Study Abroad in Grenoble: Student Life

Activities

The Resident Director organizes a wide range of activities throughout the semester. Students can go on a walking tour of medieval Grenoble, visit the beautiful lake of Annecy, spend an afternoon tasting French wines and cheeses, visit the art museum, make fondue, hike and picnic or ski depending on the season, or visit the Chartreuse Monastery to taste the “elixir of life” from a recipe known to only three living monks. For an extra fee, students can enroll in French cuisine and wine appreciation classes.

Computer and Internet access

The University has opened a new computer center where students with their own computer have unlimited high speed wireless internet access. The University is pioneering this new system in France.

Students can borrow a computer for use at the center, or rent one to take home for a week or more, once they have paid a deposit and completed the relevant paperwork. We strongly recommend that students bring their laptop computers to Grenoble. The University library also provides Internet access to students who have their own computer and a special ethernet cord. Students may also use their laptop computer in the University’s Internet café.

Meeting French students

As part of students’ language practice, the Director can introduce students to a French student learning English for conversational practice. As a member of the Centre d’Etudes Françaises, students are able to meet other students from Europe and the rest of the world.

Teaching English

Students may volunteer to provide English conversation classes for French high school students, one hour a week for 10 weeks (spring only).

Public transportation

Grenoble has an extensive bus and tram service that makes getting around easy. A transportation pass is provided for all students.

Skiing in the Alps

Grenoble is the French capital of winter sports and has previously been the location of the winter Olympics. Downhill skiing is available just 30 minutes from the center of town. The University ski club has both weekday and weekend ski excursions throughout the winter, including downhill and cross-country skiing. AIFS pays for membership in the University ski club during the spring semester. Students who have never skied before may take lessons at a reasonable cost. Ski equipment (boots, poles and skis) may be rented easily and inexpensively.

Visa

The French government requires students to possess a visa valid for their period of study in France. Multiple-entry visas must be obtained before departing the U.S. AIFS will provide instructions to help you secure the visa.