Today’s blog post comes to us from #APIabroad alumni & current Global Leader Caroline Louttit. She studied abroad with us in Grenoble, France last spring! Grenoble is one of very few places where we are still accepting applications for our summer Intensive Language Program. Whether you’re considering studying abroad in the summer or fall, Caroline is here to give you more of an idea of what Grenoble is like.
Bonjour! My name is Caroline Louttit and I’m a senior Health Science major at the University of Vermont. Last spring I studied abroad in Grenoble, France! I had an amazing experience in Grenoble and I encourage anyone who is thinking about study abroad to consider calling Grenoble home for a summer, semester, or year. As you can see, Grenoble has some pretty amazing views, this one is from the top of the Bastille. On a clear day you can see Mont Blanc from the top!
Les oeufs! Perhaps the most iconic thing about Grenoble is le Téléphérique, or the cable car. Affectionately known as les bulles (the bubbles) or les oeufs (the eggs), the cable car takes you from the city center up to the Bastille. The ride itself is incredible, as you take off from the station, you float over the Isere River and get to see Grenoble from a whole new perspective. But you can also hike up to the Bastille! One of my favorite memories of Grenoble was hiking up and having a picnic at the Bastille with one of my friends after class.
One of the many highlights of my time in France was my amazing host family! One of the questions I get asked most by departing students is what I brought them as a small gift. I spend the majority of my time bouncing between Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. I brought Vermont Maple Syrup, pancake mix from my favorite breakfast spot in New Hampshire, and some pictures from Rhode Island. This picture is from the night that I made them pancakes. It was a great way to introduce them to an aspect of American culture. And yes, they loved the Maple Syrup.
I will always be grateful that Grenoble introduced me to some of best friends! My fellow API Spring 2018 students have become some of my best friends (I’m actually visiting two of them next week!). My time in Grenoble would not have been the same without these amazing people! No matter where you study abroad, you’ll leave knowing some amazing people!
