Grenoble is Great August 02, 2024
By Makenna M (Spanish Teacher Licensure, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 06/01/2024 to 07/26/2024 with
API (Academic Programs International): Grenoble - Université des Alpes
I gained a multicultural view of humanity and it was a growing experience maturity-wise. I was able to make lots of lifelong friends and my language skills developed immensely. I highly recommend studying abroad!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics were not very challenging. The program offered many resources and I felt well cared for. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Best Program Director and Assistant Director, Anne Mauve and Lell Zalabih are extremely helpful and welcoming! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
No air conditioning, but clean and safe student residence. |
| * Food: |
Grenoble, France has the best desserts ever, but the (affordable) food options are a little bland. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was very comfortable engaging with the locals and helping tourists, but 2 months was not long enough to be fully integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt fairly safe during the day, but not safe at night. There is a large homeless population. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved API and the Program Director(s), they were amazing and truly care about you! |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | One should budget weekly: ~$100 for groceries/laundry ~$60/70 for eating out ~$60 for clothing/souvenirs |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Classes were full immersion, taught by native speakers. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A2 End |
| 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? | Talk to store workers, locals, teachers! |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | You will connect with the other participants in your program! |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
