e3 French Alps

City: Grenoble Country: France

Overview

The University of Alberta’s e3 French Alps program offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to study and work abroad in the stunning French Alps. With e3, you get to design your journey by blending academic courses, real-world work experience, and unforgettable cultural adventures—all in one incredible location.

Whether you're seeking to boost your resume, immerse yourself in French culture, or explore the great outdoors, e3 French Alps gives you the freedom and flexibility to create an experience uniquely yours.

e3 French Alps combines:

French language study
Academic coursework
Internship placement (work or research)

_{"Yes, I would absolutely recommend this program to other students. This is a great opportunity to understand other cultures and to be better informed about global issues. The modules in the program are helpful in terms of language learning, assisting with language barriers, and giving us the experience of working in our fields abroad through the internship" e3 French Alps participant}

When Can I Go?

Terms Offered: Spring, Summer

U of A Application Status: Open
Deadline: Feb. 10, 2026

e3 Internships: Nov. 17, 2025

Dates & Duration: May - August

Varies by course selection, see below.

Eligibility Requirements

Open to: All Faculties

Level: Undergraduate

GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in the terms with your 24 most recently completed credits, faculty-specific requirements or partner university requirements, whichever is highest

See more detailed Eligibility.

Fees & Costs

Nomination Fee: $250

PROGRAM COST: LINK Fee Explanation

Fees are subject to change without notice. Students are responsible for their own travel, visa fees, insurance, books and supplies, food, entertainment, and incidental expenses.

Other Expenses: Housing, food, entertainment, etc.

Budget Calculator: Cost of Living Calculator

Program Information

Language of Instruction: English, French

All students taking French language courses under e3 French Alps will be required to take an online language placement test proctored by CUEF to assess and determine the level of study at UAlberta and the corresponding level in France. To ensure success in the requested course abroad, it is strongly recommended that students present at least a B- in the previous level. Students can take a *3 French course in one session or *6 over two sessions.

_{**FREN 297 - FRAN 216 for Campus St. Jean students. CSJ students must speak to their academic advisor about how this course fits into their program.}

Module 1 (Language): French 111, 112, 211, 212, 297

Dates

Session 2: June 1 - 26, 2026

Session 3: June 29 - July 24

Course description: From FREN 111 - Beginners' French 1 to FREN 297 - Advanced French 1, all courses are U of A courses taught abroad by our Université Grenoble Alpes partner (CUEF)—no need for credit transfer.

Module II: Academic Course 1 - ANTHR 332: Anthropology of Science

Dates: May 4 - 22, 2026

Course Description:

Explore how science is shaped by culture—and how culture is shaped by science—in one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs. Set in Grenoble, France, this course introduces students to the anthropology of science and technology through seminars, ethnographic fieldwork, and local observation. Students will investigate how research institutions, everyday life, and community identity intersect in a city known for its high concentration of laboratories and tech industries. Combining theoretical readings with experiential learning, the course invites participants from both the social sciences and STEM disciplines to uncover the human dimensions of scientific practice and knowledge creation.

Instructor Bio:

Dr. Mirjana Uzelac is an instructor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Alberta whose research and teaching focus on the intersections of science, technology, and culture. She has extensive experience leading ethnographic fieldwork and has previously co-led international field schools exploring how scientific practice shapes social life. Dr. Uzelac’s courses examine how knowledge is produced, circulated, and embedded in everyday experience. Drawing on her expertise in the anthropology of science and her background in interdisciplinary education, she encourages students to think critically about how scientific innovation and local culture influence one another in global contexts.

Module II: Academic Course 2: HADVC 3XX - Sites of Display: Art, History, and Heritage in Grenoble

Dates: May 11 - 29, 2026

Course Description

This course explores how museums, parks, and heritage sites tell stories through visual display. Set in Grenoble, a city rich in cultural and scientific history, students will visit diverse sites, from 18th-century natural history collections to revolutionary art museums, industrial heritage spaces, and contemporary art exhibitions. Through guided visits, discussions, and readings, participants will analyze how curatorial choices shape meaning, identity, and public experience. With every class held on-site, this fully experiential course develops visual literacy and critical thinking skills while examining how histories of collecting, education, and tourism continue to influence the modern museum.

Instructor Bio

Dr. Lianne McTavish is a Professor in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Alberta, specializing in the history and theory of museums, visual culture, and material display. Her research examines how exhibitions shape knowledge, identity, and public engagement, with a particular focus on the politics of display in both historical and contemporary contexts. In Grenoble, Dr. McTavish leads students on an immersive exploration of museums, parks, and heritage sites, analyzing how visual strategies and curatorial choices reflect shifting cultural values. Her experiential teaching approach encourages students to think critically about how art, science, and history are represented and experienced.

Module III (Internship with language or academic class)

Dates: May-August*

*Dates approved by internship provider and vary based on host organization

ENSURE YOU HAVE ENROLLED IN A LANGUAGE OR ACADEMIC CLASS BEFORE STARTING THE INTERNSHIP PROCESS.

Upload a preliminary résumé with your initial application so our team can better understand your skills, interests, and potential placement options.

Housing

Students can stay at Résidence Houille Blanche de Grenoble near campus during Module I (French language) and Module II (Academic Course). Houille Blanche will be available for students attending classes in the Spring and Summer terms. For students arriving in June, watch for details of other options as well.

If an internship is based in Grenoble, housing may also be available for Module III (internship).

NOTE: You must request to be booked through Education Abroad if you want to stay with our e3 French Alps housing provider. Students are welcome to find their own housing if they choose.

_{"I enjoyed the French language learning experience at CUEF. The class sizes were small (5-15 students), and the professors were able to focus on each of us individually. Once a week, we had field trips where we learnt about the culture and history of the city."} _{e3 French Alps Participant}