Grenoble alps university catering students. "The volume of work and the quality of exams are not comparable." Perm student about life and study in France. Advantages of studying in France

Since September 2007, the Faculty of Economics of the RANEPA and the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade (VAVT) provide their students with the opportunity to receive distance education at the Faculty of Economics of the Pierre Mendes France University, now the University of Grenoble Alpes (France).

About the University of Grenoble Alps

The University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is located in the city of Grenoble (southeast of France), which is a major industrial, scientific and university center of the French Alps region. The city has 54 thousand students, most of whom are students of the University of Grenoble Alps.

The university was founded in January 2016 as a result of the merger of three Grenoble universities: the University of Pierre Mendes-France (University of Humanities and Social Sciences), Joseph Fourier University (University of Technology and Medicine), Stendhal University (linguistic sciences). The university has its roots in the University of Grenoble, founded in 1339 and one of the oldest universities in France.

Today the university provides the broadest educational opportunities in four areas: Art, Literature and Languages; Jurisprudence, Economics and Management; Humanities and Social Sciences; Natural Sciences, Technology and Medicine.

Key indicators of the university: 45 thousand students, of which 6 thousand are foreign students; 3 thousand teachers and researchers; 24 faculties, educational schools and institutes; 80 scientific laboratories; 653 partner universities in 80 countries of the world; 53 double degree programs. The university's budget is 450 million Euros. The developed infrastructure of the university campus includes 8 libraries, a dormitory system, 45 sports grounds and a swimming pool.

Due to the location of the university in the historical center of the region, which also has a rich recreational potential, education at the University of Grenoble Alps is accompanied by culture, sports, and tourism.

Recently, the University of Grenoble Alpes has been actively cooperating with universities in other countries on projects in the field of scientific cooperation, attracting scientific personnel, and implementing student mobility within the framework of the Erasmus + program.

About the Faculty of Economics of the University of Grenoble Alpes

The Faculty of Economics provides training in economics and management at all levels of higher education: bachelor, master, doctor. Provides distance learning in the field of economics and business administration. The presence of a qualified teaching staff, programs that meet modern international standards, as well as contacts with various enterprises contribute to the development of practical work skills and theoretical thinking.

About the Russian-French program

Students of the Faculty of Economics of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and the Russian Academy of Science and Technology, who have successfully completed two Bachelor's courses, have the opportunity to enter the French Bachelor's program in Economics and Management. Since some of the disciplines from the curricula of the bachelor's programs of the Faculty of Economics of the Academy are recognized by the French side, students immediately enter the second year (L2) of the Faculty of Economics of the UGA. The duration of study for undergraduate programs in Europe is three years. Therefore, a student who enrolled in the program simultaneously studies the academic disciplines of the last two years of the bachelor's degree at the EF RANEPA or VAVT (full-time education) and the UGA (remotely). Having successfully passed all the exams, the student thus receives two diplomas - RANEPA and UGA. The language of instruction for the University of Grenoble program can be either French or English - at the student's choice. The training program includes a one-week internship at the University of Grenoble Alpes.
Description and content of the training program for bachelors.

In the 2017-2018 academic year, similar programs are opened for the magistracy: the master's program "Management of organizations in the framework of international cooperation" (Master's program GODI) in the direction of "Economic development" and the master's program "Economic and statistical research" (Master's degree C2ES) in the direction of "Applied mathematics and informatics in the social sciences ”. Students begin their distance learning in the Master's program at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Grenoble Alpes in the second year of the Master's program at the Faculty of Economics, RANEPA or VAVT, the study lasts one year. During this time, preparations are underway for the defense of two master's theses - at a Russian university and at the UGA. As a result, upon graduation, the student receives two diplomas: a master's degree from the RANEPA or VAVT and a master's degree from the University of Grenoble Alpes.

At the beginning of April, a traditional study trip of students of the Russian-French bachelor's program to a partner university in Grenoble took place, in the framework of which students listen to lectures, visit enterprises, get to know French students, discover such regions of France as the Rhône Alpes, Savoie and Ile de France.

The results of the trip are presented in excerpts from the reviews of its participants-students of the Program.

Vladimir Azarov: There are cities that are not very well known, but having visited them once, I want to return there again and again. Grenoble turned out to be such a city for me. The biggest impression I have ever gotten from traveling is that of this study trip. The university campus, more like a country park and a botanical garden, the old city center, trams that seem to float through green meadows, +22 and constantly clear skies, and mountains, mountains, mountains ... But the most important thing is the feeling that, even though and quite a bit, but we were still French students. The classes were very interesting, especially the lectures on industrial and international economics, led by Faruk Ulgen; and although I had already seen him at an open lecture when he came to St. Petersburg, I was pleasantly surprised at how he engages students in the discussion of the topic and how expressively he tells even simple statistics. We also had two meetings with representatives of enterprises, at which we learned a lot: about how a hotel business can be built in France and how the government helps school graduates who did not receive higher education. In addition to staying in Grenoble, there were also Paris, Annecy, Lyon, Geneva and Montreux. And kilometers of landscapes outside the train window, separating them. Undoubtedly, only the best memories of this training internship will remain in the memory.

Svetlana Vernigor: Two months before leaving for the internship, I did not even imagine that the double degree program would give me a chance to get into a small heaven on Earth, both in the field of social life and in the field of education. Having visited France and the University of Grenoble-Alps, having worked with charismatic teachers, you realize that education has no boundaries and there is no limit to your possibilities in studying economics. The twelve days of the study trip have seriously broadened my horizons in the field of industrial economics, and in general in the field of European integration. The French professors we met have a special attitude towards how to present information to the student and special behavior during the lecture. Teacher Faruk Ulgen changed my traditional view of the flow of money in the global economy, saying only: “Now, listen me attentively and remember that great phrase for the whole your life. Money creates from nothing ". And this is not the only vivid example that I can give.

The cultural aspect of the trip is always important. The very word France recalls the smell of French perfume, the taste of the famous Camembert cheese, as well as the thought of the Eiffel Tower and the famous La Gioconda. It is not every day that you can see with your own eyes the great achievements of the whole world and taste French delicacies. And I am glad that I managed to combine business with pleasure.

Also, I would like to express my gratitude to partner universities (St. Petersburg State University of Economics and Grenoble-Alpes) for the formation of a double degree program, for an affordable chance to see the world and fill your "knowledge box" with experience, wise thoughts and, of course, European knowledge in the field of economics and management!

Evgeniya Khodosova: When I just entered the first year of the Russian - French bachelor's program (then, before the merger of the Grenoble universities, together with the University of Pierre Mendes France), I knew for sure that I would go on a study trip in the second year. For me, it was an opportunity not only to see the country as a tourist, but also to make the trip usefully, because the main purpose of the trip is to get to know the university, of which I am also a student. It all started with our arrival at the Grenoble train station, and immediately the city pleased us with good weather and beautiful views, which immediately set a good mood for all the remaining days. Our acquaintance with the university began with the educational campus, which looked more like a suburban, cozy house, which was very unusual compared to our multi-storey city-type academic buildings. In addition to us, children from other cities, such as Moscow, Kaliningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, who are also students of this program, took part in the study trip, it was very interesting to communicate with them and share their learning experience on this program. In addition to the usual lectures, we also had meetings with representatives of enterprises, which allowed us to learn from the inside the system of doing business in France. I would also like to note the uniqueness of this experience, which made it possible for at least a week to feel like a full-time European student and listen to lectures by French teachers. A pleasant addition was a visit to cities such as Annecy, Geneva and Paris.

Plotnikov Anton: The study trip to France was a very good experience. Grenoble is a cute town with a provincial flavor, quiet and bright. Since the trip is still educational, we studied most of the time in Grenoble. The trip rallied our team, allowed us to make new acquaintances, since besides us, representatives of similar programs from other cities of Russia came to Grenoble. In addition to Grenoble, we visited Annecy and Geneva, and the trip ended in Paris. Each city has its own charm, but I would like to study in Grenoble, because the teachers there are simply excellent, the lectures listened to were fascinating and interesting.

First, I would like to say about our University of Grenoble-Alpes and the lectures we have heard. Getting to know the French teachers was very helpful. Now, behind their names on textbooks, we see their faces and remember their lectures. Of course, we already knew Faruk Ulgen, Natasha Collett, and Alan Laurent, but this made it even more interesting to listen to them (and Farouk's lectures struck us, and he will forever remain out of competition, he spoke so openly, simply and a little philosophically about the economy, money and much more). All this, together with the picturesque views of Grenoble, its mountains, small streets, les boulangeries (bakeries) and the best la fromagerie (cheese factory) will remain in our hearts!

And, perhaps, the most important thing that we took away from this trip, we spoke French! And in one shop the salesman said that we have a very good pronunciation and that it was the best of praise! We mentally thanked our teacher of French a thousand times - Marina Aleksandrovna Kithatova.

And in conclusion, I would like to say a huge thank you to the leadership of the Program for the chances and opportunities that the Russian-French bachelor's program of St. Petersburg State University of Economics gives and which we do not intend to miss!

I am in my second year of Master's degree at the University of Grenoble-Alpes, at the Faculty of Foreign Languages ​​in the direction of "Russian Studies". My French history began back in 2014, when I was a second year student of Perm State National Research University at the Faculty of SIYAL (linguist-translator of the English language). I started learning French in my first year, and before that I had no idea about it at all. In the spring of 2014, our faculty offered to go to a language internship in Grenoble to learn French. I could choose the duration of the courses, and I decided to go for two weeks and combine my studies with a small trip to Europe.

Already in the third year, in the social network of our faculty, they wrote that a group was being recruited for the included education again in Grenoble. Since I was already there, I imagined how everything goes and how much it costs, I applied. It was necessary to pass the language proficiency test, have good academic performance and the absence of academic debts, write a letter of motivation. So I got a second time in Grenoble at the same university for a semester. We studied by exchange, attended the equivalents of our Perm disciplines.

After graduating from the University of Perm, I realized that I want to continue my studies in the magistracy. Since I wanted to have a European diploma, and I had the experience of studying in France, I decided to enter the magistracy there. This is how I ended up in Grenoble for the third time.

The building is named after the French writer Stendhal, who was born in Grenoble Photo: Veronika Araslanova

How much does it cost to live and study in France

In fact, France is much closer than we think, and living in France is not as expensive as it seems. There are many advantages here, for example, free training. Of the European countries, France is the most democratic in this regard. Of course, the training is conditionally free, because you still need to pay a fee, insurance, but this comes out at a penny for Europe. For this year of study, I paid about 500 euros, of which 217 euros - medical insurance, 183 euros - the cost of the master's program, 16 euros - fees to the Fund for Solidarity and the Development of Student Initiatives, 34 euros - for using the library, 23 euros - processing fee documents and 5.1 euros - medical prevention. You cannot live without insurance, you simply will not be admitted to the university. In addition, unexpected appendicitis without insurance can result in thousands of euros. There are also additional insurances. For example, there is so-called civil liability insurance, which will cover the costs if, for example, you broke a window at the university, or, while riding in the mountains, collided with a skier and caused him an injury. If this insurance is not available, all costs are borne by you, and in the potential case of a skier, you may also need to call a helicopter, which can completely deprive you of your livelihood.

University bill Photo: Veronika Araslanova

Life in Grenoble is, of course, different from life in Paris. In the regions, relatively cheap housing can be rented. For example, we lived in a hostel for 150 euros a month - these are just fabulous prices. In Paris, room prices can go up to thousands of euros per month. Even in the cheapest French hostels, a person always lives in a room alone, there is no such thing that several students share a room. Of course, a shared shower is not the most pleasant thing, but, compared to Russian hostels, everything is not bad there.

As for food, I was recently in Russia, saw the prices of food and was shocked. It seems to me that there were no such prices a year ago. It is believed that France is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, this is true. But now in Russia and in France the prices for basic products are practically the same, although in Russia there is a completely different standard of living and different salaries. This, of course, does not apply to delicacies, but for example, mozzarella, ricotta, mascarpone in France are much cheaper. You can buy these cheeses here for one euro, you will not find such prices for a quality product anywhere in Russia. When my parents and I counted expenses, we realized that in France I spend not much more than I would spend in Russia, the prices do not differ dramatically.

This breakfast costs about four euros. Photo: Veronika Araslanova

About the French education system

Here, from the school level, everything is different. First, school starts at three years old. It is not obligatory, but personally I do not know people who would refuse this step. From three to seven years old, children attend the école maternelle. The educational system of France is divided into four stages: elementary (5 years), secondary (4 years of college), high school (3 years of lyceum) and university (high school). Moreover, these are all completely different schools, they can be located in different buildings, districts and even cities. In many schools, classes are mixed after each year of study. Previously, it was a controversial moment for me, but now I understand that for children this is probably better than studying for 11 years in the same team. Since the students are constantly mixing, there is no such clannishness as in Russian schools. This helps newcomers a lot, because there are no established companies here, everyone has just met each other, and next year the team will change again. At the same time, there is no close relationship between people, as we have a "friend for life."

There is one more feature - here children are not forced to learn what they do not like. As part of my thesis, I conducted interviews with Russian emigrants. One of them told me that her daughter was finishing school, and the teachers were simply convincing them: if you don’t like physics, then you don’t need to study it, then you are talented in something else. They even write letters to parents asking them not to scold their children for bad grades. On the one hand, this is good, because a person chooses a profession for himself with his soul, but on the other hand, with this approach he does not receive basic knowledge and cuts off other opportunities for himself.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

At the university level, too, things are different. Unlike in Russia, higher education is not for everyone here. People do not have such a goal and need, many do not even think about it. Here people choose not a level of education, but a profession. For example, I know those who graduated from professional colleges and live and work great. Those who want to work as engineers or teachers, for example, receive higher education. But getting a high degree of education is not very profitable, because then you may simply not find a job. If I go to a store with a master's degree to get a job as a cashier, I will most likely be refused. They will say: Madam, you are too qualified for our position, we need people with a more suitable level of education.

There are universities and high schools in France, they are not the same thing. A university is a free education, it is not prestigious. This is for everyone who wanted and could. Higher schools are elite education. It is difficult to get into higher schools, the competition is huge and education there reaches 30 thousand euros per year and more. These are unaffordable sums for ordinary citizens, not everyone can afford such an education. Of course, after high schools, work and salary are of a completely different level. In Russia, there is a perception that the Sorbonne is a "wow". In fact, the Sorbonne is a state university, which anyone can enter if they have the necessary level of French and a sufficient level of education. Perhaps the selection there is a little stricter, but this is an ordinary university, not an elite educational institution.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

About studying at the University of Grenoble-Alpes

My specialty is Russian studies, in each subject we draw a parallel between Russia and France. The entire educational process is divided into three parts: general subjects, specific (for example, translation) and optional (these are additional disciplines that have nothing to do with my specialty). Common subjects are taught by the French, they are read in streams. The instructor either sets the milestones or simply conducts the final exam. I have never had control points. Usually the teacher lectures during the semester. By the way, a semester lasts 12 weeks, there are holidays in October and April, and at the end of May we take exams.

On the exam, students are given a specific topic on which to write an essay. Be sure to write your opinion, people like this very much. Usually exams are in writing, I only had one exam with an oral part. There are few couples in the master's program, because it is designed for people who are already working. We study geopolitics, translation, literature, history, economics. There is no strict control here, they ask a little, and no one will ask you why you didn’t do something. Bachelor's degree lasts three years, and bachelors have a lot of pairs, you need to spend the whole day studying. A lot of home writing work.

Audience Photo: Veronika Araslanova

In general, France is notable for its writing at all levels. They say that Russia is a bureaucratic country. But in France there are always problems with papers, documents are regularly lost, and they have to be sent ten times. This is a normal practice, no one freaks out about it. This specificity is French, they have a special attitude to documents.

If we compare my studies in Perm and Grenoble, then the volume of work and the quality of exams are not comparable. The teachers at PSNIU simply lived by this: each time, conducting a lesson, they seemed to try to give a part of themselves, their experience, they did not care. We were taught translation as a jewelry art, instilled the feeling that translation is like writing a new book, and we need to be very careful, every word must be verified. We tried to translate texts of any level, arguing about every word. And here the translation is word for word. If it is written like this, it means that we are translating exactly the same words into Russian. When I saw this, I was just shocked, because I was trying to interpret the texts, and not translate equivalents. And I got a low grade. I gave it up later and started working on assessment, not translation. In Perm we could arrange discussions, but here the teacher can say categorically: no, this is not so. At SIYAL, our teachers lived with this, but here many simply devote these hours.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

I have never heard of any extracurricular activities at our university. There are no student springs here, but sports are very developed. It is included in optional subjects - these are subjects that are not related to your specialty, but that interest you. You can practice fencing, swimming, Nordic walking, dancing, yoga, stretching, going to the gym. All this is free, for this they put a mark in the diploma. There are different levels: for debutants, for advanced students, for professionals. There is no university competition between different faculties. As for artistic activities, there are circles within the disciplines. For example, we have a Russian theater, they stage plays, sing folk songs and also receive a diploma for this.

If you want to do something outside the university, you need to join an association of interests, there are a lot of them here. In France, you cannot just go and pick mushrooms, you have to join the association of those who pick mushrooms, or create one. I'm not kidding, there really is such an association. To play tennis, it is imperative to join a tennis association. You pay a small membership fee and play tennis for free for a whole year. This is such a life. An association can be opened in one day, you just come to the mayor's office, submit your plans and register it. The mayor's office allocates free premises, so it is profitable to create associations, it makes life easier.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

About the attitude towards Russians

Here you will not surprise anyone with foreign students. At the university, I have never met any national hostility. I know that many people are learning Russian, the groups are full, young people are interested in it. When students find out that I am Russian, they try to speak something in Russian. But I know that things are different in France. Russian emigrants said that in the nineties and early 2000s in France there was a fear of "Russian wives".
It was believed that Russian women come to France to "screw up" the men and take their money. Some emigrants said that sometimes the French hear a Russian accent and ask again many times, as if they did not understand. Show their attitude like that. I don’t know what it’s connected with, I haven’t had such cases. In general, it seems to me that Russian students are treated much better than Russians of a different age and social status.

Literary Cafe Photo: Veronika Araslanova

The pros of living in France

1. Food variety. I am now very well versed in French cheeses, I can distinguish them by their smell. Parmesan used to be something special for me, but in France I just sprinkle it on pasta. This is a part of life that no longer evokes any special emotions. The products are available and varied.
2. The comfort of everyday life. For example, you can solve some questions by mail, you will most likely be answered by e-mail. No need to call and go somewhere. The post office works very quickly here, letters are delivered from one city to another in a maximum of three days. This is very impressive to me.
3. Nature. The place where I now live is the French Alps. Huge mountains, beautiful landscapes.
   When you study history in Russia, and when you are told about Ancient Rome, it seems that it is very far away. When you come here and go to the south of France, Ancient Rome is here. You see it, feel it, feel this story, you breathe it.
4. Politeness. Wherever you go, you will be greeted with a smile, shake hands and wish you a good day. This approach is especially valuable in medical institutions. I like that the doctor can contact you by phone or e-mail, discuss a problem, showing that he cares.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

Cons of living in France

1. The biggest shock awaited me when I arrived at the magistracy. I have always thought that Europe is advanced technology. But upon arrival, I found that the Internet is still here via a landline phone! Cable internet is only now developing, and when I arrived, only one company out of four provided it in my area! I love telling the French that my grandmother lives in a remote Russian village, but even she has cable internet and Wi-Fi.
2. Banking system. Another disadvantage that I could not get used to for a long time. There is no such thing that you transferred the money to the card, and they came right there. Translation usually takes about three days, and even longer on weekends. It's not very comfortable to live when you never know how much money you have on your card.
3. There are other things that shocked me a little less, but which are difficult to put up with - these are manifestations, security and hypocrisy. Demonstrations can happen for any reason and take the whole day down the drain. For example, because the transport just stopped walking. As for safety, I can say that I felt safer walking even in the darkest nooks of my native Ordzhonikidze district. Well, hypocrisy is striking after honest Russian residents who will not fail to express their feelings towards you. And here at all levels curtsies.

Advantages of studying in France

1. Freedom of choice. You can always agree with the teachers about changing the program. As such, there is no program written by the government. Maybe it is, of course, but we obviously neglect it. You can ask the teacher to teach a lesson on a specific topic. For example, the entire first semester was devoted to the 1917 revolution, which was clearly not part of any program.

Library building Photo: Veronika Araslanova

Cons of studying in France

1. Poor quality of education. We [at PSNIU] still have a slightly different level. Everything here rests on the wishes of the students themselves. In Russia, whether you want or not, you will still learn at least something. The quality of teaching is, of course, not comparable. At PSNIU, teachers themselves are interested in the subject, but in Grenoble it is not always so. It seems to me that sometimes teachers here teach only because they need it, for example, for doctoral studies.
2. At PSNIU, our faculty and, in particular, the Department of Linguistics and Translation, in every possible way helped us to improve our language skills, offering various internships. We could go to the French universities of Grenoble and Pau, and even to a prestigious school of translators in Paris, every year students travel to China. I don't see this practice here. If you want to go somewhere - find, negotiate, go, but do not wait for help from the university.

Grenoble is a dynamic city with a history of innovation and entrepreneurship. Today, many global companies have settled here in order to implement research and innovation projects, among them such companies as: Airstar, STMicroelectronics, Schneider Electric, EDF, HPE-HP INC, Caterpillar, BD, Atos-Bull, GE Renewable Energy, Capgemini / Sogeti, Air Liquide, Soitec, ARaymond, Calor, Trixell, Teisseire, Petzl, Rossignol, Vicat, Radiall, etc. In such conditions, the University of Grenoble Alpes (Université Grenoble Alpes, hereinafter - UGA) is a university of innovations. It is one of the leading French research sites and is currently developing into an “integrated university”, bringing together all participants in higher education and research in Grenoble and its surroundings. CAA benefits from the presence of large European instruments in Grenoble and proximity to CERN (CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research). It lies at the heart of the development of the metropolis of the Grenoble Alps and its vibrant ecosystem, based on the close interaction between higher education, research and socio-economic structure. Grenoble is the 5th most innovative city in the world (Forbes, 2013), the second most innovative city in Europe (iCapitale, 2014), the first city in France in terms of the number of research jobs, with 7.1% of the population. working in R&D, and 20% in higher education, scientific research and R&D (AEPI), with more than 300 StartUps involved in public research projects and 7.7 patents per 10,000 inhabitants (highest in France, AEPI ). Surrounded by mountains, its campuses provide a decent quality of life and leading jobs. More than 9000 international students and annual visits of more than 8000 researchers from all over the world position the UGA as undeniably international. UGA is internationally renowned in many scientific fields, as evidenced by international rankings, a number of highly cited scientists and winners of the European Research Council. The awarding of the IDEX (Initiative of Excellence) label to the University of Grenoble Alpes in 2016, as part of its investment in the future, places CAA in the top ten (or so) of world-class French research universities. SPbSEU implements several educational programs for bachelor's and master's degrees with the University of Grenoble-Alpes (see, in particular,) University Grenoble Alpes (UGA) Nestled in the heart of the Alps, The University Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is located in the city of Grenoble. Grenoble is the arrival point of the Napoleon Route, a historic route that runs up from Cannes on the National Road 85, and in the vicinity of the major ski resorts, but also of Switzerland and Italy. Grenoble is the 5 th most innovative city in the world (Forbes 2013), 2nd most innovative city in Europe (iCapitale 2014), 1 st city in France by number of jobs related to research; with 7.1% of the population working in R&D, and 20% in the higher education and research and R&D sectors (AEPI), with 300 startups stemming from public research, 7.7 patents for 10,000 inhabitants (highest ratio in France, AEPI). Grenoble is also the city of global corporations such as: Airstar STMicroelectronics, Schneider Electric, EDF, HPE-HP INC, Caterpillar, BD, Atos - Bull, GE Renewable Energy, Capgemini / Sogeti, Air Liquide, Soitec, ARaymond, Calor, Trixell , Teisseire, Petzl, Rossignol, Vicat, Radiall. Located in such an amazing environment, the Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is a multidisciplinary institution that hosts almost all higher education programs, and academic and applied research fields, and welcomes a large number of students and researchers from many countries around the world. The UGA is a hub for human and scientific cultures and offers specific tools for extraordinary people such as high-level sportswomen and men, high-level artists, student-entrepreneurs, disabled persons, etc. The Université Grenoble Alpes is a major player in higher education and research in France. As the world is becoming more and more competitive, the UGA aims to face the challenges the world poses universities today and in the future, and to be more visible and attractive internationally. The UGA houses numerous research laboratories linked to the major prestigious research institutions such as the CEA, CNRS, Inserm, Inria. The CEA 1 st and CNRS 5 th in the 2016 ranking of the most innovative research organizations worldwide (Reuters), and the UGA 84 th most innovative university in the world (Thomson Reuters 2015). The Univ. Grenoble Alpes already features in the top 100 and top 200 universities in major international rankings (Reuters, Shanghai, Times Higher Education and QS) for some of its scientific fields. The UGA rivals the best universities in the world thanks to the strength of its research and the numerous educational innovations it has implemented. The UGA in facts: - A budget of 450 million euros; - 500,000 m2 of buildings on 12 sites spread across 6 departments; - A landscaped campus of 175 hectares; - 45,000 students; - 9000 students from abroad; - 8000 researchers from abroad; - 5,800 staff including 3,000 lecturers and research professors and 2,500 administrative and technical staff; - 23 faculties, schools and institutes; - 80 Research centers and laboratories; - 14 Laboratories of Excellence (research projects backed as part of France's Investments for the Future program). UGA's research addresses key societal challenges. Research activities are divided into six centers: * Arts, Literature, Languages; * Humanities and Cognitive and Social Sciences; * Chemistry, Biology and Health; * Mathematics and Information & Communication Sciences and Technologies; * Physics, Engineering and Materials; * Particle Physics, Astrophysics, Geosciences, Environmental Studies and Ecology; * Legal, Political, Economic and Territorial Sciences, Sociology and Management.

Description

About UGA

The University of Grenoble Alps (UGA, French: University of Grenoble Alps) is a public university in Grenoble, France. It is the third largest university in France with approximately 45,000 students and over 3,000 researchers.

Founded in 1339 as the University of Grenoble, it was split in the 1970s following changes in French politics, only to be reunited again in 2016 under the name “University of Grenoble Alps”.

UGA is traditionally renowned for its research and education in natural sciences and technology, as well as law, linguistics and psychology. It is often referred to as one of the best and most innovative universities in Europe.

The university is organized around two closely spaced urban campuses: the Domaine Universitaire of 175 hectares in Saint-Martin-d'Eré and the GIANT campus of 250 hectares in Grenoble. UGA also owns and operates facilities in Valencia, Chambery, Les Houches, Villard-d. Arne, Mirabelle, Eschirole, La Tronce and Guire.

Grenoble is one of the largest scientific centers in Europe. It houses the facilities of all existing public research institutions in France. This allows UGA to have hundreds of research and training partnerships, including close collaboration with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the French Commission for Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy (CEA). Overall, Grenoble as a city is the largest research center in France after Paris with 22,800 researchers.

Grenoble is also renowned for the excellence of its scientific research in the humanities and political sciences. The University of the Grenoble Alps, along with public research institutions, has some of the largest research centers in France in the fields of political science, urban planning or the sociology of organizations.

History

UGA history

Early history (1339-1800)

The University of Grenoble-Alps was founded on May 12, 1339 by Humbert II Venyoni, the last independent ruler of the Dauphiné (State of the Holy Roman Empire), teaching civil and canon law, medicine and the humanities. p>

Humbert's actions were inspired by his grandson Robert, King of Naples, in whose royal court Humbert spent his youth. King Robert, known as the Wise, artfully developed Naples from a small port to a lavish city and had a reputation as a cultured man and a generous patron of the arts, friends with great minds such as Petrarch, Boccaccio and Giotto. p>

Such a rich experience contributed to Humbert's intention to establish a university in his own state, and for this he visited Pope Benedict XII to obtain the papal bull's approval.

Humbert cared deeply for his students, offering generous help, protection, and even providing a hundred of them with free housing. Humbert's financial losses during the Smyrniot Crusades, the Black Death, and the Dophini's affection for France significantly reduced the activity of the university leading to its closure, as the small mountain town was unable to sustain its activities on its own. It was rediscovered again by Louis XI of France in 1475 in Valencia under the name University of Valencia, and the original university was rebuilt in Grenoble in 1542 by Francis de Bourbon, Count of St. Paul. The two universities were finally reunited in 1565. At this point, Grenoble was an important center of legal practice in France. Unsurprisingly, legal practice has been at the center of university education.

The French Revolution, focusing on ending the inherited privilege, resulted in the suppression of most universities in France. For revolutionaries, universities represented the bastions of corporatism and established interests. Moreover, the lands owned by the universities and used to support them were a source of wealth and were therefore confiscated as property belonging to the Church.

Modern era (1800-1968)

In 1805-1808 Napoleon restored the faculties of law, letters and science. The Bourbon Restoration temporarily suppressed the Letters and Law Faculties, but from the 1850s onwards, the university expanded rapidly.

The development of science at the university was spearheaded by the transformation of Grenoble from a regional center to a major supplier of industrial motors and electrical equipment in the 1880s. The faculties were officially opened as the University of Grenoble in 1879 in the newly built Place de Verdun. In 1930, there were about 3,000 students.

Recent history (1968 to present)

After the riots among university students in May 1968, a reform of French education took place. The Orientation Act (Loi d "Orientation de l" Enseignement Superieur) of 1968 divided the old faculties into smaller entities, reduced the powers of the Ministry of Education, and created smaller universities with strengthened administrations.

Thus, sharing the fate of all French universities in the 1970s, the University of Grenoble was divided into four institutions. Each university had different areas of study concentration, and the faculties were divided as follows:

• Medical University of Grenoble), which in 1987 was renamed the University of Joseph Fourier (UJF) for Science, Health and Technology,
• The University of Economics and Law, which in 1987 was renamed the University of Pierre Mendes-France (UPMF) for the Social and Human Sciences,
  • Grenoble Institute for Policy Studies, affiliated with UPMF and focused on political science,
• University of Languages ​​and Letters, which was renamed Stendhal University in 1987, for Arts and Languages,
• Grenoble Institute of Technology (Grenoble-INP) for engineering.

On January 1, 2016, the first three institutions were reunited to restore the original common institution called the University of the Grenoble Alps. Although Grenoble-INP remains independent, it is an active member of the University of Grenoble-Alpes community and works closely with the university not only on research projects, but also through laboratory exchange, offering mutual courses and trainings for students and researchers, etc. . p>

Requirements for applicants

Requirements for international students in France

There are world-famous universities in France. The application process for international students is the same as for French students, but it is necessary to contact the Etude in France platform and the regional office of Campus France (the government agency responsible for promoting higher education and managing admission and international student mobility).

Higher education institutions in France are universities and "grandes écoles". The Grandes écoles are the most respected in the French education system. In order to enter, you must pass exams. Educational institutions in France are small, as are the groups. Universities accept both graduates and bachelors, and it is also easier to apply there.

It is important to note that French and international students must complete the application process as well as provide all required documents. Students are eligible for scholarships and other financial aid from the government of France.

Accreditations

Rating

Global National

Student life

Student life @UGA

the cost of living

Expected costs upon arrival

• Security deposit for accommodation (caution): equivalent to one month's rent.
• Health insurance (215 € for students)
• Home insurance: the cost depends on the type of home. You should expect between € 20 and € 80 per year.
• OFII Fiscal Stamp to regulate your stay in France: 58 € if you have a "student" visa.
• Various other expenses (study materials for universities, options and conditions for your accommodation, opening a bank account).

Basic monthly expenses

• Accommodation:
  • Student residence (CROUS): from 200 to 600 € per month.
  • In a mansion: from 450 to 600 € per month.
  • Apartment of 20 m2 in the city: average price: from 400 to 500 € per month.
  • Electricity and gas costs: about 50 € per month
  • Water: about 15 € per month
• Telecommunications: Purchase of a mobile phone with a SIM card and an Internet subscription: about 30 € per month
• Transport:
  • Local transport (tram and bus): 15 or 54 € per month depending on your age (Grenoble).
  • Bicycle rental: up to 25 € per month (Grenoble)

Daily expenses

• Midday meal in the restaurant: 10-14 €
• "Baguette": 1 €
• Food at the university restaurant: 3.25 €
• Coffee in a bar or cafe: 1.50 €
• Beer: 3 €
• Cinema ticket: from 6 to 11 €

Nutrition

French cuisine is known for its sophistication and sophistication. Each region has its own specialties, which are part of the French cultural heritage. In the Rhône-Alpes region, you can enjoy the delights of duck daphiniasis (a special easy-to-prepare potato dish), ravioli (a local form of cheese-filled ravioli pasta), diet (special savoy sausages), latte aux noix (an area around Grenoble that is world center of walnuts!) so as not to forget the famous Savoy vines (from the vineyards on the hillsides near Chambery). The French usually eat three meals a day. They eat breakfast when they get up and then lunch between 12 and 2 pm. (when many shops and workplaces are closed!) and don't have dinner around 7-8pm.

Meals in university restaurants

University restaurants, commonly referred to as Restos U "or RU", are the most economical solution for wholesome and balanced meals. These restaurants and cafeteria, operated by CROUS, are open to all members of the university community, Monday through Friday mid-afternoon and evenings, as well as some of them. Payment must be made with a Moneo card, but some also accept cash.
If you are a salaried doctoral student, you can eat at a university staff restaurant and you should inquire about your human resources where such staff restaurants are available. If you are a salaried doctoral student seconded to a research institution, you should inquire about your human resources, if there is a staff restaurant and how you can access it.

Food in the city

If you want to eat, you have a choice: cafes, sandwich bars, fast food restaurants, beer restaurants (bar-style restaurants), etc. Regular prices can range from € 4 for a sandwich to € 25 for a full meal ( first course, main course, dessert), but you can pay much more at the best restaurants in Grenoble. You should note that many restaurants are closed on Sunday.

Basket

If you have cooking facilities at your residence, you will find many food shops near campuses. But remember that most of them will be closed on Sundays. You should also discover the many open-air markets that are located in city squares in most areas, usually from 7 am to 1 am. They are good for buying fresh produce: fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, etc.

Uni services

UGA services

It goes without saying that mountains and gorgeous streets have a role to play in the life of any student studying in Grenoble, but culture is no less for everyone. On campus, in particular, there are many inspiring cultural events thanks to a large number of dedicated and creative stakeholders. Lots of cultural facilities on site with initiatives and activities all year round, leaving students spoiled for choice!

UGA, your cultural stakeholder

Got an idea for a cultural activity or was fond of participating in it? The Department of Culture and Scientific and Technical Culture can help and advise you.

It provides university culture organizers with projects with the human, financial and technical resources they need to create and rehearse in the highest performing arts of the University of Grenoble Alpes: l "Amphidice. P>

Sport

No other university boasts the close proximity of three massive mountain ranges and natural parks (Belledonna, Chartreuse and Vercors) and the proximity of the highest mountain peaks in the western Alps (Mont Blanc, Vannoise range and Ecrins). This wonderful place is unique and this means that mountain sports and winter sports play a special role in the lives of many students and staff of the University of Grenoble. You must take advantage of this - and join!

"Culture Bureau" at the University of Guatemala Guatemala

In Grenoble, the Bureau for Culture and Student Initiatives has its main mission to promote and support student-run cultural projects. With its office at Espace Accueil Information, in the center of the campus, its staff will be happy to advise you on:

• What "s On" in cultural events of interest to all students: The Bureau publishes a small booklet monthly called Un Tramway nommé.
• Student clubs and art associations (eg choral groups, musical instrumental groups).
• What "s On" in off-campus and local recreational and cultural activities.

The Bureau also organizes visits to the campus with its many works of art and invites performing artists to meet students.

Learning French in Grenoble

Le Center Universitaire d "Études Françaises (CUEF)

This university center for the study of French (commonly known as le CUEF) is a department of the University of the Alps de Grenoble. He organizes courses and trainings throughout the year (and especially in the summer) for foreigners who come to study in Grenoble. The main goal is to develop oral and written knowledge in the language, as well as knowledge of French culture and civilization. Three types of courses are offered:

• Monthly courses: Intensive courses with a focus on improving your writing skills.
• Semester courses: in French and French.
• Specially designed courses: adaptation to a French university; preparation for the university (new course); preparation for the DELF diploma (diploma of higher education) and the DALF diploma (Diplome approfondi de langue francaise).

Le Center d "apprentissage en autonomie (CAA)

This offline language learning center is open to anyone looking to start learning a language or improve their language skills. You can decide how much time you want (or can) devote to it and fix your own schedule. There are two possibilities for learning French as a foreign language:

• Fully self-directed learning process for those who want to work independently using the course methods and audio, video and multimedia materials provided by the Center.
• Self-learning process with monitoring and guidance for those looking to receive personalized help from a teacher or monitor who sets the program and follows the student's progress in meetings throughout the year, defining learning goals.

Why choose us?

Why Choose Grenoble Alps University?

The university offers great resources for international students, faculty and staff, while Grenoble offers an unrivaled quality of life.

The University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is one of France's leaders in higher education and research. A comprehensive global university, UGA hosts approximately 45,000 students annually in its high-quality academic programs and maintains 80 research centers across all disciplines.

High quality academics

UGA offers a wide range of programs at undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels, open to all students regardless of nationality. We also offer a range of programs taught in English as well as many innovative programs that prepare students to study and work in the global marketplace.

UGA is an excellent choice for short-term programs: students from our exchange partners can study abroad with us for a semester or full year, and the UGA Summer School combines high-quality scientific training with a variety of external, cultural and linguistic activities.

Innovation and Research

As an international leader in pure and applied research, UGA also has a unique innovation environment. Our researchers benefit from ties to a thriving local community of international business and industry, especially in the scientific and high-tech fields. We can also partner with major European research centers located in and around Grenoble to deliver outstanding results.

Campus life

Located on a 175 hectare self-contained campus, UGA offers a wide range of activities for students, faculty and staff. Community members can volunteer, engage in arts and culture, or participate in one of 35 different sports - there is something for everyone. International students can also join the university's affiliated student international student association, IntEGre.