API (Academic Programs International): Grenoble - University Stendhal, Grenoble III Photo

The south of France was better than expected

Program Information

Students in Grenoble study at the Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises (CUEF) at Université Stendhal – Grenoble III or the Grenoble École de Management. The Université Stendhal – Grenoble III was established in 1339 and is one of the oldest in Europe. The university is well known for its programs for forei... More

Provider: Academic Programs International (API)
Location(s): Grenoble, France
Year Founded: 1997
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Danita F. (Modern Languages (French), Longwood University) on January 16, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2010-08-31
* End Date: 2010-12-18
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was unexpectedly light and the teaching methods were slightly different, but I learned a lot because of how much studying I did. They do not give much homework or projects because they expect that you will study. That is how you get ahead.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The API program administrators in Grenoble really made my study abroad experience worthwhile. They cared about us on a professional and personal level. Sometimes they were alittle late on telling us some information, but other than that, they were perfect.

* Housing:

I was very happy about where I was living for the semester. I had plenty to do. Plus my host family was very nice and also very patient with me. I learned much about the French people from them and improved my French, as well.

* Food:

There were plenty of places to eat that were not so expensive and many other nicer restaurants, too.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went on many excursions around France with our program and I really enjoyed all of them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety and health was always very important to our program directors and our host families.

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Longwood University prepare and support you for your time abroad?

Finances

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

The only time I spoke English was with other American students. I used French in the classroom, at home, in the city, and in everyday interactions. That is what improved my French the most.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you really want to learn anything and improve your French you must speak often and study hard.
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? YES. The experience has changed my view on the French people and given me an insight as to who I am and what I can handle.