API: Experience Grenoble, France (Scholarships Available)

In the spring of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to study at the University of Grenoble Alpes in Grenoble, France, with the assistance of Academic Programs International (API). This experience was a dream come true, marking a period of significant personal and academic growth. Upon arriving in France, I was overwhelmed with a sense of achievement. It wasn't just about stepping onto new soil; it was about realizing a long-held goal. The initial feeling of loneliness quickly evaporated as I met my fellow students and mentors at the Paris airport. We connected instantly, sharing stories and dreams. It was here that I met some of my best friends for life, which became a crucial part of my journey. We spent a week in Paris with API’s amazing mentors, who helped ease our transition into life abroad. Then, we took a train to Grenoble, where some of us were dropped off with our host families and others, like myself, at the student housing. Living on my own for the first time was both challenging and enlightening. It taught me to appreciate my own company and to embrace both the quiet moments and the bustling life around me. The academic challenges were no less daunting. My courses in French politics and mythology pushed me to my limits, especially as I grappled with language barriers that made simple discussions feel like monumental tasks. However, these hurdles ignited a determination to improve my French. By the semester's end, I was not only more fluent but also more confident in my ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. API’s support throughout this process was invaluable. They provided guidance and resources that helped me navigate the complexities of studying abroad, from academic support to cultural immersion activities. Studying abroad was transformative. It was not just about the lessons learned in classrooms but about the rich, immersive experiences that taught me about life, resilience, and the beauty of diverse cultures. This journey has deeply influenced my worldview and continues to shape my ambitions and goals. It was an adventure that challenged me, changed me, and, above all, enriched me deeply. (( For whoever is reviewing the submissions, I made a short 1 minute long video with clips from my experience. I am unable to add it with a URL but can share it if needed. ))

I knew that I wanted to study abroad in Grenoble, France to learn about the French Resistance and wow! Being able to hike Le Bastille and visit the Resistance museum with API was amazing. I loved living with a host family and learning about the regional culture such as language, cuisine, and traditions. My API field trip would have to be when we visited Dijon together. I decided to attend Mass on Sunday morning and was welcomed by the local community. Truly, my API Grenoble experience was a cultural immersion and I am so grateful to have done this in my lifetime!

“I spent the spring of my sophomore year (Spring 2024) studying in Grenoble, France through API, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! As a French major, I knew I wanted to go somewhere that my language skills would improve, but I was unsure about where. Grenoble ended up being pretty perfect for me. It wasn't too big and touristy like Paris or Lyon, which was helpful because the locals would speak French with me without immediately switching to English if I struggled, but it was also large enough that it had plenty of activities and opportunities for college students to be thoroughly entertained. It was also close enough to Lyon that it was easy to travel in and out of. I decided to stay with a host family and was so happy with my decision. I ended up living with a mom, dad, and four little girls ages 6, 10, 11, 13, which provided me with ample opportunity to practice my French and experience French culture and family dynamics at a deeper level. I grew so much in so many other ways outside of my language proficiency: I learned how to use public transport for the first time, had to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people, and solo travelled for the first time, which helped me grow in my confidence, and social and organizational skills.”