France: Business Semester in Grenoble with GEM
This program is ideal for students majoring in business-related fields.
Grenoble is a beautiful city located in southeast France and has plenty of museums, outdoor activities, and local restaurants to experience. The city is located in the heart of the French Alps, which offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Grenoble is known for its arts scene as well as numerous festivals taking place throughout the year. Past participants have also traveled throughout France and Europe in their free time.
The Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) has a student body of around 6,900 students of which around 2,500 are international students. Course options include: international business, general business studies, economics, marketing, management, French language, finance, international communication, public relations and more. This exchange program welcomes both undergraduate and graduate students for a semester, year, or short summer programs. Due to the high number of international students, participants can expect to have classes with French students, and other international students. This program will help to expand your networks to those who will become future leaders in business and industry around the world.
Courses are offered in English and French. The program also offers a unique Trilingual Program (English, Spanish, and French) for undergraduate students proficient in all three languages.
GEM Guide for international students
GEM Website for Exchange Students
GVSU's partner universities are largely independent programs; prospective participants should carefully consider if this form of study abroad suits their needs before registering. These partnerships allow students to experience a more independent international study abroad, but also require students to have a high level of flexibility and the ability to navigate much of the program independently. Those who prefer additional support may wish to consider other study abroad options such as external study abroad providers and our faculty-led options.
Partnership
GPA Requirement
3.0 Undergraduate
3.0 Graduate
3.0 Undergraduate
3.0 Graduate
No Language
Requirement
Requirement
Issue Friendly
Graduate
Program Dates and Application Deadline
Fall 2023
Estimated Program Dates: September 2023 - December 2023
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023
(Closed)
Academic Year 2023 (Fall 2023-Winter 2024)
Estimated Program Dates: September 2023 - May 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023
(Closed)
Winter 2024
Estimated Program Dates: January 2024 - May 2024
Application Deadline: September 1, 2023
Courses
GVSU undergraduate and graduate students may apply for any of the GEM exchange programs. Additionally, students in their 4th year may be eligible to apply for Masters Year 1 programs. GEM has strict program pre-requisites that applicants must meet in order to receive approval for participation. Interested students are encouraged to contact Ehren Kuzekov [email protected] to determine eligibility.
PROGRAM OPTIONS:
Certificate in Global Management - Fall or Winter semesters
Bachelor in International Business - Year 2
Bachelor in International Business - Year 3 (requires you to have completed 90 credits of business coursework at GVSU)
Graduate Certificate in Global Management (for graduate students only)
Master in Management (for graduate students only)
For a list of ALL available courses and course descriptions, visit:
Note: Students should meet with a Seidman Advisor to review how courses taken at GEM will fulfill degree-requirements here at GVSU.
Pre-approved Courses: Other GVSU students have studied abroad at this partner institution. The button below will take you to a list of GVSU equivalencies they have received. PLEASE NOTE: This list indicates courses that have been previously approved. This is NOT a list of all available courses on this program.
Students registering for courses that have NOT been pre-approved will need to follow the course approval instructions: Course Approval Process
For information on fulfilling general education courses abroad, visit: General Education
Please note: Students are not allowed to mix courses offered by different programs. If you apply for Bachelor 2nd Year, you will only be allowed to take courses offered under that specific program.
Housing
The Grenoble School of Business provides assistance to students in finding off-campus housing. Students are responsible, however, for securing their own arrangements. Students find accommodation in nearby flats within a short distance from the institution. GEM staff will provide information to students on how to secure a housing placement. You can find more information on housing on the Student Services GEM page.
Local apartments will have kitchen access for students to prepare meals. Additionally, Grenoble offers numerous cafes and restaurants for one to enjoy French cuisine!
Past participants have recommended that students secure housing prior to arrival due to limitations on nearby housing placements. After submitting an inquiry, students are likely to receive many contacts with housing offers via email.
Cost and Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Seidman College of Business Study Abroad Scholarship: Seidman College of Business offers a study abroad scholarship for SCB majors who wish to participate in a qualified study abroad or international internship program. Awards are based on program costs and financial need.
International Exchange Grant ($1,500): Students are automatically considered when they apply to the program. Decisions will be made following the deadline for application. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 616-331-3898
Eligibility
Undergraduates must have a junior standing with completion of core business courses. Graduate students must be enrolled in an M.B.A program. Prior study of French language recommended, but not required. 3.0 GPA required.
Additional Information
Host University Website
http://en.grenoble-em.com/exchange-programs
Culture
Campus Life at Grenoble School of Management
When studying abroad, it is important to learn about the culture of your host country.
For information on music, food, language, news & more, view Cultural Information
Campus Info / Campus Life
GEM is made up of 3 schools:
ESC Grenoble offers courses in French.
GGSB (Grenoble Graduate School of Business) offers options for international students
GEM (Graduate School of Management) is primarily focused on master's level programs.
Past participants have indicated that it is easy to meet local students at GGSB if you make the effort. Most of the courses will have primarily international students, but a few students may be degree-seeking. A large percentage of the faculty are visiting faculty from all over the world which creates a very dynamic learning environment. Grenoble is just a short distance from restaurants and cafes. Additionally, students have easy access to other nearby cities or skiing in the alps! Previous participants have commented on how incredible the networking possibilities are through this program. GGSB brings together future business leaders from all over the world. Many of the participants become leaders in industry and serve as excellent professional contacts for the future.
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Visa Requirements
Students studying in France for more than 90 days are required to obtain a student visa. The process for securing a student visa is lengthy and requires students to first obtain approval through Campus France. Students should begin the Campus France application a minimum of 8 weeks prior to departure, however earlier application is highly recommended. Students must have acceptance from the host university before finalizing their Campus France application. Students will be required to travel to the VFS French Visa Processing Center for a visa appointment. The nearest processing center is in Chicago but students are welcome to schedule appointments at any of the VFS processing centers throughout the United States. Please review our student visa guide for France for important details regarding the application process.
CDC Report
US State Department Information
US State Department Country Information (France)
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
US Embassy in France - Location
US Department of State - Students Abroad
Guides
Exchange program general information
Reporting an Incident
Contact Information
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