Description

About UGA

The University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA, French: University of Grenoble Alpes) is a public university in Grenoble, France. It is the third largest university in France with approximately 45,000 students and over 3,000 researchers.

Founded in 1339 as the University of Grenoble, it was split in the 1970s following changes in French politics, only to reunite in 2016 under the name "University of Grenoble Alps".

UGA is traditionally known for its research and education in the sciences and engineering, as well as law, linguistics and psychology. It is often cited as one of the best and most innovative universities in Europe.

The university is organized around two closely spaced urban campuses: the 175-hectare Domaine Universitaire in Saint-Martin-d'Eray and the 250-hectare GIANT campus in Grenoble. UGA also owns and operates facilities in Valencia, Chambery, Les Houches, Villars d'Et. Arne, Mirabelle, Echirolle, La Tronche and Guire.

Grenoble is one of the largest scientific centers in Europe. It houses the facilities of all existing public research institutions in France. This allows UGA to have hundreds of research and teaching partnerships, including close collaborations with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the French Commission for Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy (CEA). Overall, Grenoble as a city is the largest research center in France after Paris, with 22,800 researchers.

Grenoble is also renowned for the excellence of its research in the humanities and political sciences. The University of Grenoble Alpes, along with public scientific institutions, has some of the largest research centers in France in areas such as political science, urban planning or the sociology of organizations.

Story

UGA History

Early history (1339-1800)

The University of Grenoble-Alpes was founded on May 12, 1339 by Humbert II Vignony, the last independent ruler of the Dauphiné (State of the Holy Roman Empire), teaching civil and canon law, medicine and the humanities. p>

Humbert's actions were inspired by his grandson Robert, King of Naples, in whose royal court Humbert spent his youth. King Robert, known as the Wise, skillfully developed Naples from a small port into a generous city and had a reputation as a man of culture and a generous patron of the arts, friends with such great minds as Petrarch, Boccaccio and Giotto. p>

This rich experience contributed to Humbert's intention to create a university in his own state, and for this he visited Pope Benedict XII to obtain the papal bull's approval.

Humbert cared deeply for his students, offering generous assistance, protection, and even providing free housing for a hundred of them. Humbert's financial losses during the Smyrniot Crusades, the Black Death and Dauphiny's attachment to France greatly reduced the activity of the university leading to its closure as the small mountain town was unable to support its activities on its own. It was again re-opened by Louis XI of France in 1475 in Valencia under the name of the University of Valencia, and the original university was re-established in Grenoble in 1542 by Francis de Bourbon, Count of St. Paul. The two universities were finally reunited in 1565. At this point, Grenoble was an important center of legal practice in France. It is not surprising that legal practice was at the center of university education.

The French Revolution, focusing on ending inherited privilege, led to the suppression of most universities in France. For revolutionaries, universities represented bastions of corporatism and established interests. Moreover, lands belonging to universities and used to support them represented a source of wealth and were therefore confiscated as property belonging to the Church.

Modern era (1800-1968)

In 1805-1808, Napoleon restored the faculties of law, letters and science. The Bourbon Restoration temporarily suppressed the letters department and the law school, but beginning in the 1850s the university's activities grew rapidly.

The development of science at the university was led by the transformation of Grenoble from a regional center to a major supplier of industrial engines and electrical equipment in the 1880s. The faculties were officially opened as the University of Grenoble in 1879 on the newly built Place de Verdun. In 1930 there were about 3,000 students.

Recent history (1968 to present)

After riots among university students in May 1968, a reform of French education took place. The Orientation Law (Loi d'Orientation de l'Enseignement Superieur) of 1968 divided the old faculties into smaller entities, reduced the powers of the Ministry of Education and created smaller universities with strengthened administrations.

Thus, sharing the fate of all French universities in the 1970s, the University of Grenoble was divided into four institutions. Each university had different areas of concentration of study, and the faculties were divided as follows:

• Medical University of Grenoble), which in 1987 was renamed the University Joseph Fourier (UJF) for Sciences, Health and Technology,
• The University of Economics and Law, which in 1987 was renamed the University Pierre Mendès-France (UPMF) for Social Sciences and Humanities,
  • The Institute of Political Studies of Grenoble, associated with the UPMF and focused on political science,
• University of Languages ​​and Letters, which was renamed Stendhal University in 1987, for arts and languages,
• Grenoble Institute of Technology (Grenoble-INP) for engineering.

On January 1, 2016, the first three institutions reunited to re-establish the original common institution under the name University of Grenoble Alpes. Although Grenoble-INP remains independent, it is an active member of the University of Grenoble-Alpes community and works closely with the university not only in research projects, but also through the exchange of laboratories, offering mutual courses and training for students and researchers, etc. .p>

Requirements for applicants

Requirements for international students in France

France is home to world-famous universities. The application process for international students is the same as for French students, but it is necessary to contact the “Etude in France” platform and the regional office of “Campus France” (the government agency responsible for the promotion of higher education and the management of admissions and international student mobility).

The institutions of higher education in France are universities and "grandes écoles". "Grandes écoles" are the most authoritative in the French education system. In order to enroll, you must pass exams. Educational institutions in France are small, as are the classes. Universities accept both graduate and undergraduate students and are also easier to apply to.

It is important to note that French and international students must complete the application process and also provide all required documents. Students are eligible to receive scholarships and other financial assistance from the French government.

Accreditation

Rating

Global National

Student life

Student Life @UGA

the cost of living

Expenses expected upon arrival

• Accommodation security deposit (caveat): equivalent to one month's rent.
• Health insurance (215 € for students)
• Home insurance: the cost depends on the type of home. You should expect between 20 and 80 euros per year.
• OFII fiscal stamp to regulate your stay in France: 58 € if you have a “student” visa.
• Various other expenses (university study materials, accommodation options and arrangements, opening a bank account).

Basic monthly expenses

• Accommodation:
  • Student residence (CROUS): from 200 to 600 € per month.
  • In a mansion: from 450 to 600 € per month.
  • Apartment of 20 m2 in the city: average price: from 400 to 500 € per month.
  • Electricity and gas costs: about 50 € per month
  • Water: about 15 € per month
• Telecommunications: Purchase of a mobile phone with SIM card and Internet subscription: about 30 € per month
• Transport:
  • Local transport (tram and bus): 15 or 54 € per month depending on your age (Grenoble).
  • Bicycle rental: up to 25 € per month (Grenoble)

Daily expenses

• Midday meal in a restaurant: 10-14 €
• “Baguette”: 1 €
• Food at the university restaurant: 3.25 €
• Coffee in a bar or cafe: 1.50 €
• Beer: 3 €
• Cinema ticket: from 6 to 11 €

Nutrition

French cuisine is known for its sophistication and sophistication. Each region has its own specialties that are part of the French cultural heritage. In the Rhône-Alpes region you can enjoy the delights of duck dauphiniase (a special easy-to-prepare potato dish), ravioli (a local form of ravioli pasta filled with cheese), diet (special Savoie sausages), latte aux noix (the region around Grenoble, which is world-class center of walnuts!), lest we forget the famous vines of Savoy (from the vineyards on the mountain slopes around Chambery). The French usually eat three times a day. They have breakfast when they get up, and then lunch between 12 and 2 pm. (when many shops and workplaces are closed!) and do not eat dinner until around 7-8 pm.

Eating at university restaurants

University restaurants, commonly referred to as Restos U" or RU", provide the most cost-effective solution for a complete and balanced meal. These restaurants and cafeteria, managed by CROUS, are open to all members of the university community, Monday to Friday, mid-day - and evening - and to some. Payment must be made using a Moneo card, but some also accept cash.
If you are a salaried doctoral student, you may eat at the university staff restaurant, and you should inquire about your human resources to find such staff restaurants. If you are a salaried doctoral student assigned to a research institution, you should inquire about your human resources, if there is a staff restaurant and how you can access it.

Food in the city

If you want to eat, you have a choice: cafes, sandwich bars, fast food restaurants, brasseries (bar style restaurants), etc. Regular prices can range from 4 euros for a sandwich to 25 € for a full meal ( first course, main course, dessert), but you can pay much more in the best restaurants in Grenoble. You should note that many restaurants are closed on Sunday.

Basket

If you have cooking facilities in your residence, you will find many food stores near campuses. But remember that most of them will be closed on Sundays. You should also find a variety of open-air markets that are located in town squares in most areas, usually between 7am and 1am. They are good for buying fresh food: fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, etc.

Uni services

UGA Services

It goes without saying that the mountains and gorgeous streets must play a part in the life of any student studying in Grenoble, but culture is just as much for everyone. On campus in particular, there are many inspiring cultural events thanks to the large number of dedicated and creative stakeholders. Plenty of cultural facilities on site with initiatives and events all year round, leaving students spoiled for choice!

UGA, your cultural stakeholder

Got an idea for a cultural activity or got excited about participating in it? The Department of Culture and Scientific and Technical Culture can help and advise you.

It provides the organizers of university culture with projects with the human, financial and technical resources they need to create and rehearse in the highest performing arts of the University of Grenoble Alpes: "Amphidice".

Sport

No other university can boast the close proximity of three massive mountain ranges and natural parks (Belledonna, Chartreuse and Vercors) and the proximity of the highest mountain peaks in the Western Alps (Mont Blanc, Vannoise range and Ecrins). This wonderful place is unique, and this means that mountain and winter sports play a special role in the lives of many students and staff at the University of Grenoble. You should take advantage of this - and join in!

"Culture Bureau" at the Guatemalan University of Guatemala

In Grenoble, the Office for Culture and Student Initiatives, in its main mission, promotes and supports cultural projects carried out by students. With its office at Espace Accueil Information, in the center of the campus, its staff will be happy to inform you about:

• What's On in cultural events of interest to all students: The Bureau publishes a small booklet monthly entitled Un Tramway nommé.
• Student clubs and associations for the arts (eg, choral groups, musical instrumental groups).
• What's On in recreational and cultural events off campus and in the region.

The office also organizes visits to the campus with its many works of art and invites performing artists to meet students.

Study French in Grenoble

Le Center Universitaire d'Études Françaises (CUEF)

This university center for the study of French (commonly known as le CUEF) is a department of the University of Grenoble Alpes. It organizes courses and trainings throughout the year (and especially in the summer) for foreigners coming to study in Grenoble. The main goal is to develop oral and written knowledge of the language, as well as knowledge of French culture and civilization. Three types of courses are offered:

• Monthly Courses: Intensive courses with a focus on improving writing skills.
• Semester courses: in French and French.
• Specially designed courses: adaptation to a French university; preparation for university (new course); preparation for the DELF diploma (diploma of higher education) and the DALF diploma (Diplome approfondi de langue francaise).

Le Center d'apprentissage en autonomie (CAA)

This offline language learning center is open to anyone who wants to start learning a language or improve their language skills. You can decide how much time you want (or can) devote to this and adjust your own schedule. There are two possibilities for learning French as a foreign language:

• A completely self-paced learning experience for those who wish to work independently using course methods and audio, video and multimedia materials provided by the Centre.
• A self-learning process with monitoring and guidance for those who want one-on-one assistance from a teacher or monitor who sets the program and monitors the student's progress in meetings throughout the year, setting learning goals.

Why choose us?

Why choose Grenoble Alpes University?

The university offers great resources for international students, faculty and staff, while Grenoble offers an unrivaled quality of life.

The University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is one of France's leaders in higher education and research. A comprehensive global university, UGA welcomes approximately 45,000 students annually to its high-quality academic programs and supports 80 research centers across all disciplines.

High quality academics

UGA offers a wide range of programs at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels, open to all students regardless of nationality. We also offer a range of programs taught in English, as well as many innovative programs that prepare students to study and work in the global marketplace.

UGA is an excellent choice for short-term programs: students from our exchange partners can study abroad with us for a semester or full year, and the UGA Summer School combines high-quality academic training with a variety of external, cultural, and linguistic activities.

Innovation and Research

As an international leader in pure and applied research, UGA also has a unique environment for innovation. Our researchers benefit from connections to a thriving local community of international business and industry, particularly in scientific and high-tech fields. We can also collaborate with major European research centers located in and around Grenoble to ensure outstanding results.

Life on Campus

Located on a 175-acre, self-contained campus, UGA offers a wide range of activities for students, faculty and staff. Community members can volunteer, engage in arts and culture, or participate in one of 35 different sports—there's something for everyone. International students can also join the university's international student association, IntEGre.

Université Grenoble Alpes (OT) is a comprehensive university offering high quality teaching in all academic disciplines and at all levels: undergraduate, master's, doctoral, as well as certificate programs and student exchanges.

UZA is located in Grenoble, an international city and a great place to live, work, and study. Conveniently located in the Alps, Grenoble has an incomparable natural setting, with opportunities for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Grenoble also participates in the good life of France, offering a wide range of cultural events, vibrant nightlife, and hundreds of restaurants for those who want to sample France's world famous cuisine. French and international students are involved and know: students will have no problem finding organizations and events that are important to them.

A public university, UGA embraces the values ​​of France for higher education.

Story

The university was founded in 1339 by Dauphin Humbert II of Viennois and Benedict XII to teach civil and canon law, medicine, and the humanities. However, the institution lacked resources and dissipated after the death of Humbert II. It was restored in 1542 by Francis de Bourbon, St. Pol and merged with the university in Valence 1565. The people of Grenoble tried unsuccessfully to rebuild the university several times in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Napoleon I restored the faculties of law, letters, and science in 1805-1808. During the Bourbon Restoration, the Faculty of Philology was suppressed in 1815 (restored in 1847) and the Faculty of Law in 1818 (restored in 1824). The School of Pharmacy and Medicine was established in 1866 and became the fourth faculty in 1894. However, at that time the school had only a few students and awarded only a handful of degrees. The development of science at the university was created following the transformation of Grenoble from an isolated mountain town into a major supplier of industrial engines and electrical equipment in the 1880s. The faculties were officially opened at the University of Grenoble 1879 in the newly built Place de Verdun. The number of students grew from approximately 340 in 1868 to 3,000 in 1930. The concept of a public scientific character, cultural and professional (EPCSP) evolved under the Minister of Education Edgar Faure. As a result, the university was divided into several independent organizations in 1970.

At the beginning of April, a traditional study trip for students of the Russian-French bachelor's program to the Grenoble partner university took place, during which students listen to lectures, visit enterprises, meet French students, and discover such regions of France as the Rhône Alps, Savoie and Ile des France

The results of the trip are presented in excerpts from the reviews of its program student participants.

Vladimir Azarov: There are cities that are not particularly well-known, but having visited them once, you want to return there again and again. Grenoble turned out to be such a city for me. The greatest travel experience I have ever had was the experience of this study trip. The university campus, more like a country park and botanical garden, the old city center, trams that seem to float through green meadows, +22 and constantly clear skies, and mountains, mountains, mountains... But the most important thing is the feeling that, at least and quite a bit, but we were still French students. The classes were very interesting, especially the lectures on industrial and international economics, taught by Faruk Ulgen; and, although I had already seen him at an open lecture when he came to St. Petersburg, I was pleasantly surprised by how he involved students in discussing the topic and how expressively he told even simple statistical data. We also had two meetings with representatives of enterprises, where we learned a lot of new things: how a hotel business can be built in France and how the government helps school graduates who did not pursue higher education. In addition to being in Grenoble, there were also Paris, Annecy, Lyon, Geneva and Montreux. And kilometers of landscapes outside the train window separating them. Undoubtedly, only the best memories of this educational internship will remain in your memory.

Svetlana Vernigor: Two months before leaving for the internship, I did not even imagine that the double degree program would give me a chance to get into a small paradise on Earth: both in the field of social life and in the field of education. Having visited France and the University of Grenoble-Alpes, and studied with charismatic teachers, you realize that education has no boundaries and there is no limit to your capabilities in studying economics. The twelve days of the study trip seriously expanded my horizons in the field of industrial economics, and in general in the field of European integration. The French professors we met have a special attitude towards how to present information to a student and a special behavior during a lecture. Teacher Faruk Ulgen changed my traditional view of the flow of money in the global economy, saying only: “Now, listen me attentively and remember that great phrase for the whole your life. Money creates from nothing." And this is not the only striking example I can give.

The cultural aspect of a trip is always important. The very word France evokes the smell of French perfume, the taste of the famous Camembert cheese, as well as thoughts of the Eiffel Tower and the famous Mona Lisa. It’s not every day that you get to see with your own eyes the great achievements of the whole world and try French delicacies. And I’m glad that I managed to combine business with pleasure.

Also, I would like to express my gratitude to the partner universities (St. Petersburg State University of Economics and Grenoble-Alpes) for the formation of a double degree program, for a financially accessible chance to see the world and fill your “knowledge bank” with experience, wise thoughts and, of course, European knowledge in the field of economics and management!

Khodosova Evgeniya: When I just entered the first year of the Russian-French bachelor's program (back then, before the merger of Grenoble universities, together with the Pierre Mendes France University), I knew for sure that I would go on a study trip in the 2nd year. For me, this was an opportunity not only to see the country as a tourist, but also to spend a useful trip, because the main purpose of the trip was to get to know the university, of which I am also a student. It all started with our arrival at the Grenoble train station, and the city immediately pleased us with good weather and beautiful views, which immediately set a good mood for the rest of the days. Our acquaintance with the university began with the academic campus, which looked more like a cozy country house, which was very unusual compared to our multi-storey urban academic buildings. In addition to us, guys from other cities, such as Moscow, Kaliningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, who are also students of this program, took part in the study trip; it was very interesting to communicate with them and exchange experiences in studying in this program. In addition to the usual lectures, we also had meetings with representatives of enterprises, which allowed us to learn from the inside the system of doing business in France. I would also like to note the uniqueness of this experience, which allowed me to feel like a full-time European student for at least a week and listen to lectures by French teachers. A pleasant addition was visiting cities such as Annecy, Geneva and Paris.

Plotnikov Anton: The study trip to France was a very good experience. Grenoble is a cute town with a touch of provincialism, quiet and bright. Since the trip is still educational, we spent most of the time in Grenoble studying. The trip brought our team together and allowed us to make new acquaintances, since in addition to us, representatives of similar programs from other Russian cities came to Grenoble. In addition to Grenoble, we visited Annecy and Geneva, and the trip ended in Paris. Each city has its own charm, but I would like to study in Grenoble, because the teachers there are simply excellent, the lectures I listened to were fascinating and interesting.

Firstly, I would like to say about our University of Grenoble-Alpes and the lectures we heard. Meeting French teachers was very useful. Now, behind their names on textbooks, we see their faces and remember the lectures. Of course, we already knew Faruk Ulgen, Natasha Collet, and Alan Laurent, but this made it even more interesting to listen to them (and Faruk’s lectures amazed us, and he will forever remain unrivaled, he spoke so openly, simply and a little philosophically about economics, money and much more). All this, together with the picturesque views of Grenoble, its mountains, small streets, les boulangeries (bakeries) and the best la fromagerie (cheese factory) will remain in our hearts!

And perhaps the most important thing we took away from this trip was that we spoke French! And in one store the seller said that our pronunciation was very good and that was the best of praise! We mentally thanked our French teacher Marina Aleksandrovna Kichatova a thousand times.

And in conclusion, I would like to say a huge thank you to the leadership of the Program for the chances and opportunities that the Russian-French bachelor's program at St. Petersburg State Economic University provides and which we do not intend to miss!

The University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is located in the city of Grenoble (south-eastern France), which is a major industrial, scientific and university center of the French Alps region. The city has 54 thousand students, the bulk of whom are students from the University of Grenoble Alpes.

The university was founded in January 2016 as a result of the merger of three Grenoble universities: Pierre Mendes-France University (university of humanities and social sciences), Joseph Fourier University (technological and medical university), Stendhal University (linguistic sciences). The university's roots go back to the University of Grenoble, founded in 1339 and one of the oldest universities in France.

Today, the university provides the widest educational opportunities in four areas: Arts, Literature and Languages; Jurisprudence, Economics and Management; Humanities and Social Sciences; Natural Sciences, Technology and Medicine.

Key indicators of the university: 45,000 students, of which 6,000 are foreign students; 3,000 teachers and researchers; 24 faculties, educational schools and institutes; 80 scientific laboratories; 653 partner universities in 80 countries; 53 double degree programs. The university budget is 450 million Euros. The developed infrastructure of the university campus includes 8 libraries, a dormitory system, 45 sports grounds and a swimming pool.

Due to the location of the university in the historical center of the region, which also has rich recreational potential, education at the University of Grenoble Alpes is accompanied by culture, sports, and tourism.

For the last ten years, the University of Grenoble Alpes has been actively cooperating with other European universities and universities in third countries on the implementation of the Bologna process, on projects in the field of scientific cooperation, attracting scientific personnel, and implementing student mobility within the framework of the Erasmus + program.

About the faculty

The Faculty of Economics provides training in the field of economics and management at all levels of higher education: bachelor, master, doctor. Provides distance learning in the field of economics and business administration. The presence of qualified teaching staff, programs that meet modern international standards, as well as contacts with various enterprises contributes to the development of practical work skills and theoretical thinking.

I am a second-year master's student at the University of Grenoble-Alpes, at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, majoring in Russian Studies. My French story began back in 2014, when I was a second-year student at Perm State National Research University at the Faculty of SIL (linguist-translator of the English language). I started learning French in my first year, and before that I had no idea about it at all. In the spring of 2014, our faculty offered to go on a language internship in Grenoble to learn French. You could choose the duration of the courses, and I decided to go for two weeks and combine my studies with a short trip to Europe.

Already in the third year, our faculty wrote on the social network that a group was being recruited for included training again in Grenoble. Since I had already been there, had an idea of ​​how everything would go and how much it would cost, I applied. It was necessary to pass a language proficiency test, have good academic performance and no academic debt, and write a motivation letter. So I ended up in Grenoble for the second time at the same university for a semester. We studied as exchange students, attended the equivalents of our Perm disciplines.

After graduating from Perm University, I realized that I wanted to continue my master’s studies. Since I wanted to have a European diploma, and I had experience studying in France, I decided to enroll in a master’s program there. This is how I ended up in Grenoble for the third time.

The building is named after the French writer Stendhal, who was born in Grenoble Photo: Veronika Araslanova

How much does it cost to live and study in France?

In fact, France is much closer than we think, and living in France is not as expensive as it seems. There are many advantages here, for example, free training. Of the European countries, France is the most democratic in this regard. Of course, training is conditionally free, because you still need to pay a fee and insurance, but this amounts to a pittance for Europe. For this year of study, I paid about 500 euros, of which 217 euros were health insurance, 183 euros were the cost of the master's program, 16 euros were fees for the Solidarity and Development of Student Initiatives Fund, 34 euros were for using the library, 23 euros were processing fees. documents and 5.1 euros -  medical prevention. You can’t live without insurance; you simply won’t be accepted into university. In addition, unexpected appendicitis without insurance can cost thousands of euros. There are also additional insurances. For example, there is so-called liability insurance, which will cover the costs if, for example, you break a window at the university, or, while skiing in the mountains, collide with a skier and cause him injury. If this insurance is not available, all costs fall on you, and in a potential case with a skier, you may also need to call a helicopter, which could completely deprive you of your livelihood.

Bill for a year of study at the university Photo: Veronika Araslanova

Life in Grenoble is, of course, different from life in Paris. In the regions you can rent relatively cheap housing. For example, we lived in a hostel for 150 euros per month - these are simply fabulous prices. In Paris, room prices can reach up to a thousand euros per month. Even in the cheapest French hostels, a person always lives in a room alone; there is no such thing as several students sharing a room. Of course, a shared shower is not the most pleasant thing, but compared to Russian hostels, everything is not bad there.

As for food, I was recently in Russia, I saw the prices for food and was shocked. It seems to me that a year ago such prices did not exist. It is believed that France is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, this is true. But now in Russia and France the prices for basic products are almost the same, although in Russia there is a completely different standard of living and different salaries. This, of course, does not apply to delicacies, but for example, mozzarella, ricotta, and mascarpone are much cheaper in France. These cheeses can be bought here for one euro; you will not find such prices for a quality product anywhere in Russia. When my parents and I were counting our expenses, we realized that in France I don’t spend much more than I would spend in Russia, the prices are not radically different.

This breakfast costs about four euros Photo: Veronika Araslanova

About the French education system

Here, from the school level, everything is different. Firstly, school starts at three years old. It is not mandatory, but personally I don’t know people who would refuse this step. From three to seven years old, children attend “mother’s school” (école maternelle). The French educational system is divided into four levels: primary (5 years), secondary (4 years college), high school (3 years lyceum) and university (high school). Moreover, these are all completely different schools; they can be located in different buildings, districts and even cities. In many schools, classes are mixed after each year of study. Previously, this was a controversial point for me, but now I understand that this is probably better for children than studying for 11 years in the same group. Since students are constantly mixed, there is no such clannishness as in Russian schools. This helps newcomers a lot, because there are no established companies here, everyone has just gotten to know each other, and next year the team will change again. At the same time, there are no close relationships between people, like we have a “friend for life.”

There is one more feature - here children are not forced to learn what they do not like. As part of my thesis, I conducted interviews with Russian emigrants. One of them told me that her daughter is finishing school, and the teachers simply convince them: if you don’t like physics, then you don’t need to study it, it means you are talented in something else. They even write letters to parents asking them not to scold their children for bad grades. On the one hand, this is good, because a person chooses a profession with his soul, but on the other hand, with this approach he does not receive basic knowledge and cuts off other opportunities for himself.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

At the university level, things are also different. Unlike Russia, higher education is not for everyone here. People don’t have such a goal or need; many don’t even think about it. Here people choose not their level of education, but their profession. For example, I know those who graduated from professional colleges and live and work well. Higher education is obtained by those who want to work as engineers or teachers, for example. But getting a high degree of education is not very profitable, because then you simply may not find a job. If I go to a store with a master's degree to get a job as a cashier, they will most likely refuse me. They will say: Madam, you are too qualified for our position, we need people with a more suitable level of education.

In France there are universities and high schools, they are not the same thing. University is a free education, it is not prestigious. This is for everyone who wanted and was able. Higher schools are elitist education. It is difficult to get into higher schools, the competition is huge and tuition there reaches 30 thousand euros per year and more. These are unaffordable sums for ordinary citizens; not everyone can afford such education. Of course, after higher education, work and salary are on a completely different level. In Russia there is an idea that the Sorbonne is “wow”. But in fact, the Sorbonne is a state university that anyone can enter if they have the required level of French and a sufficient level of education. Perhaps the selection there is a little stricter, but this is an ordinary university, not an elite educational institution.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

About studying at the University of Grenoble-Alpes

My specialty is Russian studies, in every subject we draw parallels between Russia and France. The entire educational process is divided into three parts: general subjects, specific (for example, translation) and electives (these are additional disciplines that have nothing to do with my specialty). General subjects are taught by the French, they are read in droves. The teacher either sets checkpoints or simply administers a final exam. I've never had checkpoints before. Typically, the teacher lectures throughout the semester. By the way, the semester lasts 12 weeks, there are holidays in October and April, and at the end of May we take exams.

During the exam, students are given a specific topic on which to write an essay. You definitely need to write your opinion, they really like it here. Usually exams are in written form, I only had one exam with an oral part. There are few couples in the master's program, because it is designed for people who are already working. We study geopolitics, translation, literature, history, economics. There is no strict control here, they ask little, and no one will ask you why you didn’t do something. A bachelor's degree lasts three years, and bachelors have a lot of classes; they need to spend the whole day studying. Lots of homework and writing.

Audience Photo: Veronika Araslanova

In general, France is distinguished by its writing at all levels. They say that Russia is a bureaucratic country. But in France there are always problems with papers, documents are regularly lost, and you have to send them ten times. This is normal practice, no one freaks out about it. This specificity is French; they have a special attitude towards documents.

If you compare my studies in Perm and Grenoble, the amount of work and the quality of exams are not comparable. The teachers at Perm State National Research University simply lived it: every time they taught a lesson, it was as if they were trying to give away part of themselves, their experience, they cared. We were taught translation as a fine art, instilled with the feeling that translation is like writing a new book, and you need to be very careful, every word must be verified. We tried to translate texts of any level, arguing about every word. And here the translation is  word for word. If it is written like this, it means that we translate exactly the same words into Russian. When I saw this, I was simply shocked, because I was trying to interpret the texts, and not translate by equivalents. And I received a low grade. I then gave it up and started working on evaluation rather than translation. In Perm we could organize discussions, but here the teacher can categorically say: no, this is not so. Our teachers at SIYAL lived by this, but here many simply devote these hours.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

I have never heard of any extracurricular activities at our university. There are no student springs here, but sports are very developed. It is included in elective subjects -  these are subjects that are not related to your specialty, but that interest you. You can practice fencing, swimming, Nordic walking, dancing, yoga, stretching, or go to the gym. All this is free, for this they put a mark on the diploma. There are different levels: for beginners, for intermediates, for professionals. There are no university competitions between different faculties here. As for artistic activities, there are clubs within disciplines. For example, we have a Russian theater, they stage plays, sing folk songs and also receive a diploma for this.

If you want to do something outside the university, you need to join an association of interests, there are a lot of them here. In France, you can’t just go and pick mushrooms; you have to join an association of those who pick mushrooms, or create one. I'm not kidding, there really is such an association. To play tennis, you must join a tennis association. You pay a small membership fee and play tennis for free for a whole year. This is such life. An association can be opened in one day, you just come to the city hall, provide your plans and register it. The mayor's office allocates free premises, so creating associations is profitable, it makes life easier.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

On attitudes towards Russians

You won’t surprise anyone here with foreign students. At the university I never encountered hostility on ethnic grounds. I know that many people learn Russian, the groups are full, young people find it interesting. When students find out that I am Russian, they try to say something in Russian. But I know that in France things are different. Russian emigrants said that in the nineties and early 2000s in France there was a fear of “Russian wives.”
It was believed that Russian women came to France to “bewitch” men and take their money. Some emigrants said that sometimes the French hear a Russian accent and ask again many times, as if not understanding. This is how they show their attitude. I don’t know what this is connected with, I have never had such cases. In general, it seems to me that Russian students are treated much better than Russians of other ages and social status.

Literary Cafe Photo: Veronika Araslanova

Pros of living in France

1. Product variety. I am now very well versed in French cheeses, I can distinguish them by smell. Parmesan used to be something special for me, but in France I just sprinkle it on my pasta. This is a part of life that no longer evokes any special emotions. Products are available and varied.
2. Comfort of everyday life. For example, you can resolve some issues by mail, they will most likely answer you by e-mail. No need to call or go somewhere. The post office here works very quickly; letters are delivered from one city to another in a maximum of three days. I'm very impressed by this.
3. Nature. The place where I live now is the French Alps. Huge mountains, beautiful landscapes.
   When you study history in Russia, and when they tell you about Ancient Rome, it seems that it is very far away. When you come here and go to the south of France, Ancient Rome is here. You see it, you feel it, you feel this story, you breathe it.
4. Politeness. Wherever you go, you will be greeted with a smile, shake your hand and wish you a good day. This approach is especially valuable in medical institutions. I like that the doctor can contact you by phone or email, discuss some problem, showing that he cares.

Photo: Veronika Araslanova

Disadvantages of living in France

1. The biggest shock awaited me when I arrived at the master's program. I always thought that Europe had advanced technologies. But upon arrival, I discovered that the Internet here is still via a landline phone! Cable Internet is just now developing, and when I arrived, only one company out of four provided it in my area! I like to tell the French that my grandmother lives in a remote Russian village, but even she has cable Internet and Wi-Fi.
2. Banking system. Another minus that I couldn’t get used to for a long time. It’s not like you transferred money to a card and it came right away. The transfer usually takes about three days, and even longer on weekends. It’s not very comfortable to live when you never know how much money you have on your card.
3. There are still things that shocked me a little less, but which are difficult to come to terms with -  these are manifestations, security and hypocrisy. Manifestations can happen for any reason and ruin your whole day. For example, because transport simply stopped running. As for safety, I can say that I felt safer walking even through the darkest corners of my native Ordzhonikidze district. Well, hypocrisy is very striking after honest Russian residents who will not fail to express their feelings towards you. And here there are curtsies at all levels.

Pros of studying in France

1. Freedom of choice. You can always agree with the teachers about changing the program. There is no program as such written by the government. Maybe it exists, of course, but in our country it is obviously neglected. You can ask the teacher to conduct a lesson on a certain topic. For example, the entire first semester was devoted to the 1917 revolution; this was clearly not part of any program.

Library building Photo: Veronika Araslanova

Disadvantages of studying in France

1. Low quality of education. We [at Perm State National Research University] still have a slightly different level. Here everything rests on the wishes of the students themselves. In Russia, whether you like it or not, you will still learn at least something. The quality of teaching is, of course, not comparable. At Perm State National Research University, teachers themselves are interested in the subject, but in Grenoble this is not always the case. It seems to me that sometimes teachers here teach only because they need it, for example, for doctoral studies.
2. At Perm State National Research University, our faculty and, in particular, the Department of Linguistics and Translation helped us in every possible way to improve our language skills by offering various internships. We could go to the French universities of Grenoble and Pau, and even to a prestigious school of translators in Paris; every year students go to China. I don’t see such a practice here. If you want to go somewhere, find it, negotiate, go, but don’t expect help from the university.