GEM Alpine Business School

Programme Details

Minimum mark 60%

Level Undergraduate

Language/s Study in English or French (B2 French required for programmes in French)

Agreement Scope School of Business and Society - Management department exchange

Exchange Places 3 full year places for 2026/27

Grenoble Ecole de Management exchange students website

Events and information sessions

Overview

About:

Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) is a graduate business school, specialising in business strategy, finance, innovation and technology management. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programmes and is one of two campuses - one the other in Paris. GEM hosts 9,000 students of around 159 different nationalities.

Highlights:

The school is ranked second for sustainable and ecology development by Le Figaro, Financial Times and the World Economic System. Grenoble as a city has also been named the 2022 European Green Capital by the European Commission. As an institution, GEM is located right in the heart of the alpine region of France, boasting beautiful scenery and plenty of activities to get involved in.

Location:

Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

Academic information

Courses / Modules:

To learn about the different programmes on offer at GEM, please consult the Exchange programs page and refer to the fact sheet.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester):

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. GEM uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.

Teaching Periods:

The academic year is organised into two semesters. The first semester starts in early September and ends mid-December. The second semester starts early January and ends the start of May.

Exams for the first semester take place at the end of December and throughout May-June for the second semester.

Language:

Exchange students at GEM can study programmes either all in English or all in French. Refer to the Exchange programs page for details of the different programmes. Level B2 French is required for enrolment in programmes taught in French. The English-taught programme includes a 'French as a Foreign Language' module. Check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit.

Student life

Accommodation:

The school recommends private shared-student accommodation for incoming international exchange students.

GEM advertises Studapart, where students can find shared accommodation in the city.

Grenoble welcomes more than 1000 international students per year and recommend that students find their accommodation before arriving in the city as it is difficult to find somewhere upon arrival.

Orientation / Welcome week:

The School puts on an induction week before the start of each semester which students should arrive in time for. During this week, students will be able to get to know the campus, the study structure and go through an administrative needs such as insurance and immigration.This is also a great opportunity to meet other international students.

Support Services:

The International Student Integration (ISI) Service provides general information about administrative procedures to get settled in France. The service provides help for international students in areas such as:

administrative formalities e.g. insurance, immigration
access to online information
tips to avoid culture shock
invitations to join social media groups and student outreach programmes

Visas:

You may need a visa to study in France. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for France and its Living in France guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country. UK passport holders planning studies in France can also refer to France-Visas for more information .

Travel insurance:

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.

Health insurance:

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

Information about health insurance for exchange students is also provided by GEM.

Student experiences

Elena, Université Grenoble Alpes, intern, 2024/25

"I worked in a lab as an intern on a research project, carrying out experiments and presenting findings. The experience overall has made me more comfortable within my own skills and knowledge that I accumulated throughout my degree prior to the placement. It has made me more confident in those areas as well as my presentation skills. The experience has also made me more self-sufficient and and independent which will benefit me in the future."

Jessica, 2017/18

"I have finished my year abroad more confident and independent, and wanting to explore more countries and cultures! My study abroad year allowed me to experience how students study in France, which was more different than expected, so I had to adapt how I studied to suit this. I was able to visit many cities and countries during my year abroad for such a low cost which I could not have done from the UK. I would really recommend a year abroad to anyone considering it, as you have the opportunity to travel, improve your language skills and meet people from all over the world. It is such a fantastic opportunity and everyone should make the most of it if they get the chance!"

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

Useful links

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Top Tips for Studying in France

Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.

Money and Banking:

Monzo: This is a great thing to sign up to, you won't be charged for any conversion rates when you pay by card or withdraw money. It also means you don't have to set up another bank account in the host country, saving you lots of time, it is also great for budgeting.

Staying Connected:

Phone contracts: The phone network Voxi has unlimited data and no roaming charges in France
Make plans: Making plans to meet up with your friends from York who are also in France keeps you connected to that bit of familiarity, especially good if you are missing home. It also means you have something exciting to look forward to, which always helps.
Post: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family back home can make all the difference. Not only is it a thoughtful touch, but it keeps you connected to anyone you might be missing.

Food:

Canteen: The university canteen is excellent, it serves three course meals at a great price, around 3 euros. They also have café style canteens on the campus where you can get cheaper coffee and sandwiches.
Izly: If you sign up for an Izly card, you can transfer money credit to it and if you pay using it, you can get discounts, similar to Yoyo in York. (Only for university canteens).
Supermarkets: Supermarkets in France are usually affordable and varied - Casino, Carrefour, Aldi and Lidl are the more affordable options whereas Monoprix and Franprix are slightly more expensive.

Paperwork and bureaucracy:

Be prepared for paperwork: France is synonymous with bureaucracy and the university seems to be quite behind York in terms of digitization. Do not be worried if you don't have a printer, there are print shops, and also university printers, that you can use.
Remember your supervisor: The paperwork is concentrated mainly at the beginning and end of each semester, so don't worry too much. Your supervisor both at your host institution and York are there to help as well if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Be organised: Making a list of what you need to do, for when, and who needs to sign and work through it. This will make it more manageable and seem less overwhelming.

What I wished I'd known...

Timetabling: Unlike York, you will be responsible for building your timetable, including choosing your modules and contacting the teacher to make sure you can join. Your supervisor will be able to help you if you need it though.
Formality: Universities in France are more formal than the UK regarding the teacher/student dynamic. You must always use "vous" or Monsieur/Madame when addressing a teacher and take off hats/scarves/coats when sitting in a classroom.

Contact Global Opportunities

Global Opportunities - Drop in and see us at Derwent College D/A/023, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 11-1pm

Book a virtual appointment with one of our advisors: Emily or Stephanie, or email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk for further support.

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