Study Abroad | Grenoble

Housing

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
• Single room with study area and a shared bathroom
• Access to laundry facilities

Optional Student Residence ($395)

Live independently in a centrally located residence with French and international students.

• Studio-style single room with private kitchen and bathroom
• Laundry facilities, work out space and communal lounge available
• The residence has no cafeteria service. Students need to prepare all their own meals.

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Grenoble.

City Facts

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).

Site Staff

AIFS in Grenoble Director, Summer Program

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.

Cultural Activities

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of French culture, a wealth of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee. The climate in Grenoble is usually ideal in June for outdoor activities. The Program Director organizes a variety of activities which may include:

• Walking tours of Grenoble
• Discovering 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
• Cuisine class
• Wine and cheese tasting class
• Visit to Chartreuse museum
• Hiking 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
  • Chartreuse
  • Vercors
• Farewell dinner

Please note that students may pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.