Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'm grateful to have had the experiences I did. Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/20/2012 with

IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better sense of self, and surprisingly a greater appreciation for the States. In learning about another culture, you find out what you like and dislike about your own. Also, it opened my mind to a lot of new ideas. You also get to meet people that you would never have the opportunity to meet otherwise.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were not particularly difficult, but challenging enough to need outside work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We all loved the staff; they were very welcoming and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was difficult at first to integrate because you are surrounded on a daily basis with many other Americans from the program. The Americans take classes at the IES Center as well as at the local university; however, all of the classes at the center consist only of other American students from the program. Making American friends was easy, French friends were a little more difficult (but still do-able!).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need any vaccines for my program but the healthcare I received while there was great. I got an ear infection partway through the semester and I was able to get a doctor's visit (with the help of and IES staff member) the very same day! There is a doctor that is literally right down the street from the IES center, and he's been working with the program for years. The visit was inexpensive and quick.

* Safety:

Nantes is a very safe place. I didn't walk anywhere alone at night, I always had someone else with me. But for being a moderately-sized city, everything was fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Of course a student budget is minimal, however if you plan out how much money you are going to spend per week, it was not too difficult to save money. Also, there are lots of cheap options like eating at the University restaurants, shopping for a few days worth of food at local grocery stores, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? See above

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

There is a French-only policy at the IES Center, and it is enforced pretty strictly (in a polite way, of course). However, one of my downfalls was the fact that outside of the center, we were free to speak English, at did often. At the beginning of the program everyone wants to speak French, but after mid-terms and vacation time comes and goes, English comes back strong.

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? French 313 (grammar)
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? Definitely listen to the French news or other shows where the people speak at a slower pace. Radio programs and podcasts are great too.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • the group excursions throughout the semester
  • the classes offered by the IES center
  • the atmosphere of the program itself (staff, students)
* What could be improved?
  • the amount of vacation time
  • potential activities to interact with French people
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I dont think there is anything specific I wish I'd known.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.