Intensive French Language
Spring 2025 Semester French Alps: Grenoble

About the Program

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.

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.

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.

Geneva

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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

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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

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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

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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.