Description

The program lets students live and study in a university town in a spectacular alpine setting. The program has two levelsLevel 1: Intensive French Language, for students at the intermediate level; and Level 2: Advanced University Studies, for students already proficient in French. In addition to courses, the program offers field trips to acquaint students with other significant and historic French cities.

Level I: Intensive French Language

Level I offers an intensive French language curriculum at the universitys Centre Universitaire dÉtudes Françaises (CUEF), which is among the best French language instruction centers in France. Students are placed in a sequence of three language courses based on previous coursework and a placement exam. The language courses use audiovisual instruction and intensive drilling to improve speaking, writing, and reading skills, and allow students to complete three semesters of French language courses in three months. Students also take a course in the development of French civilization and culture taught by the resident director, for which they conduct ethnographic research projects.

Level II: Advanced University Studies

Level II offers advanced students the opportunity to enroll directly in the Université de Grenoble. Eligibility for coursework at the university is determined by a placement exam administered in Grenoble. Qualified students select four upper-level academic courses from offerings in the Faculté des Langues, Lettres et Communication (Université Stendhal), the Faculté des Sciences Sociales (Université Pierre Mendès), the CUEF, or a combination thereof. Students choose from a variety of subjects such as art history, French literature, cinema, economics, political science, international relations, psychology, and more. In addition, all Level II students take a semester-long, advanced four-credit course, Travaux Pratiques, in written and oral French through the CUEF, and complete an ethnographic research project.