I studied in Grenoble for a semester and I cannot recommend it enough. I found the city and the courses I was taking to be perfect for what I was wanting to get out of my study abroad experience. My program was the French Language and Culture program, so all of my classes were in French at the B1 level. I thought the teachers were excellent and made the French immersion very accessible and were always happy to help with any questions or clarifications, and the students at the university were from all over the world, so it really made me have to use French to communicate with almost all of my classmates (I was the only American in my class, but this was not the case for other CEA CAPA students in the same program who were at different French levels) and I feel like I progressed a lot during the semester because of it. Grenoble is also a great city because it is pretty walkable and the tram system can get you pretty much anywhere in the city or the suburbs. Many places, such as restaurants, cafes, museums, the ski companies, transportation companies, etc. in Grenoble have student discounts (from what I understand this is the case in all of France). The location of Grenoble makes it easy to travel to other cities and countries at a decent price, too. I was able to travel multiple times to Switzerland and Germany because of the proximity and low cost, and while I didn't get a chance to go, Italy is also very close. If you like adventure and nature especially, I think you will be able to find many things to do in and around Grenoble, such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, bouldering, and paddle boarding. The city also feels very safe; I never had any incidents of being in danger or anything bad happening, and neither did anyone else on my program.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate while I was in Grenoble was a French taco. I am from South Texas, so in my mind I have a very different expectation from the word "taco" but French tacos are basically like a huge wrap or burrito with a base of white cheese sauce, a protein, and French fries, along with whatever additions you want to add, like tomatoes, peppers, different kinds of cheese, different kinds of sauces, etc. They are very good and they originated in Grenoble so it is a must-try for anyone visiting. Just don't expect it to be like actual Mexican tacos.
What other participants should know
- Stores and coffeeshops always close at 7 at the latest.
- You will only find meals at meal times, so if you want to eat at, say, 4 pm, you won't have many options.
- Sometimes the tram breaks down or needs maintenance
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad
Hey Hannah! Loved reviewing your feedback on studying abroad with CEA CAPA in Florence. Thanks for sharing your recommendations too!