Studying abroad enhanced my identity and changed my spirit, worldview and life. Past Review
By Kristin S (International Studies, French, Hope College) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/11/2012 with
IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies
I gained an understanding of culture, people, language and myself that one can only gain by living it. It was completely worthwhile and something I wouldn't trade for the world.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I walked around 35minutes to and from the IES abroad center daily (save the harsh winter days) and I never felt unsafe. I do know of a couple incidents that definitely require people, more specifically, international students to be extra aware and to take obvious precautions. Nantes in general from what I've experienced and heard, is not a dangerous city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't splurge unless you can really afford it. If you plan on traveling, keep that in mind and budget so that you can enjoy your travels. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 level French course |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | If you get along well with your host family, maximize your time with them because they are there to be your family and help you to improve your language skills. With them you don't have to be scared about making a mistake, they'll correct you, you'll learn then you'll move on. It can really be a great language enhancing experience if you let it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing. The program was very through in preparing us for arrival. In personal terms, there is nothing that I learned abroad that I wish I would have learned beforehand because the fact that I learned what I did while abroad made that much more of an impact. |
