http://clicnet.swarthmore.edu/grenoble.program.html

Swarthmore College Program, Grenoble (France)


The Program

     The Swarthmore College Program in Grenoble, France, offers an opportunity for American college students to become acquainted with French language, life, and culture while continuing their own studies at the university level. Students attend courses at the Université de Grenoble and participate with French students in athletic and other extra-curricular activities. All students are strongly urged to go for the entire academic year. However, students may also attend for only one semester, fall or spring. Students who are primarily interested in perfecting their language skills are advised to attend in the fall semester. Those whose language proficiency permits immediate entry into University courses are advised to attend in the spring semester. The program is kept small so that close, individual supervision can be provided by the program Director, a Swarthmore professor. Students receive full Swarthmore College credit for acceptable work completed in Grenoble.

     While in Grenoble, students live with French families and have their breakfasts and weekly evening meals in their home. Lunch and weekend meals can be purchased in the student restaurants. Group members are reimbursed at a set rate for these meals by the program. Participants are also reimbursed for cultural activities and a monthly bus and tramway pass.Athletic and craft activities as well as essential books are financed by the Program.The Director organizes special excursions and serves also as a banker, distributing money for reimbursements on a regular basis. Students should have some money of their own for other personal needs and travel. Participants keep their rooms and receive their food allowance during vacations.


University and Academic Life

     The Université de Grenoble was founded in 1339 and has grown to include three separate universities and numerous institutes, serving 48 000 fulltime students. Located three kilometers from the center of Grenoble (where the original university buildings are located), the recently constructed campus has many modern facilities including a gymnasium and two student restaurants. There are frequent buses and tramways to the campus from the center of Grenoble. An ultra modern tramway provides faster access to the Campus.

      Upon arrival, students take part in an orientation program. These sessions are designed to introduce them to French life and to provide intensive work in the French language. Students then begin regular courses in an individual program of study developed in conjunction with the Program Director. Each student is expected to complete the equivalent of four Swarthmore course credits (each course credit is the equivalent of 4 semester-hours), which may include a course conducted by the Program Director. Students may choose from among the many courses, all taught in French, offered by the program in conjonction with the Centre Universitaire d'Etudes Françaises (CUEF). These include courses in French language, linguistics, literature, cinema, and civilization. Depending on their level of language proficiency and their interests, students are also encouraged to take regular University courses in such fields as literature, history, political science, art history, etc. The Program Director advises and tutoring is provided for each course taken.


Grenoble

     Grenoble, a progressive metropolis at the foot of the Alps, provides an excellent opportunity to experience the old and the new of France. Founded before the time of the Roman Empire, Grenoble today is a lively medley of culture, industry, government, tourism and education. Led by a very active Maison de la Culture, which offers a wide range of films, theater productions, exhibitions, and concerts, Grenoble offers both traditional and avant-garde cultural opportunities. Students are also welcome to take part in the activities and trips organized by the CUEF and other University organizations.

     Home of the 1968 Winter Olympics, Grenoble provides many chances for skiing and other winter sports. An excellent system of bus and train transportation permits weekend and vacation travel to the surrounding areas of the Alps, Lyon, Provence, the Cote d'Azur, Paris, as well as Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.


Application and Admission

     The Swarthmore Program in Grenoble is open to qualified sophomores, juniors and seniors of Swarthmore College and comparable institutions. At least three semesters of college French or the equivalent is required as proof of language competence. An application form, including a transcript, references, and a medical form, must be completed and returned to Swarthmore College by March 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester. There is a $30 application fee. Whithin 15 days of acceptance, a non-refundable advance deposit of $250 is required to reserve a place in the program. This deposit is credited against the bill for tuition room and board. The fee for the program is the same as the cost of tuition, room and board at Swarthmore College. There is the possibility for early decision for well-qualified candidates.

Download and print the application (pdf file)


Courses of Study

CUEF (Centre Universitaire d'Etudes Françaises)
The lecture courses at the Centre Universitaire are taught by regular University professors.

University
Students whose language skills are sufficiently strong are encouraged to take courses in either Grenoble III (Langues et Lettres) or Grenoble II (Université des Sciences Sociales et Humaines). Work in mathematics or the sciences is usually not possible given the organization of the French university. Although it is impossible to tell in advance exactly which courses will be offered in a given year, the number and variety is comparable to what is found in any major American University.

Recent offerings have included the following courses:


Calendar

The following is a general calendar for the Program.
The specific dates will vary from year to year.

Fall semester
Orientation begins: Last week of August
Regular courses begin: Second week of September
Regular courses end: A few days before Christmas
Spring semester
Orientation begins: Second week of January
Regular courses begin: Beginning of February
Regular courses end: End of May
Vacations:
December: 2 weeks
February: 1 week
Easter: 1 or 2 weeks


La Chartreuse

For more information about France and Grenoble, consult the following:

Google


Address all correspondence to:

Ms. Eleonore Baginski
Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA 19081-1390
FAX: (610) 328-7769
Phone: (610) 328-8143
ebagins1@swarthmore.edu

Download and print the application (pdf file)

Swarthmore College does not discriminate in education or employment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national origin, or handicap. This policy is consistent with relevant governmental statutes and regulations, including those pursuant to Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Inquiries may be referred to the College's Equal Opportunity Officer, Swarthmore College, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081.
June 1996

Photo of Grenoble: Erika Johansen
Webmaster: cnetter1@swarthmore.edu
Last updated: March 2002