Social Sciences & International Politics
Spring 2025 Semester French Alps: Grenoble

About the Program

Spend a semester abroad in the heart of French Alps, at one of France’s prestigious “Grande Ecoles”. Instruction is available in both French and English, and coursework is organized in tracks based on your language level. Each track includes courses that ground you in foundations of social and political science as well as a variety of elective courses to round out your curriculum, and further enhance this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.

Program Structure

You’ll enroll in a track based on your language level:

• Track 1 - English Track: All courses in English (Beginner Level French)
• Track 2 - Mixed Track: Most courses in English, one or two courses in French (High Intermediate/Advanced Level  French)
• Track 3 - French Track: Most courses in French (High Advanced & Above Level French)

Each track has 3 mandatory courses and 3-4 elective courses as part of the curriculum. Mandatory courses include: a French language course, a French society course taught in English or French (FSIS/FEIS), and a seminar on international/comparative politics (CMINT/CM). In addition, you’ll choose 3-4 elective courses from a variety of subject areas taught in English or French. Elective courses may be taught in a lecture format (Cours specializes/CS) or as seminars (Conférences de méthode/CM), which emphasize discussion and student interactions in class.

Class meeting times and days per week vary by course. Contact hours vary by course and may be comprised of lectures, seminars and independent work. In general courses are granted 5 ECTS, which convert to 2.5 US credits per course. You enroll in 6-7 courses and may earn a total of 14 – 17.5 US credits per semester. 15 US credits are recommended.

You'll take a language placement exam online prior to departure and confirm your level after you arrive in Grenoble. If you are a complete beginner, you may opt out of taking the language placement exam by providing a sworn written statement explaining your complete beginner status. You’ll enroll in the appropriate program track based on the results of the language exam. You’ll complete a course registration after you arrive in Grenoble and choose elective courses within the selected track. 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.