IES Nantes - Amazing Experience! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Hope College) - abroad from 09/06/2012 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 great deal of knowledge about France and their culture, while also learning a lot about myself. I gained so much more confidence after living abroad.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the doctor while I was there, and IES was extremely helpful in setting it up, and the doctor spoke English so if something was getting across clearly in French he spoke in English. I also had to take some medicine and it was very accessible.

* Safety:

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)

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

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Language Component
  • Social Activities
  • Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • More info on classes before arriving
  • A little more clarity on the university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known what classes I could take before going abroad.