American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)

Grenoble, France
The crystal-clear air, snow-capped mountains, green meadows and gentle streams of the French Alps provide the spectacular setting for your study in Grenoble. Although located in the heart of the French Alps, Grenoble is the flattest city in Europe. It is small enough to feel like a town but large enough to offer all the amenities of a busy city. Built on the banks of two alpine rivers, medieval buildings and cobbled streets give a romantic air to the older part of town, while museums, theaters, cultural festivals, cafés and bistros prove why Grenoble is the leading city in the region. From Grenoble, you have access to the miles of hiking trails, lakes and ski slopes that make the Alps famous. Four national parks, well-marked routes including the Grande Traversée des Alpes and sheltered huts for extended walks make this an ideal area for those who love the outdoors. In the winter you can cross country ski or race down Olympic slopes.      

University of Grenoble

Founded in 1339, the University of Grenoble is one of the leading universities in France with an international reputation and student body of 50,000, including 6,000 international students. One of four European university centers, Grenoble participates in student exchanges with leading universities throughout Europe. It is an ideal place to meet French, Europeans and other international students.

The University relocated in 1960 to modern facilities on an American-style campus at Saint-Martin-d’Hères. Most foreign students at the University are enrolled in the Centre Universitaire d’Etudes Françaises (CUEF) at the University of Grenoble School of Languages and Letters. AIFS students take language classes provided by the University which are specially designed to suit a variety of needs. The language labs, computer assisted learning labs and video library are permanently staffed by specialized professors to orient and guide students. The University also provides seminars in French (for all CUEF students) or English (exclusively for AIFS). You can watch films by Renoir, Goddard and Truffaut for a seminar on French cinema, study the United Nations in a seminar on international institutions or read Maupassant or Flaubert in a seminar on French Literature.

Included in AIFS program fee:

• Tuition, housing and meals
• Round trip flight from New York *
• Cultural activities
• 3-day London stopover before program
• 4-day visit to Paris, 2-day visit to Burgundy, day visit to Geneva and 3-day visit to Provence and the Camargue Services of a pre-departure Student Advisory Center and an on-site Resident Director
• University ski club membership (spring semester)
• Computer facilities with Internet access
• Phone card on arrival to call the U.S.

*Supplement applies from 26 U.S. cities

Academics

• Full academic year, fall or spring semester
• Open to college freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors
• One (recent) year of college French required
• Courses available in French and English. Those taking French seminars must place into intermediate French
• Transcripts issued the University Center for French Studies (CUEF) of the University of Grenoble III
• Student visa required. Must be obtained before departing the U.S.

Housing and meals

• Housing in a homestay
• Breakfast and dinner are included in the homestay. Monetary allowance for lunch at the University.

Cultural activities

• Walking tours, wine tastings, day trips and museum visits
• Optional 4-day visit to the Venice Carnival (spring semester)

www.aifsabroad.com

*Source:  American Institute for Foreign Study 2005-6 Academic Year/Semester catalog