Location
  • France
    • Grenoble
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Maymester, Short Term, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Art History Business Cultural Studies Economics European Studies History Linguistics Literature Political Science Service Learning Social Sciences Sociology +2
General grants/scholarships, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Bachelors
Housing
Dormitory Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
AIFS Abroad is a premier provider of study abroad programs. Program fees cover tuition and housing, and over 50% of our study abroad participants receive financial support from AIFS Abroad in the form of scholarships or grants. A meal plan, tours and excursions, insurance, and 24-hour emergency service are also included. Coordinated AIFS Abroad Flight Packages with major airlines are also available.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Some Meals Transportation Travel Insurance
What's Included (Extra)

Round trip flights, airport transfers and 2-night stopover in London included for students on the optional AIFS Abroad Flight Package.

Feb 15, 2024
Dec 15, 2020
5 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Spend a semester or academic year in Grenoble, France with AIFS Abroad. You’ll earn up to 17 credits per semester through the French Language and Culture Program at the Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA). Courses are taught in English and French, with an intermediate or above level of French required.

Volunteer in the local community while studying in Grenoble! Students can take a service learning component in addition to the standard courses. Volunteer opportunities include designing and running English language workshops for French high school students or French undergraduate students.

You’ll enjoy cultural and social activities including:
• Guided city walks
• Visits to local museums
• French cooking classes
• A ride on the famous cable cars over the city
• Day trips to Lyon and Annecy
• 3-day trip to Provence
• 4-day trip to Paris.
Optional excursions include a 2-day visit to Vercors (fall) and a 2-day trip to an Alpine resort (spring)

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

At AIFS Abroad, we want to support all participants in their study/internship abroad journey, inclusive of gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Everyone has a complex identity, and faith, spirituality, and religion are important factors when deciding on a program location.

LGBTQIA+ Support

At AIFS Abroad, we want to support all participants in their study/internship abroad journey, inclusive of gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Everyone has a complex identity, and faith, spirituality, and religion are important factors when deciding on a program location.

Accessibility Support

Everyone’s experience is unique. We recognize the location you choose can have an impact on your sense of belonging. We encourage you to use the information below as you review your options to select the program and location that will be the best choice for you. If you do not hold the identities that are amplified here, this information is still a great resource for you as well. It will give you a better understanding of those who have this identity.

Impact

Sustainability

In response to the overwhelming global climate crisis, AIFS Abroad is pleased to make Sustainability a key priority when considering organizational, operational, and programming decisions. We understand that the only way to effectively combat this crisis and mitigate the effects of climate change is to drastically reduce our environmental impact. Therefore, AIFS Abroad has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by the year 2025. AIFS Abroad is proud to announce we have signed the CANIE Accord, becoming the first US provider to make this commitment.

Program Highlights

  • Earn up to 17 credits and transcript issued by the Université Grenoble Alpes
  • On-Site Program Director to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program
  • Live in a homestay or, for a supplemental fee, a student residence
  • 4 day trip to Paris & 3 day trip to Provence
  • Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network

Popular Programs

AIFS Abroad Grenoble, France

Spend a semester or academic year in Grenoble, France with AIFS Abroad. You’ll earn up to 15 credits per semester through the Intensive French Language Program at the Université Grenoble Alpes. Courses are taught in English and French, with no prior French language studies required.

AIFS Abroad Grenoble

Spend the summer in the idyllic Alpine city of Grenoble, France with AIFS Abroad! All students take a French language course for 5 credits at the Université Grenoble Alpes. The aim of this intensive course, at all levels, is to develop both written and oral expression and comprehension by working on grammar and vocabulary while simultaneously learning about French life and culture. Courses are taught in English and French with no previous French language study required.

Scholarships

AIFS Logo

AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships, Grants & Financial Support

We believe a study abroad experience is an essential component of well-rounded university education and we are committed to providing financial assistance to as many students as possible in support of their goal to study abroad. AIFS also offers internship and study abroad + internship blended programs to support the development of personal and professional skills.

Value
$500 - $5,000

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 17 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.55
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.95
  • Housing 4.85
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 17 reviews
Default avatar
Sara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

10/10 would recommend!!!

I'm forever thankful that I chose Grenoble as the city I would call my second home! This city was the perfect mix of history, culture, and individuality - there is undoubtedly something for everyone here. The number one recommendation I have for anyone who wants to leave their time abroad feeling immersed and connected, instead of traveling every weekend, make an effort to take part in many of the cultural experiences the city has to offer all year long. I made some of my favorite memories attending operas, visiting museums, and hiking the French Alps with my host family!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Foie gras, otherwise known as duck liver (yuck)!!!
87 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alyssa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A dream come true!

I have wanted to study abroad for years and studying abroad with AIFS in Grenoble, France in Spring 2020 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. The French Language and Culture Program 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 can't be beat!). 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!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
After my program was cut short due to the pandemic, the best advice I can give a future traveler on this program is to take advantage of every single day! Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things because you'll end up making some unforgettable memories.
92 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Whitney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Decision Ever!

My time in Grenoble, France was the best decision I have ever made for myself. Everything from the views, to my host family, to my new friends, was AMAZING. My time abroad is something that I will cherish forever, and I want everybody to experience what I did. Through AIFS, I was able to do so many things that I would have never gotten to do. We went snowshoeing in the mountains, tried authentic French cheese, made crepes, and so much more. Not only was I able to explore Grenoble, but I was fortunate enough to go to several other countries. These experiences are once in a lifetime and I hope one day to return to all of the places I visited. I am so thankful that I took the leap to study abroad. If you are on the fence, just do it! You most likely won't get an opportunity like this outside of college.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would make sure to take in every opportunity that I am given. I do not regret anything, but I do wish that I had traveled more than I did.
87 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Tine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Such an Amazing Experience!

I knew I wanted to study abroad after meeting foreign exchange students from high school. It was not until Fall 2018 that I got the opportunity to study abroad in Grenoble, France with AIFS. I recommend AIFS to anyone who is looking for a study abroad provider for many reasons. AIFS helps students through the whole study abroad process from obtaining a visa to booking the flight. The resident director in Grenoble, Miranda, is wonderful. She helps students with pretty much everything and always there when the students needed. She really does care about all the students and want each and every one of them to get the best out of their experience abroad. Going to a new country that has a different culture and language from the ones I know was nerve-wracking, however, thanks to AIFS I was able to overcome my fear and had such an amazing experience abroad.

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest moments I had when I was in France was meeting my host family for the first time. It was not funny at the time but looking back at it now it actually was. I was so nervous that when my host mom said "nice to meet you" in French I just stood there blanking not knowing what to do. I ended enjoy living with my host family and I hope to visit them soon.
106 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Allison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My semester abroad in Grenoble, France

One of the most sought after experiences of studying abroad is to befriend local students and immerse yourself into the culture. Due to the amazing resident director of AIFS in Grenoble, France, I was able to do just that. Miranda created mixers for our program with students from the nearby university giving us an opportunity to meet French students. My friends and I met amazing French students from the engineering school who invited us out to eat dinner together, to cook together, and to see the nightlife together. This program helped me accomplish my goal of becoming fluent in French by putting me in a school of international students learning French as well as my goal of exploring France by going on weekend trips to Paris, Provence, and local towns. If you are looking for a unique experience to study in France, Grenoble is your best bet!

90 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GRENOBLE: I'd Go Back Today If I Could

When I think back on my study abroad semester I can't help but get so excited about Grenoble, the city where I spent four months of my life. I miss it everyday and I want everyone to go abroad when they are still in school in order to get out of the culture bubble we grow up in.
I chose to live with a host family, and was placed with a beautiful family about 30 min from the city center. At first I wasn't sure if I enjoyed being a distance away from the university or the city center but then I enjoyed the commute on the trams, buses, or even my bike I rented from the tourism office.
The program director was very accessible and very helpful from the orientation weekend to the final departure. Miranda provided multiple tools for learning and cultural engagement like, day or weekend excursions, wine and cooking classes, conversational partners, tours of the city, etc. I look forward to reconnecting with her when I get the chance to return.
The classes, while a little bit crazy at first getting situated, were challenging but not too time consuming. I really enjoyed being fully immersed in the classroom during my french class and then at home with my french family. AIFS covers breakfast and dinner for the Grenoble option, so I was only needing to pay for lunch each day.
Being surrounded by three grand mountain chains, was a "jigsaw puzzle view". Somedays I felt like I was dreaming or living in a movie backdrop. Coming from a Florida girl, I was in awe by where I was living. There are many hikes to go on, ski resorts to visit and food to indulge on.
Take chances in language, food, adventures, and life. GO study abroad!!

What would you improve about this program?
More classes offered apart from the french courses.
92 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Grenoble, France Study Abroad Experience

If you want an authentic French experience, come to Grenoble. Grenoble is absolutely breathtaking. The mountains are great for hiking or skiing. It's amazing to go running along the river. If you are an active person, you will fall in love with Grenoble's outdoor activities and more. Even if you aren't very active, you will be charmed by Grenoble's architecture, friendly atmosphere, and the weekend markets. I learned far more than I ever expected in coming here. I went from not being able to speak French hardly at all to having conversations about politics, home improvement, and cultural differences. You will get out what you put in to it. That is the most important thing to remember when you come here or if you go anywhere in general to study abroad. If I could choose where to go for another semester, I would probably still pick Grenoble. I've met so many great international students here. We will be friends for a lifetime. Come to Grenoble, and you won't regret it.

90 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
McKenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Un formidable semestre à Grenoble!

My study abroad semester in Grenoble, France was a once in a lifetime experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. Like many of the students who choose this program, I wanted a truly authentic French experience that I felt I wouldn't find studying in Paris. And an authentic experience is what I got. The city has a population of around 150,000 which I felt was a perfect size for me: not to small, but not to big. My favorite part of living in Grenoble is the fact that the city is surrounded by three different mountain ranges. Every direction that you turn your head in, you can see mountains (if there aren't any 300 year old buildings in the way!) With my study abroad program we were able to take part in several activities and excursions to different places around the city and within the region. These were some of my most favorite memories and things that I got to do while in France. These included snowshoeing in the Alps followed by a relaxing visit to a thermal spa, visiting several vineyards to do some wine tasting, and doing a high ropes course complete with zip line atop one of the mountains surrounding Grenoble. My favorite place that we visited was a monastery tucked away in the Chartreuse mountains (one of the ranges that borders Grenoble.) It was the most beautiful and peaceful place that I have ever been in my life. These experiences along with the day to day authentic experiences of riding trams, visiting cafés, and speaking French made my semester so full and complete. I truly left part of my heart in Grenoble and can't wait until the day that I can go find it again.

92 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers