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Study Abroad | Grenoble

France | Université Grenoble Alpes | Fall 2023
Skyline of Grenoble, France.
Four cable cars moving up, passing over buildings in Grenoble, France.

Select Your Program Option:

  • Fall 2023

  • Spring 2024

  • Fall 2024

  • Spring 2025

Overview

Spend a semester or academic year in the picturesque city of Grenoble, France, with AIFS! Study a variety of academic program options at the Université Grenoble Alpes, located on the outskirts of Grenoble. Surrounded by three mountain ranges, the scenic campus was recently voted one of the most attractive campuses by Times Higher Ed. Exciting excursions include a visit to an Alpine resort during the Spring semester and the Vercors mountain region during the Fall.

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    Up to 17 semester credits depending on program and course selection

  • Courses

    Wide variety of courses available; taught in English and French

  • Housing

    Homestay with a local family. Additional housing options are available

  • Meals

    Breakfast and dinner every day in the homestay

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    Travel to Provence and Paris

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    A wide range of AIFS-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience

  • On-Site Program Director

    to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance

  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network

  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

  • AIFS Flight Package

    Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways

    Airport transfers to and from campus

  • Housing

    Student residence

  • Optional Excursions

    Vercors (2 days) fall only

    Alpine weekend (2 days) spring only

Program Details: Study Abroad | Grenoble French Language and Culture

Program is closed

Dates

August 29, 2023December 15, 2023

Term

Fall

Institution

Université Grenoble Alpes

Application Deadline

May 8, 2023

Inclusive Fees

$15,550

Stay for a year to save on cost

Eligibility

Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Non-Student

Minimum of 2.5 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

The French government requires U.S. students to obtain a valid visa for their period of study in France. AIFS will provide guidelines to assist you with the visa application process.

Areas of Interest

  • Anthropology
  • Area Studies
  • Art
  • Business
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Film Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • French Language
  • History
  • Language Arts
  • Literature
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
  • Theater

Global Themes

  • Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
  • Business, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
  • Global Peace, International Security and Human Rights
  • Language, History and Culture
Learn More About Global Themes

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

The University of Grenoble is one of the most sought-after universities in France and has an international reputation for excellence. Université Grenoble Alpes is dedicated to maintaining, developing and increasing its reputation for research, innovation and diversity. The university has been voted the 8th most attractive campus by Times Higher Education. International students learning French at the Université Grenoble Alpes are enrolled in the Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises.

  • Anthropology
  • Area Studies
  • Art
  • Business
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Film Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • French Language
  • History
  • Language Arts
  • Literature
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
  • Theater

This program is designed for students with an intermediate (B1) or above level of French who wish to improve their language skills and take courses taught in French or English in subjects including art history, business administration, economics, history, literature and political science. 

Courses are taught at the Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises (CUEF) at the Université Grenoble Alpes. All students take a French language course available at Intermediate, Advanced and Superior levels. Your level of French is determined by a placement test taken on-line before arrival in Grenoble. Levels are confirmed after arrival in Grenoble. Then choose from electives taught in French or English. Students may only take French electives which correspond to their placement level. Electives taught in French carry 2 recommended semester credits. Electives taught in English carry a recommended 3 semester credits. English electives require a minimum of 10 students to run.

AIFS encourages you to take electives taught in French in order to maximize your learning experience in France and to get the most out of the academic program. The French Vocabulary Enrichment courses are particularly recommended and the Written and Oral Expression course for Advanced level students. 

The minimum course load is 12 credits and the maximum course load is 17 credits. Students who place into the Superior level 401 and who have completed at least three years of college French take a minimum of two French Language and Culture program electives taught in French at the CUEF and have the option of taking one class studying alongside French students at the Université Grenoble Alpes depending on class schedule and availability. 

In addition to the standard transcript students may also receive an official university diploma for the semester. To be eligible for the diploma, students must select the additional language courses at their correct level: French Vocabulary Enrichment; Introduction to Linguistics or Written and Oral Expression plus three French electives corresponding to the placement level. 

This program is designed for students who wish to begin, improve or perfect their knowledge of the French language. Five levels of French are available from Beginner through Superior.

The aim of the intensive French language course is to develop both written and oral expression, and comprehension by working on grammar and vocabulary while also learning about aspects of French life and culture. Professors provide a wide range of authentic and varied language activities based on newspapers, advertisements, texts from well-known authors and local and national media and films. Workshops and site visits may also be included.

Your language level is determined by a placement test taken on-line prior to arrival in Grenoble. Levels are confirmed after arrival in Grenoble. Classes meet Monday through Friday for 4 hours per day for up to 240 contact hours per semester and a recommended 15 credits.

Students on the French Language and Culture Program or the Intensive French Language Program can choose to take a service learning component in addition to the standard program courses. Students will design and run English language workshops for French high school students. They will work with a CUEF professor to prepare the workshops and activities, write a research paper and give a presentation at the end of the course, as well as spending time in a French high school working with local students. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to fully engage with the local community. This course is in addition to the electives and does not replace them and is for a recommended 3 semester credits. 

A transcript will be issued by the CUEF Université Grenoble Alpes. There is a supplemental fee for this option. Please contact the AIFS Program Advisor for details. 

Students on the French Language and Culture program may also choose to give English language workshops for French undergraduate students. In coordination with a University English language professor, students will provide 15 to 20 hours of language assistance during the semester and be required to give a presentation on their activities. This workshop is recommended for 1 credit. It is in addition to the CUEF French electives and does not replace them. A transcript will be issued by the INPG/Université Grenoble Alpes. Students must have pre-approval from their home school. 

This program is designed for students with an intermediate (B1) or above level of French who wish to improve their language skills and take courses taught in French or English in subjects including art history, business administration, economics, history, literature and political science. 

Courses are taught at the Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises (CUEF) at the Université Grenoble Alpes. All students take a French language course available at Intermediate, Advanced and Superior levels. Your level of French is determined by a placement test taken on-line before arrival in Grenoble. Levels are confirmed after arrival in Grenoble. Then choose from electives taught in French or English. Students may only take French electives which correspond to their placement level. Electives taught in French carry 2 recommended semester credits. Electives taught in English carry a recommended 3 semester credits. English electives require a minimum of 10 students to run.

AIFS encourages you to take electives taught in French in order to maximize your learning experience in France and to get the most out of the academic program. The French Vocabulary Enrichment courses are particularly recommended and the Written and Oral Expression course for Advanced level students. 

The minimum course load is 12 credits and the maximum course load is 17 credits. Students who place into the Superior level 401 and who have completed at least three years of college French take a minimum of two French Language and Culture program electives taught in French at the CUEF and have the option of taking one class studying alongside French students at the Université Grenoble Alpes depending on class schedule and availability. 

In addition to the standard transcript students may also receive an official university diploma for the semester. To be eligible for the diploma, students must select the additional language courses at their correct level: French Vocabulary Enrichment; Introduction to Linguistics or Written and Oral Expression plus three French electives corresponding to the placement level. 

An additional program, the Diplôme Superieur d’Aptitude à l’Enseignement du Français Langue Étrangère (Diploma of Ability to Teach French as Foreign Language) is designed for Advanced level French or above students who are considering a career as a French teacher. For further details of this program, contact the AIFS Program Advisor. This is available in the spring only. 

This program is designed for students who wish to begin, improve or perfect their knowledge of the French language. Five levels of French are available from Beginner through Superior.

The aim of the intensive French language course is to develop both written and oral expression, and comprehension by working on grammar and vocabulary while also learning about aspects of French life and culture. Professors provide a wide range of authentic and varied language activities based on newspapers, advertisements, texts from well-known authors and local and national media and films. Workshops and site visits may also be included.

Your language level is determined by a placement test taken on-line prior to arrival in Grenoble. Levels are confirmed after arrival in Grenoble. Classes meet Monday through Friday for 4 hours per day for up to 240 contact hours per semester and a recommended 15 credits.

Students on the French Language and Culture Program or the Intensive French Language Program can choose to take a service learning component in addition to the standard program courses. Students will design and run English language workshops for French high school students. They will work with a CUEF professor to prepare the workshops and activities, write a research paper and give a presentation at the end of the course, as well as spending time in a French high school working with local students. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to fully engage with the local community. This course is in addition to the electives and does not replace them and is for a recommended 3 semester credits. 

A transcript will be issued by the CUEF Université Grenoble Alpes. There is a supplemental fee for this option. Please contact the AIFS Program Advisor for details. 

Students on the French Language and Culture program may also choose to give English language workshops for French undergraduate students. In coordination with a University English language professor, students will provide 15 to 20 hours of language assistance during the semester and be required to give a presentation on their activities. This workshop is recommended for 1 credit. It is in addition to the CUEF French electives and does not replace them. A transcript will be issued by the INPG/Université Grenoble Alpes. Students must have pre-approval from their home school. 

View All Courses For French Language and Culture
Katie Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE GRENOBLE

Meet Katie, a junior from Iowa State University who is studying French, Software Engineering, and International Studies. Katie took over the AIFS Study Abroad Instagram story recently to answer questions and highlight what a typical day in her life looks like as a college student in Grenoble, France for spring semester.

AIFS Abroad students in Grenoble, France.

Living Abroad

Homestay Family

A rewarding way to learn French, gain a unique and personal insight into French culture and integrate into the local community.

  • Daily breakfast and dinner included
  • Single room with a shared bathroom
  • Access to laundry facilities

Student Residence ($495 supplement for SPRING 2024)

Live independently near campus in a shared residence with French and international students. 

  • Shared double room 
  • Shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities 
  • The residence has no cafeteria services. Students need to prepare all their own meals. 

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Grenoble.

Transportation Pass

All students are provided with a travel pass for use on Grenoble’s excellent bus and tram system.

Geography

Grenoble lies at the crossroads between the valleys and the mountains which comprise the Dauphiné region. The “Capital of the Alps”, dominated by majestic mountains such as Chartreuse, Belledonne and Vercors, provides the ideal location for those who enjoy the outdoors. 

Tourism

From Roman times to the 1968 Winter Olympics and on to today, Grenoble has attracted visitors from all over the world. 

Attractions

With its 200,000 inhabitants, Grenoble is small enough to feel like a town, but large enough to offer all the amenities of a busy city (cultural festivals, theaters, museums).

AIFS in Grenoble Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Miranda Rea headshot.

Miranda Rea

Bonjour! After obtaining my degree in England I joined AIFS in the London office in 1989. I moved to France in 1990 and have been the Program Director here in Grenoble since the fall of 1994. I’m here to provide support, encouragement and a friendly face to you during your stay in Grenoble. I know a great deal about the culture, language and lifestyle of France and am looking forward to sharing it with you! I choose the families with whom AIFS students stay with great care.

When I am not working, I love swimming, participating in local activities, walking my dog and enjoying French cuisine. I am also a bit of a traveler myself; I spent a year as a volunteer and teacher in Zambia, Africa.

You’ll find Grenoble to be a wonderful city and I’m here to help you out with any questions you may have.

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

In addition to excursions a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of French life. Typical activities, tours and visits include:

  • Walking tours of Grenoble
  • Discovering Bastille Grenoble by cable car
  • Visits to local museums such as:
    • Musée de Grenoble
    • Musée Archéologique Saint Laurent
    • Musée Dauphinois
    • Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation
  • Discover secrets of the Chartreuse green liquor
  • Hiking/snowshoes in the local mountains
  • Group picnics/visits to local markets
  • French movie
  • Trip to Château de Vizille (birthplace of the French Revolution)
  • Day excursions to local places of interest such as:
    • Annecy
    • Lyon
  • Welcome and farewell dinner

You may be asked to pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.

Wine appreciation and cooking courses are available for an extra fee. A minimum enrollment of 10 is required.

Grenoble is the French capital of winter sports and has hosted the Winter Olympics. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are available less than an hour from the center of town. Students who have never skied before may take lessons at a reasonable cost. Ski equipment (boots, poles, boards and skis) can be rented easily and inexpensively.

AIFS can help you to arrange local volunteer opportunities such as assisting students with English conversation practice in an elementary school or high school and working with local charities. 

AIFS can also provide students who may be planning a career in education after studying abroad with information about the TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France) scheme which is organized by the French government. 

For more information contact the AIFS Program Advisor. 

Excursions

This program offers a range of day trips and excursions that will take you outside Grenoble and deepen your social, historical, and cultural understanding of France. Previous excursions have included:

A street in Provence, France.

Provence

Sightseeing visits to Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Avignon, the Palace of the Popes and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, two breakfasts, and one group dinner. 

  • France
  • 3 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
A street in Paris with a pink building.

Paris

Sightseeing visits to the Marais District, Place des Vosges, the Opera Garnier, the Louvre, the Latin Quarter, Luxembourg Gardens and more. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations and daily breakfasts. 
  • France
  • 4 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
A lake nestled between mountains in Briançon.

Alpine Weekend (Spring Only)

Guided sightseeing and snow shoeing (shoe rental included). Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Briançon. Entrance to the hot springs. Includes round-trip transportation, breakfast, a picnic lunch, a local dinner, and accommodations at Monêtier-les-Bains, a resort and thermal spa.

  • French Alps
  • 2 Days
  • $595
A mountain in Vercors, France.

Vercors Discovery (Fall Only)

Visit the Grottes de Choranche, Pont en Royans and a local farm. Hike local mountains. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, breakfast on Sunday, dinner on Saturday and a picnic on Sunday.  

  • France
  • 2 Days
  • $395
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Closed

Program is closed

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    May 8, 2023
  • Deposit Deadline
    June 2, 2023
  • Scholarship Deadline
    April 20, 2023
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    August 28, 2023
  • Program Begins
    August 29, 2023
  • Program Ends
    December 15, 2023
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    December 16, 2023
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Students can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS programs. Students who choose to book their own flights should meet up with group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed in your account 6 months prior to departure. (Program fee is guaranteed.)

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $1,460
  • Boston
    $1,460
  • Buffalo
    $1,510
  • Charlotte
    $1,600
  • Chicago
    $1,720
  • Cincinnati
    $1,560
  • Columbus
    $1,420
  • Dallas
    $1,680
  • Denver
    $1,760
  • Des Moines
    $1,600
  • Detroit
    $1,560
  • Houston
    $1,580
  • Los Angeles
    $1,560
  • Miami
    $1,600
  • Minneapolis
    $1,580
  • New York
    $1,460
  • Newark
    $1,460
  • Orlando
    $1,560
  • Philadelphia
    $1,520
  • Phoenix
    $1,680
  • Pittsburgh
    $1,540
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $1,540
  • San Francisco
    $1,660
  • Seattle
    $1,740
  • St. Louis
    $1,600
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,520
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in Grenoble?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com