About the City

Home to the winter Olympics, cutting-edge nuclear physics research, and 60,000+ students from France and around the world, Grenoble in the French Alps offers a picturesque setting in which to immerse into local culture. Miles of Alpine trails, mountain lakes, and more than a dozen ski resorts within an hour’s drive make this culturally diverse college town a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Studying abroad in the French Alps puts a wonderland of natural beauty within reach; explore the hiking trails and Olympic ski slopes that surround Grenoble, or try your hand at indoor climbing, kayaking, or paragliding in the area's national parks. But the city is also a center in the fields of physics, computer science, and nanotechnology, as well as a hub for business studies and language learning. Take French classes at Université Grenoble - Alpes, study business at Grenoble Ecole de Management (ranked amongst the world's top 50 business schools), and gain hands-on experience through volunteering and career workshops. Wherever your academic, career, and personal interests lie, you'll find the right study abroad program in the French Alps.

Student Testimonials

"Studying abroad with CEA CAPA changed my life forever. They made this experience super easy and I lived my dream of studying in the beautiful city of Grenoble. I'll never forget the amazing memories I made on my trip abroad. From the planning process..."

Chance Wesner

GoAbroad

Spring 2023, France

"Studying abroad in Grenoble was one of the most impactful college experiences I had. I truly enjoyed exploring a new culture and learning about a city I had no knowledge of before studying abroad. I think Grenoble is a great study abroad location wit..."

Stephanie Rosenberg

Boston University

GoAbroad

Spring 2023, France

"Grenoble is a huge university city with 1/4 students being international or on exchange, so the opportunity to meet new people and try new things is huge. Grenoble is especially known for being a sporty city, so if you are into any outdoor activities..."

Valeria Arango

Boston University

GoOverseas

Fall 2023, France

"Being a STEM major, I wasn't sure if studying abroad was an idea to entertain. However, through opportunities from CEA CAPA, my home university, and Universite Grenoble Alpes, I not only studied abroad in Grenoble but had some of the best four months..."

Madeline Harris

Boston University

GoOverseas

Fall 2023, France

"While studying abroad in Grenoble, I was blessed with three younger siblings for the first time. My host parents were beyond wonderful, cooking classic dishes from the French Alps and making me genuinely feel at home while I was farther from home tha..."

Michael Black

University of Virginia

GoOverseas

Fall 2022, France

Programs in Grenoble (7)

Show All Grenoble Programs

Where You'll Study

CEA CAPA Grenoble Center - Extension

The CEA CAPA Grenoble Center – Extension was established to make internships more accessible to North American students. CEA CAPA Grenoble Center – Extension courses are designed to increase your understanding of the workplace culture in Grenoble and prepare you to leverage your international internship experience in the global workforce. CEA CAPA Study Center – Extension destinations also offer the opportunity for niche academic programming and a small faculty-to-student ratio. After the successful completion of a session at the CEA CAPA Grenoble Center – Extension, students will receive a transcript from the University of New Haven (UNH). Please note Academic Performance Reviews and staffing models for CEA CAPA Center – Extensions are modified to align with the scope of their programming.

Center Academics

Multi-Media
Multi-Media
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
CEA CAPA Grenoble Center - Extension
CEA CAPA Grenoble Center - Extension
CEA CAPA Grenoble Center - Extension
CEA CAPA Grenoble Center - Extension
CEA CAPA Grenoble Center - Extension
Multi-Media
Multi-Media
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Our Partner Institutions

What Students are Saying about France

Learning Through Presence and Community in Grenoble, France
Read More

Learning Through Presence and Community in Grenoble, France

A glimpse into the diverse communities that enrich Grenoble.

Studying Abroad on a Budget in Aix-en-Provence
Read More

Studying Abroad on a Budget in Aix-en-Provence

Tips for budgeting while studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France.

My Study Abroad Home Away From Home: What I Love About the CEA CAPA Paris Study Center
Read More

My Study Abroad Home Away From Home: What I Love About the CEA CAPA Paris Study Center

CEA CAPA Content Creator Deanna Minotakis takes us inside the CEA CAPA Paris Study Center to show what students love about it. Learn more.

View more blog posts

Excursions

Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.

Where You'll Stay

We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.

Global Housing Standards Icon
Global Housing Standards
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.

Alumni Ambassadors

Elana Galambus

Elana Galambus

Samford University
Kayla Johnson

Kayla Johnson

Chatham University
Mia Farris

Mia Farris

Samford University
Aia Goldman (They/She)

Aia Goldman (They/She)

Western Washington University

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $1,250 when you apply with code* by June 30, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Studying abroad or interning abroad in Grenoble is a life changing event for many students. Grenoble is great for students who are more into mountains and nature than big city vibes you’d find in Paris. When you study abroad in France, you experience learning outside the traditional classroom setting, gain global insight, and expand your sense of cultural awareness. You will connect with a new culture, try food, and meet people from all over the world.
Grenoble is one of the most affordable cities in France. This university town has a vibrant and active student population of over 60,000 students.
You’ll find Grenoble in southeastern France, at the foothills of the French Alps and between the Drac and Isère Rivers. Olympic ski slopes, miles of Alpine trails, and snow-capped peaks surround this city often called the “Capital of the Alps.” It’s a French commune located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, close to Italy and the French Riviera.
Grenoble is best known for its cutting-edge nuclear physics research and renowned universities. The city is an epicenter for fields of study like physics, computer science, nanotechnology, business, and language learning. Studying abroad in the French Alps puts a winter wonderland of natural beauty within reach for outdoor enthusiasts with winter sports, ski resorts, hiking trails, mountains, and museums nearby.

Academic Life & Courses

CEA CAPA offers courses in French language and culture, business, social science, and international relations. Classes are held at the Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Ecole de Management, or Sciences Po Grenoble. 
Yes. Many courses are offered in English, especially in business and social sciences. French language courses are also available for all levels, at a higher level you may take electives in French.
Yes. Credit transfer depends on each student’s home university and its academic policies. Students are responsible for confirming credit approval with their home institution before studying abroad, as transferability is determined by the home university, not by CEA CAPA. 

Housing & Daily Life

Students can choose to live in shared apartments, studios, or homestays. Housing is located within a short commute to the universities and study center by foot, tram, or bus.
Yes. All CEA CAPA Grenoble housing options include WiFi and access to a washing machine. Dryers are not common abroad, so students should plan to hang dry their clothes, which is the standard practice in Europe.
Grenoble has a reliable public transportation network, including trams and buses. Many students also walk or bike throughout the city.

Language & Culture

No. While many locals speak some English and most courses are in English, learning French is highly encouraged and helps with daily life.
Grenoble is a university town surrounded by the Alps, known for its outdoor lifestyle, sustainability focus, and student-friendly atmosphere.
Yes. CEA CAPA organizes cultural events and excursions, and the universities have a large population of local and international students.

Travel & Exploration

Students often explore Lyon, Geneva, Annecy, or nearby Alpine towns. The location is perfect for skiing, hiking, and traveling through France, Switzerland, and northern Italy. It's common for students to travel to other popular cities in Europe during weekends. 
CEA CAPA excursions may include visits to regional towns, Italy, and Switzerland. CEA CAPA also offers activities within Grenoble including visits to museums, hiking trails, and cultural sites.
Grenoble has cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Spring and fall are mild and great for outdoor activities.

Budget & Affordability

Yes. Grenoble is more affordable than Paris and offers student discounts on transportation, museums, and meals.
Yes. Apartments and studios include kitchens. Homestays provide meals, but students can also explore local bakeries and markets.
No. U.S. students generally cannot work abroad due to visa restrictions. CEA CAPA offers internships for academic credit instead.

Health, Safety & Support

Yes. Grenoble is considered a safe, student-focused city. CEA CAPA offers safety briefings, orientation, and 24/7 emergency support.
CEA CAPA provides onsite staff, academic support, wellness resources, and cultural transition assistance.
CEA CAPA assists students in accessing English-speaking doctors while abroad. International insurance, included in the program, covers most routine and urgent medical care.

Application, Visas & Logistics

Students in CEA CAPA programs in France lasting longer than 90 days may require a visa. CEA CAPA provides guidance, required documentation, and support throughout the French visa application process.
Students are encouraged to apply 6–9 months in advance to secure placement and allow sufficient time for housing arrangements and visa processing if applicable.
Students must provide a valid passport, program acceptance letter, visa paperwork, proof of insurance, and housing confirmation when applying for a study abroad visa. CEA CAPA offers a step-by-step checklist and guidance throughout the application process.

Grenoble Onsite Staff

Brie Anne Dombrowski

Brie Anne Dombrowski

Coordinator, Program and Student Services