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

What Students are Saying about France

Adjusted to New Cultural Norms while Studying Abroad in France
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Adjusted to New Cultural Norms while Studying Abroad in France

CEA CAPA alum Payton Arbuthnot explains how she adjusted to new cultural norms while studying abroad in Grenoble, France. Read more.

Studying Abroad in Aix-en-Provence & Experiencing the Culture
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Studying Abroad in Aix-en-Provence & Experiencing the Culture

CEA CAPA alum Siah Potts writes about experiencing the beautiful weather and local culture while studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France.

How Interning in Paris Secured My Path to Law School
Read More

How Interning in Paris Secured My Path to Law School

CEA CAPA alum Layne Diffley writes about her experience completing an internship in the legal sector in Paris, France. Learn more.

View more blog posts

Where You'll Study

Our Partner Institutions

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

*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.

Alumni Ambassadors

Elana Galambus

Elana Galambus

Samford University
Chance Wesner

Chance Wesner

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Valeria Arango

Valeria Arango

Boston University
Stephanie Rosenberg

Stephanie Rosenberg

Boston University
Anthony Kurtzer (He/Him)

Anthony Kurtzer (He/Him)

Boston University
Mia Farris

Mia Farris

Samford University
Michael Sama

Michael Sama

Boston University

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $500 when you apply with code* by January 1, 2025

Frequently Asked 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.
CEA offers many housing options while you're studying abroad in Grenoble. Standard CEA housing is included in your program price. In some study locations you may also have the option of arranging your own independent housing. For more information on housing, connect with your site specialist.

The CEA Grenoble study abroad program offers several housing options for students depending on their preferences. Most of CEA Grenoble's housing options span neighborhoods generally located in the town center with typical commute times to classes ranging from 5-25 minutes by bus, tramway, or walking, depending on which institution you study at.

Grenoble housing options include:
  • Apartments
  • Studio Residence
  • Homestay
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.