Student Report
Name of the university: Ecole de Management Grenoble
Echange Semester: Fall, 2015
1. Practical Information
Before leaving Norway:
When and how did you receive information from the exchange university, and did you encounter
any difficulties?
I received information from the exchange coordinator as soon as I was accepted in the program. The
emails where informative and provided a clear picture of what I need to do before my arrival in
Grenoble with regards to housing, courses, welcome desk and so on.
Applying for a Visa
As a Norwegian student in Grenoble you do not need a VISA
Travel
The easiest way to get to Grenoble is either to fly to Lyon or Paris and then take the TGV to
Grenoble, the other alternative is to fly to Geneva and then take the airport bus directly to Grenoble.
There are frequent departures with the bus and train.
Housing: If not, did you receive support from the school?
Housing is not provided by the university, but the have a welcome desk that will help you find a
place to stay if you have not found any housing before you leave Norway. I would suggest to apply
for CROUS housing, which is aimed at exchange student, and it is quite cheap. The school will
send you a large PDF with practical details about grenoble, in this PDF there are also listed a
number of residences that the school recommends.
Costs
Housing: 400 - 600 EUR
Books: 0 euro
Transport: 50 EUR
Food 250 - 350 EUR
Other: … EUR
Culture and language:
Did you have any language problems with the faculty or other students?
Everybody at the school speaks english to a certain degree, the exchange coordinator and other
faculty members speak excellent english. Student at the different associations usually speak ok
english. Do not expect other french people to speak english, especially people in the bank, food
store, telephone company and so on.
How were the possibilities to experience the country and the culture?
Grenoble prides it self as the capital of the Alps, and the city are surrounded by beautiful
mountains. For those that are interested in climbing, hiking, skiing there are endless possibilities of
what you can do there. Since the city has a TGV connection, and there are several buss companies
oppressing in grenoble it is very easy to visit other major European cities. I would especially
recommend going to Lyon, as it is in my opinion one of the nicest cities in France. Grenoble is a
short way from Marseille and the french riviera, so with driving for 3 hours you could reach any
major destination in southeastern France. As grenoble is a student city is very easy to get in contact
with other french students and experience the French culture. There are also several associations at
the school that provides activities that are easy to join.
2. Abut the School
The school (location, size, study structure, special academic areas etc.)
The school is located just by the train station very close to the city center. It is very easy to get to
the school, either by tram, cycling or walking. The school is quite modern, but lacks a proper library
and cafeteria. The wifi at the school are bad, but they promised that this was something they where
working on.
Course registration
When and how did you register for courses?
In the spring i received an email with possible courses, and you just send a excel sheet with your
choices back to the school.
When did the add/drop period end?
A week or two after the school started. Any issues with the courses can be easily solved with
communicating with the exchange coordinator.
Academic calendar
Arrival date:
01.09.15
First day of the semester:
09.09.15
Last day of classes:
18.12.15
Examination period:
08-18.12.15
Any special events/holidays:
One week in October
International Office
As an exchange student, did you receive sufficient and relevant information?
Yes, the international student office where very helpful in answering any questions that I had during
my stay
Social Activities
How was the relationship with native students and that among exchange students?
It can be difficult to get in touch with the local french students that are not a part of any social
groups. The tendency was that all the erasmus student with the odd french guy would hang out
together.
Are there any special activities, student organizations, and gatherings for exchange students?
The school has a lot off different association for everything from skiing to sailing, these are all
presented in the beginning in the semester. Every week a different association has a open party. The
student association also have a buddy program where you can learn french from a «french buddy»,
and in exchange you teach the person some basic english.
3. Academics
In the Classroom
Describe the teaching style (practical, theoretical, cases/lectures, formal/informal etc.)The style was very practical with little emphasize on theory, and more an practical aspects. the
classes are not formal, and discussion and in class group work was frequent. We did not have any
books to read, all that was required was to read some academic papers and the powerpoint slides in
order to be prepared for the class.
How is the level and workload compared to that at BI?
Significant less.
Course Materials
Describe the course materials used (books/literature, online articles, Powerpoint, level of course
material etc).
As mentioned there where no books, only simple powerpoint slides and some academic papers. The
level of the course material was quite simple in comparison to what you are used to from B.I
Exams
Was the exam based on the course materials or on the lectures?
Yes, as long as you pay attention and read the slides you are well prepared for the exams.
How was the course evaluated (include all that apply)?
Exam, hand ins, presentations and professional conduct
Library and technology
Describe the facilities
Very poor liberals facilities with limited space, and the wifi from the school was extremely bad.
There are also very few group rooms to work in.
Description of Courses
Course Code &
Name
Master / Bachelor
Prerequisites
Approved As
Digital Marketing
Master
No
Elective
Social Marketing
Master
No
Elective
Macroeconomics
Master
No
Elective
Managing Cultural
Diversity
Master
No
Elective
Comments
On a final note, how will you sum up the exchange experience?
To go on a exchange is something that everybody that has the opportunity should do. It is not often
in your life that you are allowed to live a relatively carefree life in a foreign city. The experiences
you get by meeting new people and challenges are truly rewarding. I deeply recommend everybody
to go on exchange.