Coming to Grenoble

 

Once you are accepted in the GIANT International Internship Programme, there are a few things you will need to anticipate.

 

Passport and visa

The GIIP coordinator can help if you need a specific document from the programme or lab, but you will be solely responsible for your passport and visa procedures. It may be a good idea to apply for a passport as soon as you apply for the programme to avoid paying higher fees to expedite the process later.

The 12-week duration limit usually ensures that visa procedures are not too complicated, but it largely depends on your country of citizenship. You are encouraged to check well in advance what type of visa you need, and if you need one at all. The nearest French embassy or consulate website or this page should have all the relevant information.

Internship contract

You will need an internship contract signed by your host laboratory, your university and yourself to be able to start working on your internship project. The GIIP coordinator will work closely with your laboratory’s HR department to draft the contract, but you may be responsible for finding the right contact person for your university.

Depending on your host institute or company, you may have other administrative procedures to go through. As in any preparation for an overseas experience, anticipation and reactivity are key to make sure the whole process is completed on time.

Welcome services

We have partnered with LC Mobility, a private company that specialises in welcome services for international researchers, so that you can hit the ground running on your first day at work.

The GIIP will cover a basic service package for you, that includes:

  • Finding affordable accommodation for you
  • Pick up service at your arrival at Grenoble railway/bus station (during daytime)
  • Check-in at your residence (daytime)
  • Help opening a bank account and getting an affordable local civil liability insurance

LC Mobility may offer other services that you will need to pay for yourself.

Airport

The nearest international airports are Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) and Geneva (GVA). There are regular shuttle buses between the Grenoble train station and both airports: