Best Year of My Life in Grenoble, France Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Grenoble Ecole de Management is a top business school that teaches real world skills from experienced and knowledgeable professors. You're placed amongst bright students from across the globe and learn how to work in diverse teams. It's an ideal setting for learning business across different cultures and contexts and you'll be exposed to current news, dilemmas, and other relevant topics. Additionally, the school provides countless resources for learning French and its alumni network is excellent. You have the chance to earn another degree on top of your home university if you study abroad for a year.

On-site administration of your program

Patrick is the on-site program director for CEA and he's very knowledgeable on all things French, responsible, and caring toward his students. The group meets once a week for FACE (Food, Art, Culture, and Expression) which is informative and fun. Additionally, CEA provides multiple exciting excursions around France to places like Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles, and Arles. I learned so much about French culture through this program, made new friends, and gained many unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All the housing arrangements through CEA are great (apartment, residence hall, homestay). I chose homestay for my first semester and loved my experience. I was paired with a nice older couple who treated me like family, helped me learn the language, and gave me my personal space. My second semester I lived in the international residence hall which was also a positive living situation. I shared a room with a friend, had access to a large communcal kitchen, and met many international students. It's located conveniently in the center of town and I always felt safe.

The food in France is delicious, wholesome, and refined. Breakfast is simple and light consisting of croissants, fruit, yogurt, and juice. Lunches are typically long, big, and spread out filling you for the rest of the day. Regional specialities include a creamy potatoe dish and raclette or fondue consisting of cheese, meats, and fresh bread. Cuisine is an art in France and you will not be disappointed with the quality and rich flavors you'll experience.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At Grenoble Ecole de Management I met many French students who gave me a first hand look at French life. I intergrated with the local culture by going to weekend farmers markets, attending church, and shopping at local groceries and clothing boutiques.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to deal with an health issues but I have no doubt CEA would have been extremely helpful and supportive during the process.

Grenoble is a very safe town and I NEVER felt unsafe there even walking home alone at night on occasion.

CEA made it SO easy to study abroad I was never stressed or worried. They take care of everything and all the little things in between by providing housing arrangements, admission into the school, cultural integration, health care, the tram card for getting around, other resources, and an easy integration into a new city. We were guided through purchasing phone plans, accessing Wifi in our homes, the best restaurants, things to watch out for, and much more. I could not have done it without CEA and I have heard how hard some of these things are to do in France on your own from other students who didn't have a program like CEA.

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

Grenoble is fair to the student budget since it's a smaller city. Buying groceries daily did not add up that much and there's lot's of activities to do for free. Riding the tram is through the program.

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

We weren't really encouraged to use French when our group met up since it was a time to speak English and catch up with other Americans.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The excursions around France
• The program director
• The opportunities

• N/A

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer