Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Grenoble, The Capital Experience Past Review

By (International Business, Liberty University) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 05/22/2015 with

AIFS: Grenoble - University of Grenoble - French Language and Culture and Intensive French Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
More independence. A sense of the vastness of the world. Language. Peace.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was overly pleased with the educational experience in Grenoble at Stendhal University. I was challenged in every area of language and was able to grow more in France than I wouldve in the US. The classes were 100% French, apart from the English lectures that AIFS provided as an alternative.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Miranda, program director in Grenoble, was incredible. She was readily available and knowledgable in the entire city, language and process for American and French students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied. I chose to live with a family in the home stay option. It was the perfect fit and made me grow in my language even more.

* Food:

Lunch is not included in the fees, and most excursions included the meals. It is easy to find cheap food, however make sure you don't get too carried away with the french bread and pastries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I love Grenoble so much and cannot wait for the day that I get to go back. Grenoble is a "sporty" city, in the centre of the grand alps, close train ride to multiple major destinations. The people were very friendly and fascinated with Americans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick after a couple weeks, just respiratory. The director made an appointment immediately and accompanied me in order to translate and make sure I was cared for. There were no health emergencies.

* Safety:

Be smart. Don't publicly proclaim that you're American.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can so you don't have to be ultra tight.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 102 - 4 years
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Listen to anything with the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language
  • Culture
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • number of classes offered in english
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How rigorous the language is and how much I should prepare

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.