Grenoble: A Life-Changing Cultural Immersion Past Review
By Kaitlyn N (Psychology, International Studies, French, Stonehill College) for
API (Academic Programs International): Grenoble - Université des Alpes
Study abroad has already had an immense impact on my life. It's created an immense desire to travel the world and learn about other cultures. The experience has also helped me land two internships and has changed my career goals to do something more internationally based.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The experience of going to a French university was the complete opposite of the experience of attending my American college. The classes were entirely in French, were lecture based in a huge hall, and I had a commute. The grading system in France is different than the US, but the general motivation of doing well translates across continents. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site API staff was amazing. They had all sorts of advice for us, ranging from where to go grocery shopping for the best deals to living with a host family. They were always there to listen and truly wanted the best for us. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
API matched me up with a host family in the center of Grenoble. The location was phenomenal and I felt very safe in my neighborhood. Living with a host family was an interesting experience, but one I would highly recommend. |
| * Food: |
I was provided with breakfast at my host family's and my host mom made dinner every night (which was always delicious). I had to provide my own lunch and just ate on campus. The student specials were popular (formule etudiant). I was able to get a salad, yogurt, apple, and piece of bread for 3 EUR. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
API did a fantastic job with planning cultural activities and excursions. I was able to see cultural expositions, go to a French movie, and explore France all through my program. It was a great benefit. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We were told the areas to stay away from and the general safety advice. However, I always felt very safe in Grenoble and had no issues. In regards to health, I did get sick once and needed to see a doctor. My French university provided a free doctor and I was able to get a prescription and medicine from a pharmacy. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
All of my classes were in French so my entire school day was spent in the language. I also lived with a host family so I spoke the language there. I very rarely spoke English around the city as I wanted my interactions to only be in French. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would HIGHLY recommend this program for students interested in truly connecting with a foreign country and culture. Grenoble provides the perfect background to learn both the French language and culture. |
