Location:

Grenoble, France

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Break

Program Overview

Program Description:

Students may study abroad in Grenoble at the Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises de l’Université Grenoble Alpes (CUEF). The Université Grenoble Alpes was established in 1339 and is one of the oldest in Europe. The university is well known for its programs for foreigners learning French, and has welcomed foreign students from all over the world for over 100 years. 

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. API has included the European Framework language level designations below to help students estimate which level they might place into and to be aware of the levels that can appear on their transcript. Note: 4 years of high school French generally equals 1 semester of college level French. The CUEF levels correspond to those of the European Framework.

INTERMEDIATE – LOW ADVANCED STUDENTS

EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK LEVEL B1.0-B1.6 = 4 TO 5 SEMESTERS OF COLLEGE LEVEL FRENCH

Intermediate levels students can earn up to 18-20 U.S. credit hours per semester. Students spend approximately ten hours per week in their language course, two hours per week in the Translation course or the Vocabulary Improvement course, and six hours per week in “elective option” culture classes. Students may choose four “elective option” courses.

ADVANCED – HIGH ADVANCED STUDENTS

EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK LEVEL B1.7-B2.9 = 5 TO 6 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 in the Translation course, two hours per week in the Techniques of Written Expression course and six hours per week in “elective option” culture classes. Students may choose four “elective option” courses.

SUPERIOR STUDENTS

EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK LEVEL C1 = NEAR FLUENCY IN 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 course and up to three hours per week in “elective option” culture classes (students may choose two from the list). Students may then select up to 8 hours of courses from the Travaux Dirigés at UFR (Unity of Formation and Research) in the subjects of literature, language or language studies. UFR courses are university classes with French students and require students to complete a research paper.

Setting Description:

The setting of this alpine city is what truly makes it unique. For a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains, take a ride on the téléphérique, or cable car, to the Fort de la Bastille. From there, explore the hiking trails and the Grottes (caves) that were used as a defense many centuries ago. With a student population of 60,000, Grenoble is an ideal place to learn French. The slower pace of the city and the friendliness of the inhabitants make it easy to practice the language with locals. The city has several museums, numerous parks and plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, biking). For the avid traveler, Grenoble is an excellent starting point for exploration, situated only three hours from Paris by high speed train and very close to Switzerland and Italy.

Cost:

Pre-departure, On-site, and Re-entry services included, such as advising and online resources, airport reception, resident directors, housing, tuition, tutoring, medical & life insurance, excursions, social & cultural activities, alumni network, Learning and Engagement Badge Program and more!

Additional Program Information

Requirements:

*Minimum 2.5 G.P.A. *Open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors *Open to students with a minimum of four semesters of college French or the equivalent

Scholarships:

Yes

Scholarships Description:

API awards approximately $500,000 in study abroad scholarships annually ranging from $250 -$1,000 per student.