Quick Facts

• To receive priority consideration for this program, spring applications should be completed by August 1st. If space permits, applications will continue to be accepted through the posted application deadline.
• Created in 1338, the Universités Grenoble Alps (UGA) is one of Europe's oldest and most reputable academic institutions.
• Students are offered a wide range of research and study options in the following fields: life sciences, physical sciences and medicine; languages, literature and communication; engineering; computer science; business administration; economics; law; philosophy; history; geography; mathematics.
• There are 58,400 students, of which 7,200 are international
• Effective January 2016, the name of this university changed from Universités de Grenoble to Universités Grenoble Alps.

Location Details

Nestled in the Alps, surrounded by fantastic Alpine peaks, Grenoble is in the heart of the Isère region and is the capital of the French Alps. Grenoble has left its mark on French history since 43 BC, when one of Caesar's lieutenants built a bridge across the river Isère. Four centuries later, the town that sprang up there became known as Grationopolis. The French Revolution germinated in Grenoble and this is also where Napoléon was welcomed in triumph upon his return from exile on the island of Elba. The three-rose emblem of the city symbolizes industry, tourism and the university. With dynamic high-tech companies, Grenoble has become a leader in the global electronics industry. Grenoble's exceptional geographic location has led to its popularity as a tourist destination and recreational center.

Guided tours of the city, hiking, swimming, aerobics, canoeing, tennis, French films, international evening soirées, wine tasting and cuisine classes are available. Day excursions through the Rhône-Alpes region and weekend excursions to Nice, Monaco, and Monte Carlo are offered for a supplemental fee. Skiing is nearby and very affordable.

Photo courtesy of Universités Grenoble Alps

Visa Information

U.S. citizens will require a visa* in order to participate in this program. Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or your host institution, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas. If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

Students are offered a wide range of research and study options in the following fields: political and social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences and medicine; languages, literature and communication; engineering; computer science; business administration; economics; law; philosophy; history; geography; mathematics.

You have the option of participating in a semester or academic year exchange. The academic year at Grenoble begins with a mandatory pre-semester four-week intensive French language program in September, which carries its own fee and is not paid by your tuition.

ASU exchange students enroll in courses at any one of the following five institutions that are part of the Universités Grenoble Alps:

Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble 1: Science, Technology and Medicine; Grenoble I http://www.ujf-grenoble.fr/

Université Pierre Mendes France - Grenoble 2: Social Sciences; Grenoble 2 www.upmf-grenoble.fr

L'Institut d'Études Politiques Grenoble (IEPG): One of nine such institutes in France - often referred to as the "Sciences PO" network - the IEPG designs its curriculum under the supervision of the National Foundation of Political Sciences and the French Ministry of Education. The IEPG is administratively affiliated with the Université de Grenoble II - Pierre Mendès-France (UPMF). IEPG offers a unique program to students who do not meet the French proficiency level requirements necessary to take classes with native French speakers. Students who wish to participate in this program should have from 3 to 5 semesters of college-level French. Students who participate in this program have the opportunity to take political science courses taught in English (6 hours), as well as 6 hours of French language courses to improve their French reading, writing, and speaking skills. http://www-sciences-po.upmf-grenoble.fr/

Université Stendhal - Grenoble 3: Languages and Literatures; Grenoble 3 www.u-grenoble3.fr

Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (INPG) Grenoble 4: Applied Sciences and Engineering www.inpg.fr

Universités Grenoble Alps equally offers the Guest program a specialized program of study for incoming foreign exchange students planning to participate in an Academic Year program. The first semester is designed to facilitate integration into the French university system, and Grenoble and its surroundings. The sessions enable students to improve their French language skills, give them an understanding of French society, its language, culture, economy, and technology, introduce the European institutions and illustrate how Europe was founded and has grown. After this initial training, the students will devote the second semester to courses in subjects of their own choosing amongst all available disciplines, and/or apply for a research internship in one of the Grenoble laboratories.

Credit & Grade Conversion Scale

Program Housing

Students have the choice of living in apartments or in university residences with kitchen facilities and also have access to university cafeterias. The university residences are the most economical form of accommodation, but the limited number of places available means that not everyone can be housed this way. Priority is given to students enrolled for a Master's degree. There is considerable provision of private sector rental accommodation in Grenoble, with the following housing options: private-sector student residences (most expensive), a furnished room in a private home with shared bathroom and kitchen, apartments, or sharing a rental (colocation) with other persons (colocataires). In most cases, energy charges (water, gas and electricity) are not included in the rental price.

Read more about finding accommodation here.

Photo courtesty of Universités Grenoble Alps

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. For example, in France, while there are a variety of accessible forms of transportation, Paris Metro stations remain largely inaccessible to people with mobility disabilities. Students may find that sidewalks are narrow and uneven, and cobblestone streets make access difficult in some areas.

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact the Disability Resource Center and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. 

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. 

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services. For example, in France, racism and discrimination do occur, but seem to be directed more towards immigrants from Africa and the Middle East. 

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

Exchange program participants will pay ASU tuition and fees for the term of the Exchange program, according to the individual student's classification and degree level. In addition to ASU tuition and fees, participants are also responsible for paying the following fees:

• $50 Application Fee (non-refundable)
• $400 Administrative Fee (non-refundable)
• Carbon Offset Fee*
• International Travel Service Fee (Including Insurance)*

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

*The actual amount of the International Travel Service Fee charged to each student depends on the program duration and the Carbon Offset Fee will increase annually (in July) by approximately $2.
 

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet or the Academic Year Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Photos

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• STA Travel Airfare Deposit Program*
• Welcome to Grenoble*
• Campus France Student Visa Guide*
• University Guide and Info Sheet*

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.