Grenoble Ecole de Management

I spoke French more or less fluent before going to Grenoble and left speaking teh language alost as a native. To me this was a fulfillment of a personal goal and I was very happy to learn finer aspects of the French language. In general, the French appreciate the effort you make to speak their language and are most of the time very helpful and try to understand you when you struggle a bit or or is on a beginner level. The most important thing to the French is that you try to communicate in their language.

Open a French bank account. Do your shopping in "grandes surfaces" such as Carrefour, the prices are lower and it is worth the effort. plus they have EVERYTHING you need, and then I really mean everything!!

For you ski lovers, this is your Mekka! Grenoble is a great place to be and it is easy to get around. For instance, it is the capital of the Alps, Italy is a 2 or 3 hour drive away, so is Geneva, Switzerland. Paris is 3 hours and Lyon is 1 hour away by train. These are only examples, there are lots of possibilities. A tip is to get the "Carte 12-25" if you're under 25, you get up to 50% off on train fares and there are also other advantages. Before you leave, make sure you have all the papers you can think of plus several copies. You will need them in France as it has a bureaucratic and paper-loving administration. The school explains you what to do and where to go in order to get your visa, which is very important. Also you must register with the Caisse d'Allocations Familiales, it is worth the pain and effort: you get money back on your rent! A really nioce bonus that helps on your budget!!

At ESCG the two events not to miss is the Integration Weekend and the Gala. Student associations organise soirées and parties all the time, as well as other schools' student associations. Brilliant way to get to know people. In Grenoble, there are 5 night spots to mention: Les 3 Canards, le Couche-Tard, London Pub and of cousre Le SAXO and le Vertigo (open until 05 am). Everything within walking distance. In the outskirts of town there are much bigger night clubs but they are more expensive + you need a ride! The National Music Festival on June 21st is an event not to miss, it is all over the country with music, concerts, and people everywhere!

ESCG can help you to get a place to live and it didn't seem to be a problem. I got my studio from a list the university had sent me prior to my departure from home.