Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My greatest educational experience was living in France and being exposed to the French language and culture at all times. My French comprehension greatly improved because I listened to it on a daily basis. As far as classes go, the workload during the semester was much lighter than at UT. The IES classes did require an essay and other homework assignments, but most university classes did not. All classes required a final exam of some kind (I took oral exams at the Universite de Nantes).

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very knowledgeable and clearly had lots of experience with American study abroad students. They provided lots of useful information about the local environment. They never spoke English, but the "no English" rule among students in the IES building was difficult to enforce. The group was a good size--about 60 or 70 students.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a wonderful host family (parents and 16 yr old daughter) in a well located house about 15 min from IES and within walking distance of centre ville <br /><br /> Great, welcoming family. I had my own room with plenty of space and a shared bathroom. I lived next to 2 other IES students in a nice area about 10/15 min from IES and within walking distance of centre ville. I also lived near a nice park.

French food is wonderful! The only drawback of eating dinner with the host family is that lunch tends to be the bigger, "fancier" meal, so you miss that.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Good field trips to chateaux, Mont St Michel, and a vineyard We went out often with both American and French friends

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The city was safe, and the administration helped me step-by-step when I had needed to make a doctor's appointment

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I came to the program with a fairly strong foundation, but my comprehension and knowledge of common phrases improved a lot. I spoke French with my host family, all professors, and in everyday interactions with locals. Most people in town did not speak English. However many of the French friends we made, we met because they spoke English.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans