Study Abroad Programs in Grenoble, France

I always wanted to go back to France and truly understand the meaning of life in another country. The only time traveling to France is to visit family on my mother’s side. So being able to visit the country on my own, in a part of France I have never visited, was an eye opening experience. Living by myself encouraged me to learn how to cook many different platters that I wouldn’t normally have, and pushed me to go out and explore the city. I had great support from the AIFS and CUEF team. Miranda Rea was amazing and helped me through some difficult times. She was encouraging and supportive and without her I believe I’d have a difficult time crossing the finish line. Class was difficult yet fun. I’ve learned so many different grammar rules and learned that even though you make some mistakes, “just know everyone makes mistakes in French. Even the French!”, Professor Kristof would say that to me when I’d make a common mistake that most francophone people do. However, I did catch on pretty quickly since I’m bilingual in French and English. In all, I had a wonderful experience and would recommend this organization to whoever is looking for an exciting learning experience in a different country!

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

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.

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.”

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.

My semester abroad in Granada, Spain was absolutely unforgettable. I decided to stay with a host family and I lived in their home with another student in the same program. Living with a roommate, we became really close friends. My host family was so kind and welcoming, they included us in everything they did. I learned so much Spanish culture and tradition from spending time with the family. The school was called Center of Modern Languages and I had a mixture of Spanish and Business classes. I loved speaking Spanish in class and getting to know other students. AIFS provided a level placement test at the beginning of the semester so that everyone found courses that were appropriate for their knowledge of Spanish. The classes were very fun and I enjoyed going to class. The AIFS program excursions were some of the best experiences/trips that I went on. I was blown away by the Morocco trip as well as the Seville/Córdoba/Gibraltar weekend. The trips were well planned, affordable, and allowed for free time to explore with friends. I made so many connections with locals, got to experience once in a lifetime activities like riding camels next to the ocean, and tried amazing foods. The program application process was hassle-free and the program advisors in Granada are so helpful. I would often visit their office and just chat with them or ask their advice on where to visit on the weekend. They organized cooking classes, art classes, sporting events, and cultural activities like a flamenco show. Granada is such a wonderful city. It is very walkable and the people are very friendly. There are endless tapas bars in the city where you get free food with each drink purchase. I made friends with lots of locals and other students from across the US. I attended exchange club meetings where you get drinks and tapas, and you chat in whatever language you are trying to learn with people from around the world. AIFS did a wonderful job providing opportunities for all of the students in the program to get to know each other. I made a close-knit group of friends and we spent so much time together. I am so thankful for having met them thanks to AIFS. We even visited each other once we arrived back in the US! I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Spain on a more personal scale compared to bigger cities. I think Granada is the most beautiful city, and the Alhambra is a must-see!

From the planning process to weeks after I came back CEA CAPA took care of me every step of the way. They made this experience super stress free which allowed me to be excited to study abroad. My studies abroad in Grenoble was the best experience of my life and I will never forget it.

CEA responded to this reviewMarch 16, 2024

Hi Chance! Thanks so much for reviewing your study abroad experience. I'm happy you found such value and support in CEA CAPA!

Studying abroad in Grenoble was genuinely one of the most impactful experiences I have had during my time in college. I truly enjoyed getting to explore a new culture and learn about a city I had no knowledge of prior to taking part in my study abroad program. I think Grenoble is a great location for study abroad as it has a high international student population, plenty of restaurants and activities to explore, and a wide variety of subjects to study at different universities. As an engineering student, I was very excited to be living in a city that had such a focus on technology and scientific innovation. Additionally, my onsite CEA CAPA program coordinator contributed greatly to my experience abroad. I really appreciated having her support while adjusting to a new environment and getting to take part in the activities and excursions she planned. Overall, I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to explore a new environment as I think Grenoble is truly a unique city with something for everyone.

CEA responded to this reviewMarch 21, 2024

Hi Stephanie! Your study abroad experience in Grenoble sounds great. Thanks for sharing your 10/10 feedback!

I found the peace in being alone. I didn’t feel the constant need to have someone near, yet I knew when I wanted people they were there. I found that the art of nothing, is so beautiful. There is so much nature surrounding us and people around every corner of the world we haven’t met. This world is vast and I want to discover so much more!

Berlin is a really wonderful and historic city to live in. My German is basically nonexistent and I still felt like I was able to get around fine. The AIFs staff are very supportive, and the organized actives were well structured and thought out. If you weren’t interested in some or all of the activities, you didn’t have to participate and there was plenty of time to do your own thing around Berlin or travel throughout Europe. I didn’t particularly enjoy my academic experience at Humboldt, there were a few good classes but also a few really awful ones. So, if I could do it again I would probably do the AIFS program with Freie Universität academic program.

My colleague and I have had the pleasure of accompanying 21 amazing humans on a 3 month journey that will most certainly change them for the rest of their lives. Thank you to AIFS for sharing Rome with us and attending to every detail that made this an experience that will live with us eternally. The AIFS Rome center staff were excellent in providing impactful excursions, extra-curricular courses, and ensuring that all of us were well informed and provided for in every part of our journey.

I had a lovely time here, although it was not without flaws. The amenities were not great especially considering how much we paid to be here. The company guilt tripped and body shamed us. But I made innumerable new friends and had experiences that I will cherish forever.

Very nice experience, learned a lot. People I’ve met here are now friends I will still be in contact with. The internship was where I learned new skills and networked with people within the fashion industry and got inspired by being here abroad

I definitely had a really exciting and wonderful trip. There were a few aspects like traveling and staying at more cities besides just Salzburg would have been a lot more fun. But the tours and field trips were absolutely incredible and the people who showed us around were amazing! Loved to see the history and beauty all over

From arrival to departure, AIFS made my study abroad experience a 11/10. Great staff through and through allowed for a complete cultural assimilation in the time I spent there. It was the experience of a lifetime that I would recommend to everyone.

While I was in Grenoble, the best part of my experience was getting to know my host family. For four months I was with them, they treated me like one of there own. This meant drinking licorice-flavored pastis with grandfather, and attending the nephew's baptism, and so much more. They made me the season's meals consistently to make sure I had the most authentic experience of their lives that I possibly could, and they also took me to places all around the city. They took me along my long route that I would then take every day for school to make sure I was comfortable (and a good thing too because I had never been on public transportation before). But most of all, they took care of me simply as good family, making me feel at home away from home.

AIFS was definitely the right choice for me and I think it will be for anyone else seriously considering study abroad. From the moment I signed up for emails (before applying) to now (over a year out from leaving Germany), I have felt so supported and have had a lovely experience. The included trips and activities were definitely my favorite parts (the street art tour and cooking class especially!) and I’m still in contact with our Resident Director, Nele :)

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!