Grenoble: There and Back Again Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It's always a little nerve-wracking when you're waiting for your grades to transfer from the French system to your American transcript, but I've done it twice now and can confidently advise students not to worry too much about it. Both French Alps program (the language and the business schools) are very good about this. Regarding the specific programs offered in CEA's French Alps program, I can speak to both the Intensive language summer course and the Grenoble business school (École de Management) semester program. I enrolled in the intensive language program at Stendhal III (CUEF) in 2007 with very little French speaking experience. I had only had 3 or so intro courses in the states. By the end of my two months there, I had drastically improved my French, jumping from a 100 level course to 300 and 400 level courses when I returned to my American university. The CUEF summer program is a fantastic way to improve your French. I also hear that the semester programs are good. The business program, which was conducted in English and included one French course, was also top-notch. GEM is, I think, a triply-accredited business school. My only criticism of GEM (hence the 4, not 5, stars) was that they were a bit disorganized in getting class schedules together. Everything was a little confusing at the beginning of the semester, but it got worked out eventually. Like any business curriculum there were some classes that were somewhat lackluster; however, I can recommend a few professors and classes you should try to take at all costs, and whose courses WERE revolutionary and exciting: Phil Eyre (International Business Environment) Patrick O'Sullivan (International Business Environment) Rahim Bah (International Finance) Jean-Pierre Bollen (Operations Management) Carole Gally (Advanced French)

On-site administration of your program

This was my second time enrolling in the CEA French Alps program. The first time was for an intensive language study. Grenoble is a beautiful and exciting town. Both programs were excellent experiences. It is a very safe city and perfect not only for students who are only novices in the French language and culture, but also for those who are already experienced. The program size - small enough for students to easily organize weekend trips together - was perfect for me and most of the other students. I made lifelong friends and even met my wife there, even though she was in another program! One of the other big reasons I chose to return to Grenoble, as opposed to another city, was Patrick Foley, the CEA director. Patrick is a kind and multi-talented guy who really cares about the students attending the Grenoble program. He is a wealth of information about local history, art, wine, and French and international cuisine. I and many of the students in my program did not know how to cook at all when we arrived, but thanks to Patrick, we had several strong recipes under our belts and could shop easily at French marchés by the end of the semester.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in an apartment with both American and Mexican students. While this was not as directly helpful to my improvement in speaking French, it did bestow the benefit of independence. Home stays are, of course, an excellent way to really do intense language practice; however, staying in an apartment meant that I had to do my OWN grocery shopping and that I had to make my OWN French friends. I do not feel that choosing an apartment with American and international students over a home stay in any way detracted from my immersion experience. I even knew some students who did choose home stays but, because they were shy, missed out on the opportunity to really connect with their host family. The apartment vs. home stay decision is really dependent upon your personality. The apartment I stayed in was amazing: all of the amenities were provided and it was located close to all of the necessities (food, bars, school, etc).

As mentioned earlier, I learned to cook in Grenoble and I learned to drink wine there - Côtes du Rhone, arguably some of the best in the world. There are lots of fresh markets and local Grenoblois delicacies. Make sure to ask Patrick about these - he's an expert. Be sure to check out the marchés at both Place aux Herbes and Halle Ste. Claire. Also, some of my favorite restaurants in the city include (but are not limited to): Bar 1900 (Place Notre Dame) - amazing gratin dauphinois Kebab Le Fondue (centre ville) l'Auguste (centre ville) Casanova (on pizza row)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As I mentioned earlier, I made very good friends (American, French, and international) both at school and in town, who I have kept in touch with. Patrick is very good at organizing excursions. Some of my favorites: Vienne, Avignon, and Dijon (we learned how to make mustard!) Of course, don't miss out on the telepherique, a Grenoble town icon, and be sure to take advantage of all of the hiking trails nearby. I did an overnight trip in the Vercors, and I'll never forget it.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any safety issues, nor did any of my friends. As long as you don't do anything stupid, you won't have any problems. I did, however, get sick a couple of times (eye infection and bronchitis), but this was quickly taken care of by the campus doctor and was able to get medicine at the pharmacy right away. The visit + the medicine cost me a total of 10 euros. All the bad things that they say about French healthcare are not true in my personal experience (by and large).

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

The GGSB/GEM international business school has two programs running simultaneously, one in English and another in French. Many of the students spoke English, and the language of instruction in my program was English (with the exception of a French class). However, the structure of the school allowed English-speaking students to mingle easily with French students since we took the same classes. Outside of school and apart from these relationships, it was also, of course, absolutely necessary to use my French on a daily basis for common things like engaging with a grocery store clerk or my French neighbors.

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• Apartment

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• International Students
• Americans

• The city of Grenoble (landscape, cuisine, culture, wine, etc)
• Program director

• The École de Management is a fantastic school, but they are characteristically disorganized in planning class schedules. It's not a major problem, but I can't overlook it either.
• The USD/EUR exchange rate is quite expensive, but that's nobody's fault.