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Hone your French in an intensive program designed for students at all language levels. Attend class alongside other international students from around the world as you improve your written and oral French language skills and immerse into local culture in Grenoble. The program is broken into 4-week blocks; at the end of each block, you'll take a language test and may be moved into a higher level. Not only do you have the potential to earn credits at multiple language levels, you'll also master a variety of French language concepts in a short period of time. Courses focus on oral and written expression, vocabulary development, and listening comprehension.
Founded in 1339, the Université Grenoble Alpes' Centre Universitaire d'Etudes Françaises is known as a top French language school, hosting 3,000+ students from more than 100 countries.
When you study abroad in the French Alps: Grenoble, you can choose CEA housing or arrange your own independent housing. CEA housing assignments are based on availability and confirmation date; we make every effort to match your housing requests, but we can’t guarantee housing preferences.
Program Structure
Choose between a quarter or semester option. Each 4-week course typically meets for 80 contact hours/5 credits. You may earn a total of 15 credits (up to 240 contact hours) in the quarter option. The semester-long option adds another 4-week session to your program, for a total of 20 credits (up to 320 contact hours) over the semester.
Classes meet for 4 hours per day, Monday-Friday; you'll spend 3 hours in the classroom and 1 hour in the language lab. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
You’ll take a language placement test after you arrive in Grenoble. Registration will then be finalized on-site, based on the results of your language placement test. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for France. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings may not be finalized until the start of the term; we’ll post an updated list when the host institution finalizes its offerings.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
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.
Geneva
This excursion takes you across the border to the heart of European diplomacy, beginning with a guided tour of the United Nations. Shop for Swiss chocolates and tour a local flea market before visiting the world-famous Jet d’Eau, or water jet, on Lac Leman. Traversing the lake by water taxi, you’ll have the opportunity to experience this well-known landmark up close. End the excursion with a visit to Geneva’s old town and the Art and History Museum, specializing in Swiss and international art and history exhibitions.
See Details
Geneva
This excursion takes you across the border to the heart of European diplomacy, beginning with a guided tour of the United Nations. Shop for Swiss chocolates and tour a local flea market before visiting the world-famous Jet d’Eau, or water jet, on Lac Leman. Traversing the lake by water taxi, you’ll have the opportunity to experience this well-known landmark up close. End the excursion with a visit to Geneva’s old town and the Art and History Museum, specializing in Swiss and international art and history exhibitions.
Exploring Provence
The ancient city of Arles— the current capital of photography in France—is known for its Romanesque architecture and resident Vincent Van Gogh. Visit the local market, tour Arles with a guide, and spend the night in a 16th century hotel facing the Roman amphitheater and arena. A morning trip to the Mediterranean coast takes you to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, where the annual Pelerinage d'Octobre or October pilgrimage celebrates the arrival of the town’s patron saints. The colorful procession dates back to the 12th century, where locals dressed in period costume re-enact the arrival of Les Saintes Maries. Observe this tradition while following the procession to the sea. You’ll have time to explore the village before testing your horseback riding skills along the marshy, windswept coastline.
See Details
Exploring Provence
The ancient city of Arles— the current capital of photography in France—is known for its Romanesque architecture and resident Vincent Van Gogh. Visit the local market, tour Arles with a guide, and spend the night in a 16th century hotel facing the Roman amphitheater and arena. A morning trip to the Mediterranean coast takes you to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, where the annual Pelerinage d'Octobre or October pilgrimage celebrates the arrival of the town’s patron saints. The colorful procession dates back to the 12th century, where locals dressed in period costume re-enact the arrival of Les Saintes Maries. Observe this tradition while following the procession to the sea. You’ll have time to explore the village before testing your horseback riding skills along the marshy, windswept coastline.
Aix-en-Provence
Begin your exploration of Aix-en-Provence with a stroll along the famous Cours Mirabeau before wandering through Aix’s bustling Provençal market area. A guided visit of Paul Cézanne’s studio brings you into the workplace of this great painter and renowned Aix citizen. The next day, you’ll visit the Maison Saint Victoire to view an exhibition depicting Aix’s long history, from prehistoric times to the present. Then we’ll head over to Mont Saint Victoire for a leisurely hike and relaxed picnic in the beautiful mountains so often portrayed in Cézanne’s paintings.
See Details
Aix-en-Provence
Begin your exploration of Aix-en-Provence with a stroll along the famous Cours Mirabeau before wandering through Aix’s bustling Provençal market area. A guided visit of Paul Cézanne’s studio brings you into the workplace of this great painter and renowned Aix citizen. The next day, you’ll visit the Maison Saint Victoire to view an exhibition depicting Aix’s long history, from prehistoric times to the present. Then we’ll head over to Mont Saint Victoire for a leisurely hike and relaxed picnic in the beautiful mountains so often portrayed in Cézanne’s paintings.
Annecy
Get the chance to walk around the beautiful lake of Annecy, the purest lake of Europe and maybe take a swim! This small, picturesque town is worth the journey! You’ll be able to discover the old town and its boutiques, cafés, local restaurants and markets. Take beautiful photos on the Pont des Amours and from the castle of Annecy tower. At the end of the day, enjoy a hot chocolate while admiring the sunset on the lake.
See Details
Annecy
Get the chance to walk around the beautiful lake of Annecy, the purest lake of Europe and maybe take a swim! This small, picturesque town is worth the journey! You’ll be able to discover the old town and its boutiques, cafés, local restaurants and markets. Take beautiful photos on the Pont des Amours and from the castle of Annecy tower. At the end of the day, enjoy a hot chocolate while admiring the sunset on the lake.
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we’ve included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover “reasonable” costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.
Program Fee Tuition and fees, registration, orientation, airport pickup, welcome and farewell receptions, housing, official transcript, cultural excursions/activities, student support services, CEA On-site Staff and administrative costs.
$13,695
$13,695
CEA Secure CEASecure™ is an optional refund plan that allows students to withdraw for any covered reason up to one week before the program’s start date
$0
$475
International Airfare & Transfers Cost varies depending on time of purchase, point of origin and time of travel.
$900
$1,600
Immigration Requirements Includes passport and additional requirements such as visa, entry and exit fees, French Carte de Séjour, French University Administrative Fee (if applicable), or Italian Permesso di Soggiorno.
$395
$395
Books, Materials and Supplies Includes books, school supplies, art supplies, and course fees. Does not include fees or supplies for optional courses. This cost varies depending on the course choices of the student.
$35
$154
Meals
Includes the average expected cost for food in addition to your meal plan, such as eating out at restaurants.
$1,960
$3,668
Personal Expenses Includes telephone, laundry, local transportation, personal necessities and upfront payments for potential doctor visits. Please note, certain locations may require deposits to secure spots in CEA organized activities and excursions (deposits are returned at the end of the program if student attends activities/excursions or cancels participation before set deadlines). Some of these costs vary according to the spending habits of the student.
$840
$2,520
Travel Expenses Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$280
$1,680
TOTAL EXPENSES
$18,105
$24,187
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Lyon Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing.
January 27 - 28
Orientation
Mandatory CEA Orientation will be held.
January 31
Academic Orientation
Mandatory Academic Orientation will be held at the CUEF on this day. This is also the first day of class.
February 05
Excursion
CEA Excursion. Date may vary. Destination to be announced.
March 11 - 13
Excursion
CEA Excursion (overnight) Dates may vary. Destination to be announced.
April 16
Excursion
CEA Excursion. Destination to be announced. Dates may vary
April 23 - May 01
School Break
The CUEF is closed for Spring Break. No classes will be held.
May 25
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at the CUEF.
May 26
Holiday
Public holidays . No classes will be held.
May 27
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day.
Get a Flight Credit worth up to $1,000
when you apply with code* by January 1, 2024
