University of Grenoble
The University at Albany, SUNY continues to monitor and assess the COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus pandemic. All Winter 2020-21 and Spring 2021 education abroad programs worldwide are suspended. While there are no definite answers on when education abroad programming will resume, programs abroad are not expected to all re-open at the same time. Instead, when education abroad relaunches only a limited number of programs and destinations will be available, evaluated based on global travel conditions, health and safety guidelines, SUNY System Administration re-opening protocols, and UAlbany priorities. The process of review and approval to re-open programs and destinations will be ongoing. As you plan now for your global future, our dedicated Education Abroad team remains ready and available to assist and guide you!
With a river rushing through the center and the tall mountains always in the background, there is no doubt that Grenoble is a stunning city. Known for being in the alps, winter sports and opportunities to engage with nature are abundant. Inside the city, cafes and restaurants line the historic looking streets, next to dozens of museums and cathedrals.
The University of Grenoble prides itself on the green spaces, peaceful ambiance, and the engagement of their students both on campus and in their community. From sports and culture, to academics, there are student organizations available for all different interests, all of which provide opportunities to connect and engage in your on-campus community.
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Academic Program
If you are fluent in French, this is an ideal program for you! There are a wide variety of courses offered. There are also a small number of courses offered in English. There are more courses taught in English at the master’s level.
Course Descriptions and Syllabi
Programs in English are outlined online here and are available in this Presentation. Note that course offerings could change at any time.
Review University of Grenoble’s website for more information regarding course offerings.
General Education Information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. Three credits of foreign language study will satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn these general elective credits.
Major/Minor Information for UAlbany Students
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department.
Transcript
All courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
Your Instructors
Your courses are taught by local faculty.
Housing
Housing is guaranteed for exchange students. Learn more about the housing online. The Residence Halls are managed by CROUS. If you do not want to live in the university residence halls, you can choose to rent an apartment in Grenoble. Details about the CROUS can also be found online.
Meals
There are many places to eat on and near campus. No meal plan is included with this program. However, there are inexpensive and discounted meals available for students.
Estimate of Costs
France Grenoble EXCHANGE 2019-20
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
Academic Requirements
For direct enrollment, students should have an advanced level of French prior to the start of the program. At least 6 semesters at the college level or the equivalent are necessary.
For intensive French coursework designed for non-native speakers and for English majors, at least 1 year of college-level French or the equivalent is necessary.
Students who are at an advanced level of French are most suitable for admission to this exchange program. Students with beginner-intermediate French can choose from a very limited number of English-language courses.
Experiential Learning
There are many events and activities around Grenoble and at the UGA. Check out some of the culture and leisure opportunities online.
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are hundreds of student associations to get involved with on campus and beyond.
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
Check out this French Embassy Scholarship!
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
In Their Own Words
“My semester in Grenoble has been fantastic. I would recommend the program to anybody and feel incredibly grateful and lucky that I was able to have this opportunity. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve been over these past four months will be with me for the rest of my life and that’s all I could ever ask for.”
(Nicole Kurek, Major: Business Administration and Marketing, Minor: French and Chinese)
About the City
Combining the conveniences of a mid-sized city with an extraordinary mountain setting, Grenoble offers culture, nightlife, sports, and more. Grenoble is also a hub of innovation, employing thousands of people in research, technology, and international business.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. The UGA has resources for you online for the Visa and residence permit.More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring/Winter/Spring Break programs: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Academic Year 2018-2019
00/00/2018 to 00/00/2019
Most classes will start in September and end in June
Fall 2018
00/00/2018 to 00/00/2018
Most classes will start in September and end in January/February.
Spring 2019
0/00/2019 to 00/00/2019
Most classes will start in January and end in May/June
The calendar changes depending on what courses you select. After your admission, your host faculty (department) will inform you of the exact dates. Please contact us to discuss if Fall semester is possible for you – the final exam dates may conflict with your spring semester start date.
About the Program
Why choose the Université Grenoble Alpes? The university offers great resources for international students, faculty, and staff, while Grenoble offers an unparalleled quality of life.
The Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is one of France’s leaders in higher education and research. A comprehensive, global university, the UGA enrolls about 45,000 students each year in its high-quality academic programs, and maintains 80 research centers in all disciplines.
Check out the UGA website for international students online to learn more.
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted the Saturday before the end of Spring UAlbany classes and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at UGA, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary. UGA’s International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.