France Grenoble EngineeringSpring 2025

You’re in! This Pre-Departure Page is your one stop shop for all the program-related information you will need to prepare for your program.

Check this page regularly! Information will be updated throughout the semester.

To stay on track, use the self-check at the end of each phase.

Your main point of contact for Grenoble questions is your CEA Contact, Sharon Wohls. Your main point of contact for BU Study Abroad related questions is Rachel Parola.

You can find additional contacts, such as on-site staff, in the Program Contacts section.

Read French Visa Overview & FAQs: ASAP

One of the most vital tasks you will complete in preparation for your study abroad experience is applying for a visa. This tab will provide general information about the French Visa application process, and your next steps will be communicated to you by CEA.

WHAT IS A VISA?

A visa is an official sticker that is affixed to your passport before your departure that gives you permission from the French government to be a student in France and must be presented to the border officials at the port of entry.

WHAT KIND OF VISA IS NEEDED TO STUDY ABROAD IN FRANCE?

All students studying in France for more than 90 days (except students who hold a current passport from the European Economic Area member state or Switzerland) must secure a long stay student visa prior to departure. All programs last longer than 90 days, therefore, the visa is absolutely required in order to participate in the program.

If you do not hold U.S. citizenship, please email CEA to determine whether or not you will need to apply for a visa. Depending on your citizenship, additional steps may be required to apply for your visa.

*Important note: If you are planning to study in France for more than one semester, please contact your Program Manager immediately, as there are additional requirements for students planning to study in France for more than 180 days.

WHERE DO I APPLY FOR A VISA?

You must apply in person at a VFS Global Office. Before making an appointment at a VFS Global Office, you will need to register through Campus France.

WHEN DO I NEED TO START THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A VISA?

Start thinking now! The visa application process is lengthy, typically taking between 2-3 months from start to finish, so begin it now to allow adequate time to receive your visa. Students are required to schedule an appointment to submit visa materials, which must be booked several weeks prior to the appointment date. You will also need time to gather documentation required for your visa appointment, such as visa letters, passport photos and proof of residency.

It is recommended to schedule your visa appointment to take place at least 6 weeks prior to your program start date, if possible. You will leave your passport at the VFS Global Office at the time of your appointment for processing. Processing can typically takes up to 4 weeks, during which you will be without your passport, so you will need to plan your visa application and international travels accordingly.

*Please note that you cannot apply for a visa more than 3 months before the program’s start date.

WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS?

First, make sure that you have a passport that is valid at least six months past the program end date. You must have a passport before your visa appointment, and the passport must be valid for at least three months after the end of your program (six months is recommended by the US State Department). If you need to apply for or renew your passport, please do so immediately.

Next, you will be receiving information from CEA on how to complete part 1 of the French visa application process, Campus France, and then part 2, submitting your French visa application materials at a VFS Global Center.

Academics in Grenoble Overview

Housing Questionnaire on your My CEA Account

My CEA Account and Pre-departure tasks

Complete the Phase 1 Self Check

———– END PHASE ONE ———–

———– START PHASE TWO ———–

Review Flight Information & Book Your Flight

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Each term, we offer students the option to book through our travel agency, Advantage Travel. Some semesters we are able to offer an option recommended group flight, round-trip from the East coast to Lyon, France. The cost of the recommended flight is NOT included in the program fee. Students are not required to take the recommended flight; however, all students are required to submit a round-trip itinerary for our records. Please note that some semesters, we are unable to book seats on a group flight. We will still offer students the option to book through Advantage Travel. Advantage Travel will coordinate flight itineraries so that program participants have the opportunity to fly with other Boston University Study Abroad students whenever practical.

Keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted. You will be receiving an email form your Program Manager with the flight details once confirmed.

Why should I book a spot on the recommended flight?

Although airfare is NOT included in the cost of the program, all travel booked through Advantage Travel will be monitored by the travel agency on the day of departure, and they will be able to assist with any schedule changes, delays, or missed connections. The flight also allows you to travel with other students from the program.

How do I reserve a seat on the recommended flight?

Specific booking instructions and detailed group flight itineraries will be emailed directly to students by your Program Manager in early June.

What if I need to book a connecting flight to the departure city?

If you will be traveling from elsewhere prior to the group flight, Advantage Travel can also assist you with reserving a flight to the departure city. They can also book you on an independent flight if the city suggested is not your home city.

Is travel insurance included in the price of the group flight?

While BU Study Abroad provides all students with comprehensive international health insurance, travel insurance for your flights is different. You can elect to purchase travel insurance directly through Advantage Travel when booking with them for an additional fee.

INDEPENDENT FLIGHT INFORMATION

What if I want to arrange my own travel? You can! We recommend that you make your flight reservation with Advantage Travel to be provided with better opportunities to modify flights and minimize expenses related to changes.

However, if you prefer to travel independently from the group or book your own travel, you are welcome to do so. Note: Advantage Travel can assist you with reservations from a different airport or on different dates, or you can make a reservation completely on your own.

We encourage you to hold off on booking flights until we send out detailed flight information for your program. There will be a required arrival time on the program start date, and you must depart on the last day of the program. Housing will not be provided before or after these dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted. once you have confirmed your independent travel, you must submit the independent flight form in your Study Abroad Application Portal.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Most terms, CEA CAPA will arrange group transportation from the Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (Airport code: LYS) to Grenoble for students who arrive between 9am-5pm. More detailed arrival information will be shared on your CEA My Account during the summer.

Complete the Phase 2 Self Check

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———– START PHASE THREE ———–

Withdrawals

Complete the Phase 3 Self Check

———– END PHASE THREE ———–

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Program Contacts

As you prepare for and embark on your study abroad experience, you will be in contact with various staff members from BU Study Abroad, both in Boston and abroad. To avoid missing important information, please add “@bu.edu” to your address book. Please keep all emails in a folder for your reference as you prepare for your semester abroad. Here are the names and email addresses of some people who will be in touch with you this semester, and/or whom you may want to contact with questions.

Boston-based Staff:

Rachel Parola, Program Manager – Rachel will be your primary contact for all BU Study Abroad related questions.

CEA Staff:

Sharon Wohl, Student Services Coordinator – Sharon will be your main point of contact throughout the pre-departure process. She will be your main advisor and available to answer any questions as you prepare for your experience in Grenoble!

Justine Mons, CEA Grenoble Director – Justine will be your main point of contact once you arrive in Grenoble!

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———– START CALENDAR ———–

The TENTATIVE Spring 2025 Grenoble Engineering Program dates are:

January 2nd (depart U.S. on January 1st) – May 23, 2025

Neither late arrivals nor early departures are permitted. We urge students to not make any weekend or mid-semester break (if applicable) travel plans until they arrive on site and receive the finalized course and program schedule. During the semester, students must fulfill strict attendance requirements and will be very busy with classes, program activities, and assignments. If family and friends plan to visit, please schedule trips to take place before the start of on-site orientation, during a scheduled program break, or after the semester ends. By timing visits to coincide with scheduled program breaks, you can meet attendance requirements and take full advantage of your study abroad experience.

Note: we strongly encourage students to not schedule independent travel during the semester until they arrive onsite. Not only will you likely meet new friends on your program with whom you would like to travel, but you will also receive a complete program schedule at the start of the semester, which may impact where and when you would like to travel. Similarly, during the first week of classes, you will receive your courses’ syllabi and better understand your academic workload, exams, etc. and how that may impact when you would like to travel.

France Grenoble EngineeringSpring 2025

Read French Visa Overview & FAQs: ASAP

WHAT IS A VISA?

WHAT KIND OF VISA IS NEEDED TO STUDY ABROAD IN FRANCE?

WHERE DO I APPLY FOR A VISA?

WHEN DO I NEED TO START THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A VISA?

WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS?

Academics in Grenoble Overview

Housing Questionnaire on your My CEA Account

My CEA Account and Pre-departure tasks

Complete the Phase 1 Self Check

You should have:

———– END PHASE ONE ———–

———– START PHASE TWO ———–

Review Flight Information & Book Your Flight

FLIGHT INFORMATION

INDEPENDENT FLIGHT INFORMATION

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Complete the Phase 2 Self Check

You should have completed:

From Phase 1:

From Phase 2:

———– END PHASE TWO ———–

———– START PHASE THREE ———–

Withdrawals

Complete the Phase 3 Self Check

You should have completed:

From Phase 1:

———– END PHASE THREE ———–

———– START CONTACT ———–

Program Contacts

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———– START CALENDAR ———–

The TENTATIVE Spring 2025 Grenoble Engineering Program dates are:

January 2nd (depart U.S. on January 1st) – May 23, 2025

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———– START FINE PRINT ———–

The Fine Print: Policies and Procedures

Academic, Disciplinary and Financial Standing

Students’ Responsibilities While Abroad

Policy on Refunds

Privacy Notice

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Study Abroad and the BU Hub

Advising Options

Summer and Fall Applications are Open!

France Grenoble Engineering
Spring 2025