Take advantage of the unique flavor Grenoble has to offer. CEA offers a variety
of local immersion activities to match your interests. Whether you enjoy music
concerts, clubs, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges or something
entirely different, our resident staff can help you get involved in the local
culture. Here are just some examples.
RERS
RERS or Réseau d’ Exchanges Réciproques de Savoirs, is a neighborhood program run by the local social center. In order to facilitate exchanges between different cultures and backgrounds, RERS matches a student’s skills with another member looking to exchange what they know. For example, English lessons may be exchanged for French lessons or cooking lessons.
University - sponsored French/international exchange and Cultural Events
This program helps students get in touch with French LEA (Langue étrangères appliquées- Applied Foreign Languages) and LCE (Langue et civilisation étrangère-Foreign civilization and language) students through email, as well as organizing international meals, dances, and weekend mountain hikes. Supplemental fees may apply.
Cooking lessons
Your first French cooking lesson is included among the immersion opportunities offered in Grenoble. Local Chef Christelle Berteau-Nicol welcomes small groups (6 maximum) to her kitchen, where she shares her extensive knowledge of traditional French recipes. The results are then enjoyed with the chef and her family at an informal French dinner. Bon appétit!
Wine and Cheese Introduction
This popular event introduces you to a few (among hundreds!) of the possible combinations of French cheeses and wines. For example, learn which wine best goes with the local “bleu de Vercors” or which cheese goes well with Champagne.
Gastronomic Adventure
Now is the chance to finally get over that fear of new and "unusual" foods! After this evening of sharing and experimenting, you'll be able to boast to your friends and family at home how you actually ate... well, we'll leave the rest to your imagination.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities in Grenoble are a good way to become immersed in the local culture and language and are offered through a variety of associations. The list below, though not exhaustive, offers you the possibility to improve your language skills, meet new people, help those less fortunate, and promote good-will between people of different nationalities and cultures.
- Les Restos du Coeur - Helps the homeless, providing meals and clothing.
- Secours Catholique - Helps the under-privileged throughout the city and region. They may also need administrative help or help with English lessons.
- Amnesty International
- Ecole de la Paix - Volunteers needed to help with reception, administrative work, and translations.
- Centre Régional d’ Information Jeunesse - This youth information center often has contact with organizations needing volunteers. It is also a good place to go if you need extra maps, directions, schedules of events, etc.
