France Grenoble Green French Alps

We invite you to study abroad with API in beautiful Grenoble, France! This program is perfect for anyone looking to advance their French language skills while also enrolling in classes focused on French culture. The Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises de l’Université Grenoble Alpes is renowned for its exceptional instruction of French language and culture and attracts students from around the world every year. This program also includes the opportunity to participate in an optional teaching internship.

Earn valuable academic credit, enhance your French language skills, experience life in this alpine town known for its vibrant student social scene and stunning scenery, and explore all that France has to offer!

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

API Center

On-Site Orientation

Excursions

Resident Director

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Monthly Transit Pass

Tutoring

Housing (including meals and laundry with some options)

Language and Culture Tools

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program

View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 G.P.A.
  • Open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Open to students with a minimum of two semesters of college French or the equivalent.
  • Completed API application
  • One official transcript
  • University Approval Form
  • Entry requirements: valid passport with student visa
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Spring Jan 9, 2024 - May 8, 2024 $16,500 Nov 16, 2023 No Extension Dec 1, 2023
Fall Aug, 2024 - Dec, 2024 $16,500 Jun 15, 2024 No Extension Jul 15, 2024
Academic Year Aug, 2024 - May, 2025 $33,500 Jun 15, 2024 No Extension Jul 15, 2024

API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Grenoble programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.

  • Burgundy (Beaune & Dijon)

    Burgundy is one of France’s most famous wine-producing regions. Students on this excursion will have the chance to visit the renowned city and ancient capital of the region – Dijon – known overseas for its famous mustard, as well as Beaune. Beaune is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the district, also known the world over for its wine auctions.
  • Grottes de Choranche

    In the heart of the Vercors region lies the Grotte de Choranche, a small part of the Grotte de Couffin. The cave is located at the bottom of the falaises de Presles (Presles cliffs). This limestone cliff with its 300m vertical drop is famous among climbers and offers more than 300 routes. On the way, there are waterfalls with the typical deposits of tufa or travertine, a result of limestone-rich water reaching the surface. The first chamber -largest- is 60m in diameter and up to 18m high. The most impressive -among many formations- is a huge pillar in the Galerie du Siphon. The thousands of stalactites, called soda straws are the great sights of this cave. The waters of the underground lakes and rivers flood the crystal whiteness of the rock formations with emerald green reflection.

  • French Riviera - Cote D'Azur

    This southern region of France is cornered between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea and attracts people from all walks of life to relax at its beaches, explore its cliff side villages, or sample the entertainment and liveliness of its towns and cities.

  • Snowshoeing in Chartreuse

    The day will start in the morning in a small village called Saint-Hugues-en-Chartreuse. The village is know for its chapel and the Musée d’Art Sacré de St. Hugues. There will be a short tour of the museum and then the group will set off for a hike!

    Students will hike on snowshoes, guided by professionals, through the Chartreuse forests. During the hike, the guides will point out animal prints, specific plants of the region and give an overview of the region and its geography. It’s not necessary to be a strong athlete, everybody is welcomed! There will be two groups, one group for students who prefer to keep it slow and easy, and a second group for those who desire to hike for longer. If time and the weather permit, the day will be topped off with some sledding and/or students can enjoy a hot drink in the nearby cafés.

  • Paris

    Known as both the City of Light and the City of Love, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world for good reason. Paris is brimming with amazing museums, architecture, fashion, cuisine and beauty. Innumerable monuments, built to reflect the glory of France and its rulers, stand testament to the city’s rich history.

  • Lyon

    France’s second largest city, Lyon is located on the Rhone and Soâne Rivers with many sites to see, including the Gallo-Roman Museum, two excavated Roman theaters, and the 19th century Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouvière. In Lyon, visitors can take a unique journey through time and across cultures through traipsing down its narrow streets, crossing its “traboules“ (narrow secret passages). Lyon's Parc de la Tête d’Or showcases botanical gardens, a small zoo, lakes for sailing, running trails, and many areas for relaxing.

  • Annecy

    Surrounded by the beauty of the Alps and the Lac d’Annecy, the scenic town of Annecy is known as the “little Venice” of the French Alps. In fact, many say that the best way to see the city is via the canals on a relaxing boat tour. Because of strict environmental regulations introduced in the 1960s, Lac d’Annecy is known as “Europe’s cleanest lake.” Students will have the opportunity to discover the city's storybook charm and experience the local market scene and beautiful beaches.

  • Aix-En-Provence/Avignon

    Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France and known for its music festival, splendid houses and museums with rich works of art, mosaics and Romanesque and Gothic Sculptures. Students will visit the famous Pope’s Palace that was home to seven Popes from 1305 to 1378 before the papacy moved back to the Vatican. Near the palace is the famous half bridge Pont St. Bénezet, in which a popular children’s song was written describing folk dancing on the bridge.

  • Paris

    Known as both the City of Light and the City of Love, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world for good reason. Paris is brimming with amazing museums, architecture, fashion, cuisine and beauty. Innumerable monuments, built to reflect the glory of France and its rulers, stand testament to the city’s rich history.

  • Loire Valley

    Visiting the Loire Valley palaces is like visiting 16th century Renaissance France when fortified medieval fortresses were transformed into delicate castles inspired by Italian architecture. Such is the case of le Château d’Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci was buried.

    The Château de Chenonceau is an exceptional site not only because of its original design, the richness of its collections, its furniture and its decorations, but also because of its destiny, since it was loved, administrated and protected by women.

    Depending on the program, the students may also enjoy a traditional boat ride on the Loire river or he splendor of Chambord’s castle and its exceptional architectural creation that draws its inspiration from the French tradition as much as from the new ideas of the Italian Renaissance.

  • Lyon

    France’s second largest city, Lyon is located on the Rhone and Soâne Rivers with many sites to see, including the Gallo-Roman Museum, two excavated Roman theaters, and the 19th century Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouvière. In Lyon, visitors can take a unique journey through time and across cultures through traipsing down its narrow streets, crossing its “traboules“ (narrow secret passages). Lyon's Parc de la Tête d’Or showcases botanical gardens, a small zoo, lakes for sailing, running trails, and many areas for relaxing.

  • Annecy

    Surrounded by the beauty of the Alps and the Lac d’Annecy, the scenic town of Annecy is known as the “little Venice” of the French Alps. In fact, many say that the best way to see the city is via the canals on a relaxing boat tour. Because of strict environmental regulations introduced in the 1960s, Lac d’Annecy is known as “Europe’s cleanest lake.” Students will have the opportunity to discover the city's storybook charm and experience the local market scene and beautiful beaches.

  • Aix-En-Provence/Avignon

    Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France and known for its music festival, splendid houses and museums with rich works of art, mosaics and Romanesque and Gothic Sculptures. Students will visit the famous Pope’s Palace that was home to seven Popes from 1305 to 1378 before the papacy moved back to the Vatican. Near the palace is the famous half bridge Pont St. Bénezet, in which a popular children’s song was written describing folk dancing on the bridge.

  • Paris

    Known as both the City of Light and the City of Love, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world for good reason. Paris is brimming with amazing museums, architecture, fashion, cuisine and beauty. Innumerable monuments, built to reflect the glory of France and its rulers, stand testament to the city’s rich history.

  • Loire Valley

    Visiting the Loire Valley palaces is like visiting 16th century Renaissance France when fortified medieval fortresses were transformed into delicate castles inspired by Italian architecture. Such is the case of le Château d’Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci was buried.

    The Château de Chenonceau is an exceptional site not only because of its original design, the richness of its collections, its furniture and its decorations, but also because of its destiny, since it was loved, administrated and protected by women.

    Depending on the program, the students may also enjoy a traditional boat ride on the Loire river or he splendor of Chambord’s castle and its exceptional architectural creation that draws its inspiration from the French tradition as much as from the new ideas of the Italian Renaissance.

  • Burgundy (Beaune & Dijon)

    Burgundy is one of France’s most famous wine-producing regions. Students on this excursion will have the chance to visit the renowned city and ancient capital of the region – Dijon – known overseas for its famous mustard, as well as Beaune. Beaune is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the district, also known the world over for its wine auctions.
  • Grottes de Choranche

    In the heart of the Vercors region lies the Grotte de Choranche, a small part of the Grotte de Couffin. The cave is located at the bottom of the falaises de Presles (Presles cliffs). This limestone cliff with its 300m vertical drop is famous among climbers and offers more than 300 routes. On the way, there are waterfalls with the typical deposits of tufa or travertine, a result of limestone-rich water reaching the surface. The first chamber -largest- is 60m in diameter and up to 18m high. The most impressive -among many formations- is a huge pillar in the Galerie du Siphon. The thousands of stalactites, called soda straws are the great sights of this cave. The waters of the underground lakes and rivers flood the crystal whiteness of the rock formations with emerald green reflection.

  • French Riviera - Cote D'Azur

    This southern region of France is cornered between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea and attracts people from all walks of life to relax at its beaches, explore its cliff side villages, or sample the entertainment and liveliness of its towns and cities.

  • Snowshoeing in Chartreuse

    The day will start in the morning in a small village called Saint-Hugues-en-Chartreuse. The village is know for its chapel and the Musée d’Art Sacré de St. Hugues. There will be a short tour of the museum and then the group will set off for a hike!

    Students will hike on snowshoes, guided by professionals, through the Chartreuse forests. During the hike, the guides will point out animal prints, specific plants of the region and give an overview of the region and its geography. It’s not necessary to be a strong athlete, everybody is welcomed! There will be two groups, one group for students who prefer to keep it slow and easy, and a second group for those who desire to hike for longer. If time and the weather permit, the day will be topped off with some sledding and/or students can enjoy a hot drink in the nearby cafés.

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 14-18 U.S. semester credits (varies per level)

This program is designed to help students who want to study abroad in Grenoble improve their written and spoken French (via grammar, vocabulary and language activities), as well as increase the students’ knowledge of various areas of French culture and civilization including: literature, history, cinema, arts, politics and economics, and business.

The European Framework language level designations are listed below to help students estimate which level they might place into and to be aware of the levels that can appear on their transcript. The CUEF levels correspond to those of the European Framework.

ADVANCED – HIGH ADVANCED STUDENTS

EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK LEVEL B1.7-B2.9 = 4 TO 5 SEMESTERS OF COLLEGE LEVEL FRENCH

Advanced level students can earn up to 18 U.S. credit hours per semester. Students spend approximately six hours per week in their French language course, two hours per week of Techniques of Written and Oral Expression and two hours per week in the Introduction to Linguistics course or Vocabulary Improvement course and 6-10 hours per week in “elective option” culture classes. Students may choose three or four “elective option” courses.

SUPERIOR STUDENTS

EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK LEVEL C1 = AT LEAST 5 SEMESTERS OF FRENCH LANGUAGE

Superior level students can earn a maximum of 18 U.S. credits per semester. Students spend approximately six hours per week in their French language courses, two hours per week of Techniques of Written Expression and up to 6-10 hours per week in “elective option” culture classes (students may choose three from the list). Students will also have to write and defend a thesis paper at the end of the semester. Students have the option to audit a French class with French students (contact your Program Manager for a list of options).

TRANSCRIPTS

API students will receive their transcript from the Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises de l’Université Grenoble Alpes upon completion of their program.

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    Anna Foster

    Anna Foster will be your Program Manager and prepare you to go abroad!

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    Anna Exertier

    Anna Exertier will be your Resident Director in Grenoble and a resource for you on-site.
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    Marie de Rocca Serra

    Marie de Rocca Serra will be your Resident Director in Grenoble and a resource for you while you are in France!
    (she/her/hers)

Click Here to Find Classes

COURSE OFFERINGS

FRENCH LANGUAGE COURSES (REQUIRED)

Intermediate level students take 10-12 hours per week of language instruction, and advanced and superior level students take 8 hours per week of language instruction, comprised of French grammar and vocabulary.

ELECTIVE OPTION COURSES

Intermediate students select 3-5 elective option courses; Advanced and superior students choose 3-5 elective option courses. Please note that some courses have level restrictions. Students are taught according to their level.

A FRENCH EXPERIENCE: GRENOBLE TEACHING INTERNSHIP

Students at any level of French language ability are able to participate in the teaching internship for an additional 3 credits. Spaces are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may do this on a volunteer basis, not for academic credit, or they may work with a teacher at the CUEF to get academic credit for the internship. Students who wish to receive credit will need to do additional assignments along with the teaching hours, and they will pay an additional fee of $450.

CREDIT INFORMATION

Most API partner universities in France operate on the contact hour system, wherein the number of credits earned depends on the time spent in class. To determine the conversion of contact hours to U.S. credits, divide the contact hours available by 15.

Courses at Université Grenoble Alpes - CUEF (Semester French Language and Culture Studies)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Université Grenoble Alpes - CUEF (Semester French Language and Culture Studies)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Université Grenoble Alpes - CUEF (Semester French Language and Culture Studies)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Highlights
  • Classes taught in French
  • Most popular API Grenoble program!

API students studying abroad in Grenoble have two different housing options – students may choose to live with a host family or in a student residence.

Students who choose to live with families will have their own room and be provided with two meals (breakfast and dinner) per day and laundry service. Host families serve as a unique introduction to French culture and may be made up of a married couple with children, retirement-age couples, or a divorced or widowed woman with or without children. Most families do not live in the city center, rather they may be located throughout the city and in the surrounding suburbs. Families who live outside the city typically have larger homes with sizeable yards.

Students in Grenoble may also choose to live in a student residence. Students live with other international, American, and French students. Students have a single room, with access to a shared kitchen. Bathroom facilities are shared per floor, although some rooms may have bathroom amenities. Laundry facilities are available, and there are common areas throughout the building as well. Meals are the responsibility of the student.

Chambre Costecalde 36006458995 O
Costecalde 36006446305 O
Grenoble 4730642737 O
Grenoble Host Families 32227390504 O
Grenoble Host Families 32690798230 O
Grenoble Host Families 32690798350 O
Grenoble Host Families 32916590252 O
Grenoble Housing 32690209230 O