keiko Yoshiki, an Alumni Ambassador from the University of Arkansas who studied abroad in Grenoble, France.