AIFS Abroad in Grenoble, France (UGA): Semester

I went abroad with AIFS in fall 2024 at Université Grenoble Alpes, and I was very attracted by the immersion and language-learning aspect that AIFS and the UGA program provided. I was placed in a wonderful homestay (with pets!), and I knew I could count on either my host or the AIFS resident director if I needed anything at all, from homework help to personal matters like homesickness. AIFS supported me--and my parents--during the entire registration and departure process. There were a lot of nerves going into the semester, but I was put at ease by how welcoming and helpful my host and resident director were, as well as the new friends I made at UGA. The AIFS resident director helped familiarize me with the city, and I got to experience so many aspects of French culture from cuisine to history to art while exploring Grenoble during the semester. My classes taught me a lot about French culture as well, including social and linguistic customs that you I never learned from a textbook. My French skills increased exponentially from the beginning of the semester to the end thanks to the immersive courses in UGA's CUEF program. Being abroad not only showed me how adaptable and confident I could become in my independence, but I also got to make friends from opposite ends of the world that I still stay in touch with today. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to any student looking to be challenged academically, is adventurous, and wants to go out of their comfort zone to explore the world and the culture and friendships it has to offer.

I completed the French Language and Culture program in Grenoble, France and the experience left me feeling appreciative, connected, and inspired. I think this program does a great job at offering the right amount of guidance and support and encouraging indpendence. Some of my favorite memories were the events and trips that AIFS plans which were educational but in the best way possible (I don't know how to explain this but you'll understand). I will be forever grateful that I chose this city as my second home and could not think of a better place to have immersed myself in French language and culture!

I have wanted to study abroad for years and studying abroad with AIFS in Grenoble, France exceeded my every expectation! The AIFS staff was incredible in supporting me from the moment I began the application process to the end of my program. The on-site Resident Director, Miranda, went above and beyond to make Grenoble feel like home the moment I arrived. I couldn't have chosen a better location! Everywhere you looked there was a stunning view of the French Alps and the locals were so kind and willing to help me learn French. The French Language and Culture Program also ensured that my academic goals were met while having fun in all the cultural activities and excursions AIFS offered. Some of my best memories were making crepes with the friends I made there and snowshoeing in the French Alps (the views were unforgettable!). My program was unfortunately cut short due to COVID-19 but I am grateful to AIFS for navigating the pandemic with students' health and safety as their top priority. I was able to finish my courses at home to still receive my credits and Zoom reunions with friends have been a must to relive those amazing few months. I wouldn't trade my experience with AIFS for anything and I highly recommend choosing AIFS for your adventure of a lifetime!