Grenoble is a quaint French city nestled at the foot of the Alps, right where the Drac and Isère Rivers meet. Located in the middle of the Charteuse, Vercors and Belledonne mountain ranges and nicknamed "capital of the Alps," Grenoble is home to 20 ski resorts and often a stage of the Tour de France. While the natural setting brings droves of winter sport fans, the city's rich educational options attract throngs of students and researchers. Grenoble's nine universities and 36 graduate schools educate more than 200,000 students, making it an educational hub.

Grenoble is a major scientific and research center, and houses the French National Center for Scientific Research as well as Joseph Fourier University, one of the leading science universities in France. The Grenoble Institute of Technology trains more than 1,000 engineers a year, and Minatec is a haven for innovation in micro- and nanotechnology.

The Institut d'études politiques de Grenoble is the Grenoble branch of the world-famous IEPs (Institutes of Political Studies): nine publicly owned universities in France, all focused on the field of political science. The Grenoble Ècole de Management is an internationally respected and globally ranked business school. The University of Grenoble was founded in 1339 by Pope Benedict XII.

History, architecture, and archaeology students can all appreciate La Bastille, an ancient series of fortifications perched high atop a mountainside overlooking the entire city. Construction on La Bastille started during the Middle Ages, but multiple additions have been made throughout the years. The structure is currently credited as being the most extensive example of 19th Century fortifications in France. For students who just want a great view of the city, La Bastille offers Les Bulles, orb-shaped cable-cars that run down from the top of the mountain and offer 360-degree views of the valley.

Language majors will have a terrific time in Grenoble, due to both its internationalism and decidedly French personality. While it receives a wealth of international tourists and scholars, it is not a busy metropolis like Paris. The city retains small-town French charm-perfect for students looking to absorb the culture and perfect the language.

The city also offers active nightlife options and hosts many cultural festivals, including the 38e Rugissants Festival (featuring music that bridges the traditional music of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with more 'contemporary' styles), the Grenoble Jazz Festival, the European Theatre Festival, the Open Air Short Films Festival, and the Berlioz Festival. Exciting shopping districts, diverse restaurants, and a booming theater life offer students a variety of diversions from their studies. And while Grenoble possesses all of these decidedly modern amenities, it never forgets its historic roots (it was the site of the first action of the French Revolution).

With the beautiful Alps as its backdrop, Grenoble is a fascinating dichotomy - it's fresh but old, big but small, bustling but quaint. Study abroad students can't help but want to stay.

Resources -

Grenoble Universities: http://www.grenoble-universites.fr/
EduFrance - Study in France: http://www.edufrance.fr/en/
Institut d'études politiques de Grenoble: http://www-sciences-po.upmf-grenoble.fr/
Grenoble Ecole de Management: http://www.grenoble-em.com/default.aspx?rub=760
Tourism Office Grenoble: http://www.grenoble-isere.info/english/grenoble-france.htm
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP