Bonjour ! Je m’appelle Kat Binns, and I am a sophomore
French major the U of A. I chose to study abroad with API (Academic Programs
International) in Grenoble for the Spring 2016 semester – which was the best
decision ever.
Grenoble is situated
in the southeastern part of France, surrounded by the ever so beautiful Rhone
Alps, and is 6 hours from Paris or Nice – or 3 hours from the Swiss or Italian
borders! Though Paris was tempting to choose as a study abroad destination, Grenoble
was by far the superior choice. Having spent about 4 days in Paris for API
orientation, I got to know the city a bit and saw all of the things people are
supposed to see. I was a bit disappointed; people were snobbish, there was a
lot of air pollution, everything was tourist-oriented with no authentic
feeling, yada yada.
Though Grenoble is a bigger city full of excitement and
things to do, it had a very small-town feeling – which was exactly what I was
looking for. It is a college town, so there is a heavy student population and a
big nightlife scene with a lot of cool events (like concerts, carnivals,
etc.). And it has the best food! Each
region of France has their own specialties, and being in the Dauphinois region
(the dukes of autrefois called themselves the “dauphins” or “dolphins”) the
Grenoblois make a mean gratin dauphinois – not to mention the heavy Italian
influence (ravioles!) and their many farmers’ markets (ancient vegetables!).
Needless to say that I was spoiled with food by my host family.
Host families. If ever given the choice in France, you
should stay with one. It really is the best way to integrate yourself into
French culture and society, and you get the meilleures connections. My family
showed me all of the best restaurants, gardens, and views, in addition to
places I should avoid at night or just avoid period. They also introduced me to
the locals, brought me with them to museums and on trips, and taught me about
French culture and values – while also helping me with my homework, grammar,
and speaking skills. I would have to say that they were my favorite teachers.
Interesting things to know before coming to France:
- Most of the public bathrooms are unisex, with squat toilets, and aren’t always free.
- It’s considered rude and insulting if you do not finish your food.
- Going barefoot around the house is a no-no, wear slippers (or shoes if there’s company).
- If your destination is under an hour away, it’s walking distance.
- If you’re not handicapped or pushing a stroller, don’t use an elevator.
- The first floor is not the ground floor. It’s the next flight up.
- Colored toilet paper!
- Whether you’re at a restaurant or the kitchen table, pour water for others before yourself.
- There’s no shame in having a glass of wine at any time of the day. It really is 5 o’clock somewhere.
- It’s “non, merci” not “non”.
- Say “bonjour” everywhere and to everyone. I.e. the store, the bus, when asking someone for directions, etc.
- Learn to bob and weave. People do not move for you and they will mow you down.
- Be on the lookout for cars, because they do not look for you and traffic laws are a joke.
- If you can, avoid driving in France. There are roads that pop up out of nowhere, basically no speed limits, a lot of tolls, no lanes most of the time, and no fear of scraping bumpers or doors. They get close.
- If you really want to see the town and culture, you have to get lost. Pick a street you haven’t been down and start walking randomly. Just make sure you have the Google Maps app or a good sense of direction to find your way back!
- Prepare to be a little disappointed with the music and cinema. Over half of both are American.
- Understand that the French love to protest. There’s a system to it. First, they organize and energize the protestors, then they shut down public transport (no trams or buses, usually!), spray paint the ATMs, and finally they are ready to talk to their bosses about what they are upset about.
- If people find out you speak English, then they will try to practice their skills on you. This can be helpful if you’re having trouble, but also frustrating if you’re trying to immerse yourself and improve your language skills. Sometimes you have to politely say, “Merci, mais je préférerais de parler en francais, s’il vous plaît. “
- When you get homesick, because you will, go exploring and see or do things you could only experience in France. Or eat European chocolate.
Below is some of the street art from Grenoble!
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Don't miss out on your chance to study abroad! Find out more about the API program in Grenoble at https://www.apistudyabroad.com/programs/france/grenoble/
Search for additional study abroad opportunities in over 50 countries at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
