GRENOBLE FRANCE
2012 Handbook
Welcome
So you are planning on studying in Grenoble? I am very
pleased to hear it, and I would like to give you some
more information about what to expect. You will take
language courses at the Centre Universitaire d’Etudes
Françaises, which is part of the University of Grenoble
and is attended by students from all over the world.
Advanced students will take courses at the University of
Grenoble, which attracts students from all over Europe.
Our academic advisor, Patrice Terrone, is a popular
professor at the University. Together, we will help you
select your courses and encourage you to take
advantage of the many opportunities to get more
familiar with French culture.
We work very carefully to match you with the French
family whose everyday life you are going to share. You
will meet them shortly after your arrival. This part of
your experience probably makes you feel a little nervous
right now, but I can assure you it will almost certainly be
the most positive part of it.
Grenoble is a great place to spend a semester, year, or
summer. This medium-sized city will make you feel
comfortable right away. It is surrounded by beautiful
mountains. And outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and
bicycling are easily accessible and very reasonably
priced through the University's sports clubs. Culturally,
it is very dynamic and has one of the best fine arts
museums in France (outside of Paris). It is located in the
beautiful Rhône-Alpes region with spectacular scenery
and great ski resorts. Thanks to the TGV (high speed
train), Grenoble is less than three hours from Paris and
three to four hours from Provence, with its Roman
monuments, etc. You will be able to discover the many
different aspects of France and of its culture.
BU in Grenoble
1
Getting Ready to Go
Your Time in Grenoble
Language Preparation
A Sense of Purpose
Personal Growth and
Cultural Awareness
Helpful Websites
Recommendations
2
Cordially,
Marie-Eve Scheibling
Resident Director, BU Study Abroad Grenoble
7
Travel Arrangements
Orientation
9
Housing
French Households
Family Housing Regulations
Leaving a Host Family
Property Damage
11
Money Matters
Program Cost
National Health Insurance
Currency
Banking
Cash
Life in Grenoble
Food/Dining
Shopping
Museums
Entertainment
Cultural Reimbursements
Mail
Internet Access
Media
Transportation: Getting
Around Grenoble
Grenoble-Area Hotels and
Hostels
Outside of Grenoble
What to Bring
Handbooks
Passport and Student Visa
Student Identification
Power of Attorney
Calling Cards
Computers and E-mail
Textbooks
Clothing
Appliances
Prescription and Drug Store
Items
Miscellaneous Items
We are all looking forward to meeting you and helping
you make the best of your time in Grenoble!
Arrival
Academics
Spring and Fall Semester
Courses
Summer Term Courses
Libraries
Other Facilities
Academic Policies and
Procedures
4
8
14
Names and Numbers
Getting Ready to Go
YOUR TIME IN GRENOBLE
The Grenoble programs are designed to give you the
opportunity to develop your language skills and to gain a
unique cultural experience. Think of your semester in
Grenoble as one to which you have a lot to bring, and that
will yield skills and experiences that you can bring back to
your home campus. Once you arrive in Grenoble, try new
things; don’t be shy. You’ll see that new experiences can
change your whole outlook on life.
Remember that the French lifestyle differs from that to
which you are accustomed. Keep in mind that experiencing
and learning about these cultural differences is the reason
you are in Grenoble, and remember—it’s not wrong, it’s just
different. If you enter the experience with the attitude that
the components of French life are wrong or inferior, you will
have a difficult time. However, if you arrive in Grenoble
expecting that things will be different and therefore
interesting, you will profit greatly.
We suggest finding out as much as possible about Grenoble
and France before departing. Talk to friends who have been
to France, or past Grenoble study abroad participants. Learn
something about the history, political structure, family
organization, religion, and art of the region. Read up on
current events and issues in Grenoble and France. Find out
what the principal sites, monuments, and scenic areas are
that you absolutely should not miss.
LANGUAGE PREPARATION
Though you will enroll in intensive French language courses
in Grenoble, you should try to hone your language skills
before you leave the US so that everyday life is easier for
Self-Assessment
Think strategically about setting your goals for
your semester in Grenoble.
•
•
•
•
Why is this particular program of interest to you?
List and evaluate your personal and
academic interests and goals.
How does this program relate to your
course of study in college, career plans,
and other interests?
How and what can you contribute to
make your semester in Grenoble a
success?
“Mon grand-père possédait une vieille maison située
dans la plus belle position de la ville, sur la Place
Grenette au coin de la Grande rue, en plein midi et
ayant devant elle la plus belle place de la ville, les
deux cafés rivaux et le centre de la bonne
compagnie.... Nous faisions de longues promenades
ensemble, surtout vers la tour de Rabot et la Bastille.
La vue magnifique dont on jouit de là, surtout vers
Eybens derrière lequel s’élèvent les plus hautes
Alpes, élevait notre âme...“
—Stendhal writing about his birthplace, Grenoble.
you and so that your language studies will have a greater
impact. For those of you in the Grenoble Language and
Liberal Arts Program, in particular, you should begin
reviewing your French early. Listen to French conversation
CD’s and review the grammatical structures you have
studied in the textbooks you used in previous courses.
Converse with a language partner and begin to familiarize
yourself with idiomatic and colloquial French. If you would
like to brush up on your reading skills, pick up French
newspapers and magazines to read. You might even try
watching French movies and French news on television. You
can view films at the Geddes Language Center located on
the 5th floor, 685 Commonwealth Avenue. For more
information, call 617-353-4575.
A SENSE OF PURPOSE
There’s more to preparing for your semester in Grenoble
than deciding what to pack or brushing up on your French.
You’ll also need to identify your own goals and objectives:
• Establish some general priorities before you go—
academic, personal, and professional—and try to keep
them in mind throughout the semester.
• Think about what you hope to accomplish while you’re in
Grenoble.
• Think about how you might accomplish those goals.
• Remember to keep an open mind. Learn from all of your
experiences.
PERSONAL GROWTH AND CULTURAL
AWARENESS
During your time abroad, you can expect to experience
much change which will challenge your sense of order.
Consider the following list of factors in the physical and
cultural environment that vary from place to place: climate,
language, non-verbal communication, market life, religion,
www.bu.edu/abroad
1
“Living in a foreign culture is like playing a game
you’ve never played before and for which the rules
haven’t been explained very well. The challenge
is to enjoy the game without missing too many
plays, learning the rules and developing skills as
you go along.”
—Robert Kohls
family life, use of space, entertainment, recreation, food and
drink etiquette, expression of emotions.
Culture shapes and molds our thoughts and actions, telling
us what is important and what is right. You may find certain
aspects of a culture hard to adapt to. It is important to keep
in mind the distinction between adapting and adopting. You
do not have to change, but try to understand. The first
person you meet in a cross cultural interaction is yourself.
HELPFUL WEBSITES
• The French Library and Culture Center, Boston
www.frenchlib.org
• The French Embassy—Cultural Services
www.ambafrance-us.org
• The French Consulate—Boston
www.consulfrance-boston.org
• Le Monde—French Newspaper
www.lemonde.fr
• Grenoble—Isère (Alps - France)
www.grenoble-isere.com
• Lonely Planet—France
www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/eur/fra.htm
• EVE—Espace Vie Etudiante
www.eve-grenoble.org
• Integre—Student Organization for Foreign Students
www.integre-grenoble.org/website
• ERC Language Link
www.bu.edu/erc/services/languagelink.html
• Radio France
www.radiofrance.fr
• Les Clés de l’actualité
www.clesactualite.com
• CUEF
http://w3.u-grenoble3.fr/cuef/anim.html
• Grenoble News
www.grenews.com
• French YouTube
www.dailymotion.com/fr
2
Boston University Study Abroad Grenoble
RECOMMENDED READING
• Asselin, Gilles and Mastron, Ruth. Au Contraire:
Figuring out the French (International Press).
• Beaudry, Pascal, French and Americans: The Other Shore
(Les Frenchies, Inc.)
• Cornes, Alan. Culture from the Inside Out: Travel and Meet
Yourself. (Intercultural Press, 2004).
• Fenby, Jonathan. France on the Brink (Arcade Publishing)
• Hall, Edward T. and Mildred Reed Hall. Understanding
Cultural Differences: Germans, French, and Americans
(Intercultural Press, Inc.)
• Nadeau, Jean-Benoit, and Julie Baron, Sixty Million
Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong: Why we love France but not
the French (Sourcebooks Trade)
Academics
SPRING AND FALL SEMESTER COURSES
Grenoble Language and Liberal Arts Program
Level I: Intensive French Language
In cooperation with the University of Grenoble’s Centre
Universitaire d’Etudes Françaises (CUEF), Boston University
provides an intensive French language curriculum that
enables students to complete three semesters of French in
one semester. Boston University students may thus finish
their language requirement. Level I students also take a
course in French civilization and culture taught by the
Resident Director.
CUEF courses correspond to the following French courses
offered by the Department of Modern Foreign Languages
and Literatures at Boston University:
Students are tested and placed at an appropriate level of
instruction with other CUEF students, who come from many
different countries. Class size is limited to fifteen students
per section to allow for close supervision by specialized
instructors. Emphasis is on oral expression (vocabulary,
pronunciation, and grammar) through the use of audiovisual
activities including language labs, newspaper articles, TV
and radio broadcasts, videotapes, Internet articles, films,
and ads. Each class meets for four hours per day (three class
hours and one lab hour), five days per week. Depending
upon previous course work, students will receive credit for
one of the following three sequences: CAS LF 211/212/303,
LF 212/303/304, or LF 303/304/306 (twelve semesterhour credits for each sequence). All students in Level I will
also enroll in LF 261—French Civilization—taught by the
Resident Director.
Grenoble Language and Liberal Arts Program
Level II: Advanced Studies
Level II is made up of two components: courses taken at the
CUEF and courses taken at the Faculté (Fac), the French
university. Also in cooperation with the CUEF, Boston
University offers Level II participants a Travaux Pratiques
course similar to that of Level I. Students are tested and
placed at an appropriate level of instruction with other CUEF
students. Class size is limited to about fifteen students per
section to allow for close supervision by specialized instructors. Emphasis is on the refinement of oral expression
(vocabulary, pronunciation, and colloquialisms) and written
expression (vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure)
through the use of language labs, newspaper articles, TV
and radio broadcasts, videotapes, Internet articles, films,
and ads. Students give presentations in class and frequently
write short essays. Each class meets either eight or ten
hours per week depending on your level. A semester-long
research project, conducted under the supervision of the
Resident Director and/or the Academic Advisor, is also
required.
At the CUEF, students may also take two to three liberal arts
courses in various areas of study. All classes are taught
completely in French. Each class usually meets once a week
for about two hours, and your grade is based on a mid-term
and a final exam. Classmates in these courses will be other
international students.
The second component of the Level II program is the one or
two courses (depending on how many CUEF courses you
take) taken at the Fac. Boston University program participants enroll in coursework in the Université Stendhal
(Humanities) and Pierre Mendes France (Social Sciences).
Classmates in Faculté courses will be French. Classes usually
meet once a week for between two and three hours, and the
grade is based on a paper and a final exam at the end of the
semester. At their request, Level II students can be further
assisted by the program’s academic advisor, Patrice Terrone.
He can help students in their adjustment to French university expectations—academic procedures, study techniques,
paper writing. Insofar as possible, students on the program
are assigned to a French student who is either enrolled in
the same course or who has taken it in the past.
Grenoble Science Program
All students in this program will be enrolled in an intensive
French language course for four credits. French courses are
offered at various levels. Additionally, students will enroll in
three math/science/culture elective courses taught in
English, each worth four credits. Upon successful completion of this program, students earn 16–18 academic credits.
For more information please refer to: www.bu.edu/abroad
/programs/grenoble-science-program
As an American looking to participate in the
French university system, it is important to
keep one thing in mind: the two systems are
very different. To get the most out of your
experience as a student at a French university,
you must be flexible in adapting to your new
academic environment. Do not expect the
French University experience to mirror the
American one, nor for French professors to
adapt to the American system.
Grenoble Engineering Program
Students in this program are required to take an intensive
French language course (offered at various levels), as well as
a course on French culture. Additionally, students must take
CAS MA 226 and ENG EK 307 and choose one of the
following two electives: CAS PY 313 and ENG BE 209.
Content courses will be taught in English. Upon successful
completion of the program, students will earn a total of 20
academic credits. For more information, please refer to:
www.bu.edu/abroad/programs/grenoble-engineering
SUMMER TERM PROGRAM
During this intensive summer program, you will take two
four-credit courses in French. LF 261 and LF 342 are taught
respectively by the program director and by a local university faculty member during the first four weeks of the
program. Several local field trips and visits are integral to
these two courses.
Your second course will be taught at the University of
Grenoble’s Centre d’Etudes Françaises (CUEF) during the
last four weeks.
CUEF language courses correspond to the following French
language courses offered by the Department of Modern
Foreign Languages and Literatures at Boston University: CAS
LF 211; LF 212; LF 303; LF 304; LF 306. Students are tested
and placed at an appropriate level of instruction with other
CUEF students, who come from many different countries.
Class size is limited to fifteen students per section to allow
for close supervision by specialized instructors. Emphasis is
on oral expression (vocabulary, pronunciation, and
grammar) through the use of language labs, TV and radio
broadcasts, newspaper articles, videotapes, films, and ads.
www.bu.edu/abroad
3
Language Levels
The prerequisite for Level I is completion of secondsemester French or placement test results. Level I students
enroll in one of the following course combinations:
instructor and the Resident Director in advance, preferably
in writing. If you are absent from class for more than two
days for medical reasons, please seek medical attention.
Coursework
• LF 261/LF 211
• LF 261/LF 212
• LF 261/LF 303
You are expected to turn in all course assignments on time.
Turning in assignments late will have a negative effect on
your grades.
The prerequisite for Level II is fifth-semester French or
placement test results. Level II students enroll in one of the
following:
All academic commitments must be completed before you
leave Grenoble; no incompletes are permitted. Students who
do not complete a course on time will be given an ‘F.’ In
addition, students are not permitted to audit courses or to
take courses on a pass/fail basis.
• FR 342/LF 304
• FR 342/LF 306
Dean’s List
Course titles with a brief description of the courses can be
found on our website: www.bu.edu/abroad.
LIBRARIES
You may use the university library for a slight fee/deposit.
There are also several public libraries which students can
join at no charge with their student IDs. Recent past
students have found the public libraries useful and convenient.
OTHER UNIVERSITY FACILITIES
There are inexpensive student cafeterias and sandwich
shops on campus. There are also athletic facilities with a
pool, gym, and weight room. Physical education classes are
available. Private gyms, as well as judo, karate, ballet
classes, etc. are available in Grenoble.
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Registration for Your Semester Abroad
Students studying abroad should be aware that differences
in the academic calendar at Boston University and at your
international program site may mean that grades from your
semester abroad are reported after the computations for the
Dean’s List have been made. As the semester abroad may
end later than the semester on the home campus, grades for
some programs may not arrive in time to be counted
towards the Dean’s List. In this case, students are advised to
notify the office of Student Records or the Dean of Students’
office in order to request the grades earned on a BU international program be counted towards the Dean’s List. It is the
student’s responsibility to bring this to the attention of the
student records office.
Academic Conduct Code
All students participating in a Boston University Study
Abroad are expected to maintain high standards of
academic honesty and integrity. It is the responsibility of
every student to be aware of the College of Arts and
Sciences Academic Conduct Code’s contents and to abide
by its provisions. The Academic Conduct Code can be found
at www.bu.edu/cas/students/undergrad-resources/code.
You will be registered for your courses once you are in
Grenoble.
Transfer of Credits
Please make sure that your credits will transfer to your
home university before you leave—we cannot stress enough
how important this is. Approving transfer credit is ultimately
your home institution’s decision.
Attendance
You are expected to attend each class session, field trip, and
any other course-related event. You will be required to
account for undue absence either by personal explanation to
the course instructor and/or to the Resident Director, or by
written statement from another authority.
If you have been absent excessively from a course, you may
be required to withdraw from that course without credit. If
you expect to be absent from a class, you must notify your
4
Boston University Study Abroad Grenoble
What to Bring
HANDBOOKS
Bring this handbook and the Student Handbook with you to
Grenoble. You may need to refer to them during your
semester abroad.
PASSPORT AND STUDENT VISA
You must have a valid passport and visa for your semester in
France. Students staying in France for longer than 90 days
must apply for a long stay visa. US citizens should refer to
the “Visa Instructions” that can be found amongst the
materials for the program at www.bu.edu /abroad/accept
under “France.”
For students participating in the Grenoble summer program,
followed by another program in France in the fall, please
contact Leilani Olson at BU Study Abroad to review the visa
requirements that will apply to students taking part in
French programs for two consecutive semesters.
Very Important Note: If you are not traveling on a US
passport, please contact the nearest French consulate as
soon as possible to confirm visa requirements. If your travel
plans entail a layover in a country other than France, you
must check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is
required—you may need to secure a transit visa. Likewise, if
you intend to travel outside of France during your stay
abroad, you should also check to see if you will need a
tourist visa for the country in question.
Parent Passports
Encourage your parents to have a passport in the unlikely
event of an emergency that would make it necessary for
them to travel to France.
Passport-Size Photos
The French want to know what you look like on almost every
type of documentation from student IDs to résumés. For this
reason you should supply the Grenoble Program office with
the specified number of photos along with your acceptance
paperwork. You also will need approximately 6–8 photos for
paperwork once you arrive in Grenoble. You can bring these
photos with you, or wait and get them in Grenoble at the
coin-operated machines at the Maison du Tourisme or
Monoprix, both conveniently located across the street from
the Boston University program office downtown.
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION
Bring your student I.D. card; it’s always helpful to have an
extra form of photo identification. You may also want to
consider purchasing an ISIC Card (International Student
Identification Card), which provides some student discounts
and insurance benefits. Check the following website for
further information: www.statravel.com.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
It is a good idea to designate power of attorney to a parent
or guardian while you are overseas. This can be useful in
order to facilitate loan payments or complete important
paperwork in your absence.
CALLING CARDS
Inexpensive international calling cards are readily available
at almost any newsstand in Grenoble. Most students
purchase inexpensive pay-as-you-go cell phones once in
Grenoble. Many students also use Skype to call the US. Be
aware that 1-800 numbers do not work in France.
COMPUTERS AND E-MAIL
Computers are not available at BU’s Grenoble facilities, but
wireless is. Wireless is also available in all homestays and in
many places in the city.
We strongly urge you to bring your laptop with you. If you
do opt to bring your own laptop computer, keep in mind the
following:
• Don’t have your parents send you a portable computer,
as it can get caught up in customs.
• Make a complete backup of all the information/software
on the computer. If the computer has one, bring along the
computer system maintenance or operation system disk.
• Computers should be insured, under your family’s general
household policy or a specialized student insurance
policy to the full value of the computer, including any
peripherals, modem, CD ROM, etc. Check with
companies such as Safeware (www.safeware.com) or
National Student Services (www.nssinc.com) for specialized coverage.
• A security kit is essential, because of the possibility of
theft. The most widely known kits are made by
Kensington (www.kensington.com) or Targus
(www.targus.com).
• Check whether your computer has a built-in transformer
which can handle voltages of 110 (US) to 220 (Europe)—
most newer computers are equipped with this. If so, all
you need to get is an adapter. If your computer can
handle only 110 volts, then you will need a transformer,
which can be quite bulky and expensive. Consider buying
a transformer and/or adapter before leaving.
• If in doubt, consult your computer’s manufacturer or the
instruction manual for information on using your
computer abroad.
• Make sure that you are entirely familiar with the
workings/programs of your computer, as we do not have
a technical or computer support department in our
Grenoble office.
“Dragging unnecessary clothing around, in and out
of taxis, on and off of crowded buses, up and down
countless flights of stairs, or the worst, over
cobblestones, was the biggest mistake I made and
taught me the lesson of how to pack light! Don’t
expect anyone to help you with your stuff; if you
can’t carry it, don’t bring it....”
—Former Program Participant
www.bu.edu/abroad
5
Clothing and Climate
In general, the clothes you will need in Grenoble
will be about the same as what you would need
if you were to stay in Boston. Grenoble can be
cold (20˚F–30˚F) and rainy during the winter
months so you should remember to bring along
plenty of warm clothes. During the summer, it is
generally warm (80s–90s°F) and can be rainy
during June and July. The temperature in the
mountains is always cooler, so if you plan to go
hiking, you should remember to bring along
some warmer clothes. Layers of various weights
are the best way to have a warm and flexible
wardrobe both indoors and out. Make sure you
bring rain gear and an umbrella, as it rains much
more frequently in much of Europe than in
Boston.
wardrobes is blue jeans, and students from past semesters
have found there was little occasion to wear dressy clothes.
However, casual wear in Europe is less “casual” than here, so
you should be prepared with some semi-dressy clothes for
an occasional invitation “out.” Sturdy and comfortable
walking shoes are needed for city life as well as for travel.
It’s also a good idea to bring a money belt to carry travelers
checks, passport, and money.
Linens
Bed linens and towels are provided, but you should bring at
least one towel.
APPLIANCES
Leave electrical appliances (especially hair dryers) at home.
Fairly inexpensive models can be purchased overseas, and
you won’t need to worry about adapters or converters.
Alarm Clock
• You must ensure that your computer is loaded with
up-to-date anti-virus software. Boston University
students can either visit the Boston University website to
download free software for both Mac and PC laptops,
which is available at www.bu.edu/tech, or visit Common
@ Mugar to configure their laptops.
• Visiting students should consult with the computer/tech
support department at their home institution. You can
also search for Web sites such as www.macworld.com or
www.znet.com for free anti-virus programs, or purchase
your own software.
TEXTBOOKS
In most cases, you will purchase your textbooks in Grenoble,
as well as a good French-English dictionary. You might want
to purchase a guidebook to bring with you. This is a good
way to begin to familiarize yourself with the city and all that
it offers from museums to shops.
Please note that students on the Science and Engineering
Programs will need to buy textbooks in the US, prior to
leaving for Grenoble.
A must so you can be on time for classes. Be sure to bring a
small battery-operated alarm clock. An electric clock will
take up outlet space, is vulnerable to power outages, and
will need its own adapter and converter.
Batteries
You should consider bringing batteries with you as they tend
to be more expensive in France.
PRESCRIPTIONS AND DRUG STORE ITEMS
You should be sure to bring copies of prescriptions for any
medications you may need and for glasses or contact lenses
if you wear them. Since it can sometimes be difficult to get
the appropriate equivalent medication, we recommend that
you bring an adequate supply of whatever medications you
may use while abroad. Any medications you do bring should
be in the original, properly labeled bottles. You should also
bring an extra pair of glasses (or contact lenses) if you wear
them. A supply of contact lens solution is a good idea, since
it is very expensive in France, costing as much as 15 euros
for a 12 oz. bottle in some places. A wide variety of over-thecounter drugs and toiletries is available in France.
Please note that you will not be able to refill your US
prescriptions in France.
CLOTHING
The most important thing to remember when packing
clothes is that whatever you pack will probably be more
than you will need.
You will do best to bring clothes that are easily mixed and
matched. It is a good idea to bring more dark colors than
bright ones. Dark clothing does not show dirt and wear as
easily as light clothing does and therefore may require less
washing. The main component of French students’
6
Boston University Study Abroad Grenoble
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
• Guidebooks to France and Europe
• A gift for your host family. You could bring a book with
photos from your hometown, a calendar or anything that
represents the city or state where you are from.
Money Matters
PROGRAM COST
For information about the program fee and personal
budgeting guidelines visit: www.bu.edu/abroad/aid
/finances.html.
Room and Board
Your room and board bills will be paid on site by the
Resident Director. You will receive a monthly stipend to
cover meals and local transportation expenses. Funds for
the ten meals per month you take with your host family will
be automatically deducted from your stipend and paid
directly to your family. Your room and board is covered
when the academic program is in session; room and board
are provided through the day of the student’s last examination.
How much should I take?
Depending on your own standard of living and
how much traveling, shopping, and dining out
you do, your expenses (exclusive of tuition,
room, and board covered by your program fee)
will vary. In the past, students have spent from
$2,000 to $3,000 during the spring and fall
semesters and between $1,500 to $2,000
during the summer term. Keep in mind that
your buying power is directly related to the
strength of the dollar. Keep in mind as well that
these amounts are estimates only reported to
us by recent past participants of the program.
BANKING
Bank Accounts
Note: Board will not be covered during vacation periods.
This means that board will not be covered during the midwinter or spring breaks and between semesters. Also, for
students participating on the Grenoble/Paris Academic Year
program, note that housing and board are not provided in
the interim period between programs.
Students are given accounts at the LCL where their monthly
stipend will be directly deposited. Relying on cashing US
bank checks is highly impractical; banking fees are high, and
it generally takes at least three weeks for a check drawn on
a US bank to clear. Instead, it would be better to have money
wired directly from a US account to your account in
Grenoble.
Field Trips and Program Activities
You are expected to participate in all orientation and field
trip activities, the costs of which are covered by the program
and are not refundable. The schedule for these activities
varies and is at the discretion of the Resident Director.
Students can also use a French ATM card to withdraw their
stipend money directly.
ATMs
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
All students must provide proof of insurance coverage to BU
Study Abroad prior to leaving for France. In addition to this
private insurance coverage, the French government requires
students studying in France for a period of six months or
more to subscribe to the National Health Insurance
(Sécurité Sociale). This additional requirement regarding
French health insurance concerns all students participating
on the Grenoble Academic Year Program. The obligatory fee
for the National French Health Insurance will be paid on-site
once students arrive in France. The current cost is 165 euros,
approximately $200.
CURRENCY
French currency is based on the euro, issued in both paper
notes and coins, with one euro equal to 100 cents. The
smallest unit of currency is the one cent coin. Start now to
familiarize yourself with the currency, both notes and coins,
as well as the exchange rate. Check at your bank or in the
financial section of your newspaper for the exchange rates.
Many students rely on a combination of an ATM card and
credit card. Remember to bring both types of cards with you,
as your ATM card will be useless if it becomes demagnetized, damaged, or lost. With your ATM card from home, you
will be able to withdraw funds from your US checking
account. Although there will probably be a fee for each
transaction at another bank’s ATM machine, you will be
charged the bank’s exchange rate in effect on that day,
which is typically better than the one used for normal
currency exchanges. US banks vary widely in the charges
they attach to foreign ATM withdrawals; shop around before
leaving and consider moving your account based on what
you learn.
Note: Money deposited into your US bank account during
the normal working day is typically updated on the US
bank’s computer at midnight that day, which means you
cannot withdraw money until the French bank’s computers
have similarly updated their records at midnight the
following night. In other words, there will generally be a
delay of 2 business days before you can access those funds.
Details for using ATM cards abroad vary from bank to bank.
For some banks, you will need to inform them that you plan
to use your ATM card abroad so that bank officials can allow
www.bu.edu/abroad
7
overseas card transactions. Be sure to get information on
service fees and restrictions. If your ATM Personal
Identification Number (PIN) is not four digits long, change it
to four digits before you leave the US. Many European
machines cannot accept a longer PIN, and many keyboards
may not have letters indicated.
If you have a checking account with Bank of America, you
can withdraw local currency, with no added fees, from ATMs
operated by Barclay’s Bank in the UK, BNP Paribas in France,
and Deutsche Bank in Germany. You will not have to pay the
usual one-percent exchange fee.
If you open a joint account with someone at home before
you leave, they can deposit money into your account that
you can then access with an ATM.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are a very good emergency money source.
Students have found that VISA and MasterCard are the
most useful credit cards to have in France. Call your credit
card company well in advance of going abroad to secure a
PIN number. American Express, while not widely accepted,
does offer cardholders a personal check-cashing service.
Using a credit card also comes in handy when traveling
because you don’t have to worry about exchanging one
currency for another; you can use the ATM in whatever
country you are in, and you don’t have to carry lots of cash.
Be sure to inquire before you leave about any changes that
may apply when you use your card for purchases abroad.
CASH
The obvious danger of losing your cash or having it stolen
does not make this a good option for large sums of money.
No student should ever keep large amounts of cash in
his/her room or on his/her person.
Cash for Arrival
You should plan to exchange US dollars (approximately
$100) in order to have 70 euros before you leave the US so
that you will have money when you first arrive in France.
Small denominations are best. You may also want to carry
some US currency.
On-Site Contacts
Patrice Terrone, Professor at the University of
Grenoble; Director, summer Grenoble
Language and Liberal Arts Program.
Oversees all academic, financial and student
services issues. He is also there to help you
with your transition to life in Grenoble.
Céline Bellissant, Housing Coordinator and
Program Assistant.
Responsible for the placement of students in
local households as well as monitoring and
assisting you in your relationship with your
host family.
Arrival
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
You will receive separate information for a proposed group
flight via email.
All students must be in Grenoble on arrival day by 4:00 p.m.
at the latest at the Hôtel de l’Europe, 22 Place Grenette.
Telephone (from the US): 011-33-4-76-46-16-94 (from
France): 04-76-46-16-94.
Students must notify the Grenoble program office in writing
of their travel plans. All students will need to make arrangements to get from their arrival airport to Grenoble as ground
transportation to Grenoble is not included in the program
fee. Please plan accordingly.
There is a shuttle bus that runs every hour on the half hour
from the Lyon airport to Grenoble. The shuttle costs 16,50
euros and takes one hour. Students should then take a taxi
to the hotel (approximately 8 euros). All students will spend
one night at the hotel prior to meeting their host families.
Be sure to have the phone number of the Grenoble program
office with you while you are traveling to Grenoble. While
you are in transit, communication with the Boston
University staff in Grenoble is critical in the event of flight
delays, cancellations, etc.
If you arrive in Grenoble earlier than the official arrival date
and/or stay later than the official departure date, you will
need to make your own housing arrangements. Anyone
arriving in Grenoble prior to the start of the program should
contact the program office in advance for suggestions on
local accommodations or check the section on Grenoble
area hostels and hotels.
8
Boston University Study Abroad Grenoble
Very Important Note: If you are not traveling on a US
passport, please contact the nearest French consulate as
soon as possible to confirm visa requirements. If your travel
plans entail arrival in a country other than France, you must
check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is
required. You may need to obtain a tourist visa.
personal relationship with the family. Rather, it places you in
a household to facilitate your language acquisition and to
integrate you into French society and culture. This living
arrangement places you in a hospitable French-speaking
environment in which you live as if you were French. In many
cases, students form warm and long-lasting friendships with
their hosts.
Independent Travelers
If you intend to make your own travel arrangements to
France rather than take the group flight, you must notify BU
Study Abroad in order for your student account to be
credited in the amount of the designated group flight fare.
Otherwise, the credit will not automatically take place.
ORIENTATION
On-site orientation begins on arrival day and lasts
throughout the weekend. During this time you will participate in orientation activities designed to introduce you to
your new surroundings and to the academic expectations of
the program. You will have the chance to meet the program
staff, to become acquainted with program facilities and
resources, and to learn more about daily life in your new
environment.
Boston University places all Grenoble students in French
households. Placement is based on the information you
provided on the Housing Questionnaire which you received
with your acceptance packet. Every effort is made to place
you in an environment commensurate with your interests
and preferences. However, housing is very tight in Grenoble,
given the large student population in and around the city.
Some flexibility is therefore required of all students. You will
find out your housing assignment on-site, during orientation
in Grenoble.
Housing
FRENCH HOUSEHOLDS
Students will not be informed of their precise housing
assignment prior to arrival in Grenoble. French households
who host Boston University students vary in size, age, and
lifestyle. Some are middle-aged couples with children;
others, widows; still others, single mothers; and so on. No
matter where you live, you will be given a French breakfast
each morning in addition to ten evening meals per month.
This arrangement gives you independence from the
household. Some families are willing, even eager, to serve
additional meals for students; others are not. Access to the
kitchen will be a matter of your hosts’ preference, but
generally you will at least be able to prepare coffee and tea.
Boston University does not place you in a household with
the expectation that you will become a family member, and
cannot make any guarantees as to the quality of your
Meeting Your Host Family
For most students, meeting their French family for the first
time can cause anxiety. So if you find your stomach turning
a bit on your way to meet your famille, do not be alarmed—
you are not alone. Our best advice with regard to your family
is 1) stop worrying; and 2) don’t expect anything. You may
be assured that much time and concern has been put into
the selection of your family and that each family has been
carefully screened. The housing questionnaire which you fill
out will play a key role in the selection of the host family
best suited to your needs and requests.
Be prepared to face differences between the situations to
which you are accustomed at home and the situations which
you will encounter abroad, and know that problems will
occasionally arise. Expect to adapt, to change a few habits
here and there, and above all, to keep an open mind. A good
rule of thumb for the first few days of French family life is
not to touch or to use anything without first asking,
including the family television or stereo, the washing
machine, or the telephone. Learn to communicate with your
family. They cannot read your mind and cannot be expected
to know your preferences unless you voice them from time
to time.
Living with a French family
Since you will be living in a French household, remember
that although you will be a paying guest, it is best not to
think of your French home as a hotel. Rather, think of
yourself as a guest and as a boarder. Keep your room neat,
make your bed, clean up the bathroom after using it. These
may seem like obvious points, but they do mean a great deal
to the people with whom you will be living.
FAMILY HOUSING REGULATIONS
Payment of Room and Board
Once you have paid your Boston University Program fee, you
will not have to make any additional payments to the family
unless extra meals are requested. The Boston University
office in Grenoble will make monthly payments to the
families. The cost of extra meals should be discussed with
your host family soon after your arrival.
Shower
You can take one shower a day. However, you must respect
your host’s lifestyle, particularly in the morning when your
host has to get to work on time.
www.bu.edu/abroad
9
Telephone
Phone privileges are to be worked out individually, between
students and host families. Boston University will not be
responsible for arranging such matters. Some hosts will
allow you to receive and make calls (if using your own
calling card), and others will prefer that you use a public
telephone. Students must discuss with their host family the
rules outlining phone usage and, if allowed to use the family
phone, remember to limit incoming and outgoing calls and
to respect the sleeping hours of your hosts. It should be
noted that customers pay service charges for both local and
long-distance telephone calls. Please respect the rules of your
host family’s home, whatever they are.
Buying a cell phone in Grenoble is a good way to avoid
phone problems with your host families, and to be able to
contact friends or to be contacted in case of an emergency.
In recent semesters most students have decided to get a cell
phone. Cell phones which operate on a pay-as-you-go
system can be purchased for around 35–50 euros. Students
who are finishing their semester in Grenoble often sell their
cell phones to incoming students. Contact the Grenoble
office by e-mail for more information: [email protected].
Please note that when calling from the US to France it is
much more expensive to call a French cell phone than a land
line.
On many newer American cell phones, you may be able to
purchase a chip in France and recharge with minutes. Check
with your cell phone company.
Laundry
Your host family will provide the possibility to wash your
personal laundy or have it washed once a week. Linens and
towels are provided by the host family. Clean towels should
be provided once a week and bed linens should be changed
every two weeks.
Keys
You will be provided with a key to the house and should take
great care not to lose it. Most Europeans are very careful
about security matters in their homes, and expect that you
will exercise that same responsibility. Never carry your key
in the same place as your host family's address. If you
should lose your house or apartment key, it is up to you to
make arrangements to replace it.
Going out and Coming Home
You are free to come and go from the house or apartment of
your host family as you like, but we ask that you be considerate of your host family, and inform them if you plan to
spend the night outside of the home. Similarly, the family
must notify you of any of its absences.
Visitors
Policies on visitors and guests are left up to each individual
family, and is a subject that should be discussed when you
10
Boston University Study Abroad Grenoble
Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarianism
Students who indicate on their housing
questionnaire that they are vegetarians should
realize that vegetarianism is less common in
Europe and it may not be easy for your hosts
to adapt to your needs. Be as specific as
possible in defining your dietary restrictions on
the questionnaire. If you are a vegetarian, does
this mean you do not eat any red meat,
chicken, or fish? No dairy products? In any
event, keep in mind that you will learn a great
deal about France—its history, culture, agriculture, geography, trading patterns—by exploring
its cuisine.
Keeping Kosher
Keeping Kosher can mean different things to
different people. If you keep kosher, does it
mean that you don’t eat pork or shellfish?
Does it imply restrictions on food preparation?
You will want to be as specific as possible on
your housing questionnaire.
The Housing Coordinator does her best to
place vegetarians and students who keep
kosher in homestays that have previously
hosted students with similar dietary requirements.
first move in. Some families will want you to ask in advance
when you plan to bring guests, while other families may not
want you to have guests at all. Students should not invite
friends over without having previously received permission
from the host family.
LEAVING A HOST FAMILY
If, for some reason, a student must leave a host family,
he/she must give a week’s notice in order to maintain good
relations between Boston University and the host family.
PROPERTY DAMAGE
You are responsible for the repair or replacement of any
household item you damage or destroy. Boston University
declines all responsibility. Failure to settle these charges
with your host family prior to departure from the program
site will result in appropriate charges being assessed to your
Boston University student account. It may also result in
inability to register for courses; inability to have grades
assigned; transcript holds; and delays in processing financial
aid awards for future semesters.
Personal Property Insurance
Each student is encouraged to review his or her family’s
personal property insurance coverage. Boston University or
any of its officers, agents or representatives shall not be
liable directly or indirectly for loss and/or damage to
personal property by fire, theft, or other cause.
Security
Although France tends to have much less crime than the
United States, Grenoble is not immune to the problems of a
big city. Treat Grenoble with the same respect as you would
any large city. Always lock your door behind you and make
sure all valuables are in a safe place. When out and about in
the city, be aware of your surroundings at all times, use
common sense.
Making French Friends
French students have a different lifestyle.
Many go back to their parents’ homes on
weekends and even during the week. You may
initially find it challenging to meet French
people, but with a little effort, the French can
become great friends.
The best way to meet your French peers is to
join sports teams and university clubs, and to
visit cafés and pubs which the locals frequent
in their leisure time. You may want to ask your
host family for help in meeting people.
not far from La Maison du Tourisme) is probably the most
well-known.
MUSEUMS
Life in Grenoble
FOOD/DINING
Eating Out
It may take some looking, but cheap eating in Grenoble is
possible. Restaurant prices run from 9 to 15 euros for a full
meal. But if you are frugal, eating can easily be cheaper:
sandwiches and kebabs can be had in centre ville for 3-4,50
euros. You’ll get the best deal at the restaurants universitaires where a meal costs about 3,65 euros. Café prices
range from 1,50 euros for an espresso to 2,50 euros for hot
chocolate and 2,50 euros for beer or soda.
For those of you interested in art, culture & history (all of
you we hope!), there are some very interesting museums in
Grenoble, such as Le Musée de Grenoble (one of the most
prestigious modern art museums outside of Paris), the
Musée de la Résistance (WWII history of this area), Le
Musée Dauphinois (history of the region), Le Muséum
d’Histoire Naturelle (botany, insects...), and the Musée St
Laurent (religious history and archaeology).
ENTERTAINMENT
Movies and Nightlife
Movies cost approximately 6.60 euros for students. Fees for
nightclubs are 8 euros.
Bars and cafés
Clubs
Each semester, students leave us a list of their favorite bars
and cafés at the office. You can consult it when you arrive.
But we strongly encourage you to discover your own
favorites!
There aren’t many Americans who join clubs in Grenoble, so
as one student put it, you become almost a “curiosity.” You
will be amazed at how warm the French can be, once they
get to know you. There are many activities offered by the
CUEF. Some good choices are:
SHOPPING
• French cooking classes
• Sports teams—the GUC ski club, the basketball
team, hiking, scuba; there are lots to choose from.
• Physical education classes at the university are a
great option as well.
Department Stores
Monoprix and Galeries Lafayette are in centre ville near the
office. They’re open all day and don’t close for lunch.
Bookstores
Arthaud, la FNAC, and la Librairie de l’Université are the
best bookstores in Grenoble.
Markets
Every morning except Mondays, you can find open markets
throughout Grenoble, especially in and around centre ville.
Ste. Claire les Halles, at the Tram stop of the same name (and
Skiing
Ecole de Glisse des Universités de Grenoble is a ski and
snowboard club. Membership is quite cheap (20 to 30
euros). Assuming you have skis, a day trip costs between 15
and 20 euros (transportation by bus and lift tickets). Renting
skis runs around 18 euros/day (all equipment included) or
you can rent for the season for only 95 euros. Ski equipment
www.bu.edu/abroad
11
is less expensive in France, so many students buy equipment
there. However, if you have skis and boots, it is
recommended that you bring them (especially students who
will be in Grenoble during the spring semester). Ask your
airline if your skis count as one bag of your luggage
allowance.
The Mountains
La Maison de la Montagne, located behind the Maison du
Tourisme, rue Raoul Blanchard, sells maps, books and guides
pertaining to the mountains, including biking, skiing,
canoeing, mountain climbing, and equestrian information.
CULTURAL REIMBURSEMENTS
A listing of movies, concerts, exhibits, etc. can be found in
the “Petit Bulletin,” a free cultural events newsletter
published every Wednesday, and available on campus, in
movie theaters, cafés, etc. You will be reimbursed for
cultural events or visits for up to 20 euros a month, as long
as the event is in French and you keep the receipts.
MAIL
You will learn your housing assignment in Grenoble after
you arrive. You should use the program address until you are
settled in your household and can notify family and friends.
Airmail takes about one week to get to Grenoble. Boston
University will not take responsibility for mail which arrives
before the start of the program or after the program ends.
Sending packages
We recommend that packages be sent via the US Postal
Service, UPS, FedEx, or DHL. No matter how the package is
sent, be aware that gifts—particularly clothing — can incur a
hefty customs fee, payable by the student, regardless of how
it is declared. Packages should be clearly marked as, “USED
PERSONAL ITEMS NOT FOR RESALE”, (for clothing) or,
“UNSOLICITED GIFT”, (for a birthday present). Packages are
inspected by customs agents, and duty will be collected
from the student if forms are not filled out correctly.
Addressing Mail
Name of Student
Boston University in Grenoble
22, Place Ste. Claire
38000 Grenoble
FRANCE
Faxes
Urgent faxes only can be sent from and received at the
program office.
12
Boston University Study Abroad Grenoble
INTERNET ACCESS
Wireless internet access is available in a growing number of
public places in Grenoble. Since the end of 2008, the whole
city has been equipped, the first city in France to do so!
At the university there are computer labs with internet
access.
Note: If you decide to use your home account, keep in mind
that your home university may cancel your e-mail account
during your semester abroad. It is your responsibility to
make arrangements with your home university to keep your
e-mail account open while you are away for the semester.
MEDIA
Newspapers and Other Publications
You can pick up any of the numerous daily and weekly
French newspapers (Le Monde, Le Dauphiné Liberé, Le Figaro,
etc.) at any Tabac, which are numerous and conveniently
located. Reading the newspaper is a good way to improve
your French reading skills and also provides interesting
topics to talk about with your host family.
Television and Radio
There are 18 television stations in Grenoble which offer
news, current affairs, sports, and an assortment of both
French and retro-American sitcoms, soap operas, and
dramas. Cable is also available, but few people subscribe to
it. As for radio, there are numerous stations offering
everything from classical and opera to contemporary
pop/rock. A good suggestion is for students to listen to
France Info, which summarizes the main stories in the news
every fifteen minutes. This is a good way to improve your
French listening comprehension skills. Just stick around for
fifteen minutes and hear it again.
TRANSPORTATION:
GETTING AROUND GRENOBLE
Wherever you live, you should expect to use public
transportation, which is quite good during the day and early
evening. At night, students who live outside central
Grenoble must rely on taxis. The amount of your monthly
stipend will cover a local transportation pass and some
money for taxis if you live far away.
The University of Grenoble is in a suburb which is a short
tram ride from downtown Grenoble; there are buses which
go directly from the several suburbs to downtown or the
University. Students may commute up to forty-five minutes
each way to the University. Transit buses are generally
punctual, unless there’s a strike!
Local Transportation and Travel
While abroad, you should remember that public transportation is the way the great majority of local residents get
around their town and country, and so it should be a part of
your experience as well. For that reason, and for reasons of
safety and finances, we strongly discourage students from
renting automobiles or other motorized vehicles while
abroad. If your internship activities involve travel, you may
not rent a car or other motorized vehicle for that purpose.
GRENOBLE-AREA HOTELS AND HOSTELS
There is one hostel in Grenoble, which is far from the
downtown area, and can be reached by tram until midnight.
The address is:
Auberge de Jeunesse Grenoble-Echirolles
10 avenue du Grésivaudan
38130 ECHIROLLES
France
Phone: 011-33-4-76-09-33-52
Some area hotels are listed below (one in each category;
from most expensive to modest). Most are located
downtown.
****
***
**
*
Hôtel du Park, 10 place Paul Mistral, 38000
Grenoble; Phone: 011-33-4-76-87-29-11 .
Hôtel d’Angleterre, 5 place Victor Hugo, 38000
Grenoble; Phone: 011-33-4-76-87-37-21.
Hôtel Ibis Centre, 5 rue de Miribel, 38000
Grenoble; Phone: 011-33-4-76-47-48-49.
Hôtel du Moucherotte, 1 rue Auguste Gaché,
38000 Grenoble; Phone: 011-33-4-76-44-62-52.
OUTSIDE OF GRENOBLE
You will travel outside of Grenoble during the semester
through program field trips. You may also have some long
weekends to do some traveling on your own—but
remember, your travel plans must not conflict with your
academic requirements.
As a student you can buy train tickets at a reduced rate,
from 25–50 % off the normal price. More information will be
available in Grenoble.
www.bu.edu/abroad
13
Names and Numbers
BOSTON UNIVERSITY STUDY ABROAD
GRENOBLE
22, Place Ste. Claire
38000 Grenoble
FRANCE
Phone: 011-33-4-76-51-78-87
Fax: 011-33-4-76-42-81-39
E-mail: [email protected]
Marie-Eve Scheibling, Resident Director
Prof. Patrice Terrone, Academic Advisor,
University of Grenoble
Céline Bellissant, Housing Coordinator/Program Assistant
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Students experiencing any kind of emergency
while overseas should contact Professor
Marie-Eve Scheibling.
Parents who need to contact their son or
daughter overseas in an emergency should
first contact him/her at home. If he/she
cannot be reached there, parents should
contact Professor Scheibling directly.
During Weekday Office Hours
011-33-4-76-51-78-87
(Program Office/Professor Scheibling)
Evening and Weekend Emergencies
011-33-6-82-81-70-95
(Cell Phone/Professor Scheibling)
You will be notified of any changes in the
emergency contact numbers.
Please remember the time difference. Grenoble
is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
* If calling from within France, omit the international access
code (011), as well as the country code (33), and place a “0”
in front of the whole telephone number (ex. - 04-76-51-7887 for the Grenoble office).
!
in Grenoble
e
c
n
e
ri
e
p
ut your ex
Tell us abo
st your
blog, or po
888 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Phone: 617-353-9888
Fax: 617-353-5402
E-mail: [email protected]
www.bu.edu/abroad
All of the foregoing information is subject to change without notice.
All of the foregoing information is subject to change without notice.
ur
a link to yo
at you’ll
rite photo,
vo
ge (note th
a
fa
p
r
u
n
fa
yo
k
o
o
b
be sure to
Share
ce
d
n
to it). A
on our Fa
ly
st
o
ct
p
e
ir
to
d
r
e
ry
sto
in ord
s.
’ our page
reat photo
have to ‘like Abroad” in all your g
dy
me
tag “BU Stu
bout your ti
nity hear a
u
em as
m
th
m
g
co
Ta
.
U
e
of the B
Univers
B
st
n
re
o
e
s
o
th
e
t
d
Le
r vi
upload you
abroad and
.”
d
a
,
“study abro
ad catalog
study abro
xt
e
n
p
r
ro
u
d
o
r
to in
ail, o
e your pho
ail, snail m
Want to se
poster? Em
a
rive) at the
n
d
o
r
sh
o
a
,
fl
site
a CD or
n
(o
on the web
y
p
co
g
esolution
e marketin
off a high-r
office, for th
d
a
ro
b
A
y
BU Stud
t.
U
departmen
rn about B
itter to lea
w
ts
T
n
n
e
o
m
s
p
u
llow
evelo
forget to fo lobe as well as new d
And don’t
g
e
s around th
happening
rograms.
p
d
a
ro
b
a
y
in our stud
ster!
next seme
Good luck
y Abroad
—BU Stud