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French Language & Culture
Grenoble, France
About the Program
Designed for intermediate French speakers and above, this program will help you improve your French proficiency while deepening your understanding of French culture. Language courses focus on oral expression, vocabulary development, phonetics, and listening comprehension. You'll also choose elective courses focused on the culture, history, and art of France; elective courses are taught in French to complement and enhance your language learning. Elective course options increase in proportion to your language level, but all are designed to expand your language skills while expanding your knowledge of French culture.
Requirements
Overview
Grenoble
1/14/25 - 5/15/25
$15,995
15 - 16.5
Deadlines
Closed
11/15/24
Requirements
Eligibility
1 Year of College, although advanced High School graduates may be eligible
Intermediate And Above
2.5
Where You'll Study
Université Grenoble - Alpes
Université Grenoble - Alpes (previously known as Stendhal University - Grenoble 3), is part of the University of Grenoble system, founded in 1339 and one of Europe's oldest educational institut...
Université Grenoble - Alpes
Université Grenoble - Alpes (previously known as Stendhal University - Grenoble 3), is part of the University of Grenoble system, founded in 1339 and one of Europe's oldest educational institutions. Famous alumni include Former President of Germany Richard Weizacker, Princess of Japan Masako Owada, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Today, Université Grenoble - Alpes remains an outstanding university center with a long tradition of excellence in the arts and sciences.
The university is housed on a modern, spacious campus approximately fifteen minutes by bus or tram from the center of town. The campus has well-equipped facilities, up-to-date audiovisual equipment, new language labs, and outstanding athletic centers.
Université Grenoble - Alpes is well-known for its outstanding French-language teaching center.
You’ll take language courses through the Centre Universitaire d'Etudes Françaises (CUEF), founded in 1896. The center hosts over 3,000 students from more than 100 countries who wish to learn or improve their French. CUEF offers instruction in French at all levels, from beginner to advanced, prepares intermediate students for the Diplôme Universitaire d’études françaises (DUEF), and advanced students for the Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF), as well as diplomas of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and other university diplomas and certificates.
Credit Transfer Information
The Université Grenoble - Alpes utilizes a 60-minute contact hour whereas the United States higher education system utilizes a 50-minute contact hour. Recommended U.S. credits listed on CEA CAPA's website reflect a conversion of these contact hours. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Transcript Information
Students receive a transcript from Université Grenoble - Alpes upon successful completion of the program. Transcripts will include the number of hours per week, so US colleges/universities may calculate the appropriate number of US credits they choose to award their student.
Accreditation
Université Grenoble - Alpes is recognized by the French Ministry of National Education as a degree-granting institution.
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
Amenities
Student Offices
Clubs & Organizations
Student Center
Study Room
Counseling Services
Student Health Center
University Library
Computer Lab
Printing Facilities
Student ID
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Language Learning Services
Language Exchange with Local Students
Fitness Facilities
Student Sports Teams
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
Banks & Post Office
Copy & Mail Center
On-campus ATM
Bookstore
Laundry Facilities
16.5
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
Each semester, you'll enroll in 1 language course at your level. Students at the intermediate to high intermediate level will also enroll in 1 French vocabulary course, and 3 elective courses, all taught in French. Students at the advanced to high advanced level and superior level will also enroll in 1 written and oral expression course, 1 French vocabulary or linguistic course, and 3 elective courses, all taught in French.
Contact hours for language courses vary, but generally range from 90-150 contact hours/6-10 credits per semester. Elective courses meet for 22-30 contact hours/1.5-2 credits per semester. You may earn 14.5-16.5 credits (up to 246 contact hours) per semester, and 29-33 credits (up to 492 contact hours) per academic year.
Classes meet Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
You’ll take a language placement test online before you arrive in Grenoble. Once on-site, you will take an oral test (10-minutes conversation with a teacher). Registration will then be finalized on-site, based on the results of both of your language placement test. If you don’t test at the intermediate level or higher, you'll be moved to the Intensive Language Program (additional fees may apply). It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for France. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Contact hours for language courses vary, but generally range from 90-150 contact hours/6-10 credits per semester. Elective courses meet for 22-30 contact hours/1.5-2 credits per semester. You may earn 14.5-16.5 credits (up to 246 contact hours) per semester, and 29-33 credits (up to 492 contact hours) per academic year.
Classes meet Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
You’ll take a language placement test online before you arrive in Grenoble. Once on-site, you will take an oral test (10-minutes conversation with a teacher). Registration will then be finalized on-site, based on the results of both of your language placement test. If you don’t test at the intermediate level or higher, you'll be moved to the Intensive Language Program (additional fees may apply). It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for France. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Intermediate to High Intermediate Level Course Structure
Available Levels
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate French I | 200 | Fr | 150 | 10 |
| Intermediate French II | 200, 300 | Fr | 150 | 10 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary - Intermediate II Level | 300 | Fr | 30 | 2 |
| Vocabulary - Intermediate I Level | 200 | Fr | 30 | 2 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civilization & Mythology * | 200 | Fr | 22 | 1.5 |
| French Culture and Society | 200 | Fr | 22 | 1.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French and Francophone Literature | 200 | Fr | 22 | 1.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contemporary French Politics | 200 | Fr | 22 | 1.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theater Workshop | 200, 300 | Fr | 22 | 1.5 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Apartment
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
All CEA CAPA students studying in the French Alps have the option of living in apartments while abroad. Generally located in the town center, these apartments cater to the independent, do-it-yourself type students who want to experience Grenoble just as the locals do. Cook tasty French meals with your roommates in your kitchen, meet your new neighbors – local and international alike – and make your new French apartment a home.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in the French Alps: 10-15 minutes by bus/tramway
- Université Grenoble - Alpes: 20-25 minutes by bus/tramway
- Grenoble Ecole de Management: 5-10 minutes by bus/tramway
- Sciences Po Grenoble: 20-25 minutes by bus/tramway
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 2 students per room
- 2-4 students per apartment (apartment size may vary according to our numbers)
Unit Amenities
- Shared Kitchenette
- Shared bathroom
- Full bed linens
- Towels included
- Internet Access
- Telephone access available
- Pay-per-wash
- In-room heater or central heating
- A/C
Studio Residence
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
CEA CAPA students studying in Grenoble have the option of living in a studio residence while abroad. The residence is conveniently located in the town center, close to mass transportation stations, and is open to university students and young professionals around Grenoble, making it a unique option to allow students to interact with the local student body. Students live in individual studios fully equipped, with a private kitchen and bathroom.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in the French Alps: 20 minutes by bus/tram; 25 minutes walking
- Université Grenoble - Alpes: 15-20 minutes by bus; 15 minutes by tramway
- Grenoble Ecole de Management: 15-20 minutes by bus; 10 minutes by tramway
- Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA: 10-25 minutes by buys/tramway
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 1 student per room
- 1 student per studio
Unit Amenities
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Partial bed linens included
- Internet access
- Pay-per-wash
- Central heating or space heaters
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Summer: $400 - $1,000
- Semester: $900 - $2,100
Homestay
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Engage in the French Alps' vibrant culture firsthand when you live in a homestay with a French family. For the culture-seeking type whose study abroad goals include improving French language skills and cultural understanding, homestays provide the opportunity to dive headfirst into the daily lives of Grenoble locals. (Additional Fees apply)
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in the French Alps: 20-45 minutes by bus/tramway
- Université Grenoble - Alpes: 20-45 minutes by bus/tramway
- Grenoble Ecole de Management: 20-45 minutes by bus/tramway
- Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA: 20-45 minutes by bus/tramway
Meals Included
- Breakfast everyday, 5 dinners (M-F)
Roommates
- 1-3 students per host family
Unit Amenities
- Limited Kitchen
- Shared-co-ed bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet Access
- Telephone access available
- Washer
- Central Heating or space heaters available
- Fans available
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Summer: $400 - $1,800
- Semester: $1,000 - $2,500
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Grenoble. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Student Clubs & Organizations
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
January 14
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Lyon Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing. |
|
January 15 - 17
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA CAPA Orientation will be held. |
|
January 17
|
Academic Orientation
Mandatory Academic Orientation will be held on this day. |
|
January 20
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at CUEF on this day. |
|
March 03 - 08
|
School Break
CUEF is closed for Spring Break. No classes will be held. |
|
April 21
|
Holiday
Easter . No classes will be held. |
|
April 28 - May 03
|
School Break
CUEF is closed for Spring Break. No classes will be held. |
|
May 01
|
Holiday
Labor Day. No classes will be held. |
|
May 05 - 14
|
Final Exams
Final exams will be held at CUEF. |
|
May 08
|
Holiday
Victory in Europe Day. No classes will be held. |
|
May 14
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at CUEF. |
|
May 15
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.