Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Semester in Nantes Past Review

By (University of California - Irvine) - abroad from 09/04/2013 to 12/21/2013 with

IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
When I first started planning my semester in France, I was convinced that I wanted to study abroad in Paris because, well-- it's Paris! Looking back on my experience now, I could not be happier that I chose Nantes instead. I truly believe that I gained so much more from living in a smaller city where English is not commonly spoken than I would have in a more international city like Paris. While I did enjoy a weekend trip to Paris, returning to Nantes felt like coming home. What really stands out in my mind about the IES Nantes program is the opportunity it presents for complete immersion in the French language. All students are placed in a homestay with a French family, and many of these families have been hosting American students for years. While living with a host family can be a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, the adjustment process is just another part of the experience and is well worth the linguistic and cultural benefits of being part of a French family. The post-dinner conversations I had with my host mother were some of the best learning experiences for me as far as improving my speaking skills and gaining a better understanding of French culture. She even made me a little book filled with my favorite recipes of hers when I left at the end of the semester so I can try to replicate her wonderful cooking!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a wide range of classes to choose from at both the IES center and the local university, and they were all taught in French.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was very supportive and helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All students are placed in a host family, which is a wonderful way to improve language skills and really experience French culture.

* Food:

My host mother was an amazing cook, Nantes is bursting with great restaurants and creperies, and there are boulangeries around every corner!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very at home with IES. The program offered lots of social outings that were led by French students who worked as assistants at the IES center. Meeting locals was harder, but there are lots of clubs and activities available at the university, so it's possible if you put yourself out there and get involved.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had a medical problem while in Nantes, but I did have to go to the doctor to receive a check-up in order to participate in a dance class. The staff at IES made the appointment for me and helped me figure out where the office was located. The only downside was that it wasn't covered by the insurance you're required to get through IES, so I had to pay extra for the visit.

* Safety:

Nantes is the perfect size: big enough to be exciting, but small enough to not be overwhelming. I always felt safe there. As long as you use common sense and are aware of your surroundings, safety isn't an issue.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be sure you're aware of any international fees that you may be charged when using your debit and/or credit cards abroad. Depending on your situation, it may be cheaper for you withdraw money from an ATM than to use your card all the time, especially if your host country has an American sister bank.

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

The staff at IES enforces the French-only policy. They really encourage you to use the language as much as possible.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to locals and to your host family! Speaking French with other Americans can be beneficial, but it can be tempting to fall back on English if you can't remember a word. Interacting with native speakers forces you to express yourself even if you can't remember exactly how to say something.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The opportunities for language immersion
  • The sense of community at IES
  • The interesting and wide-ranging courses, which were taught by fantastic French professors
* What could be improved?
  • Some students spoke a lot of English towards the end of the program, but IES did a good job of continuing to encourage us to use French despite this. All in all, it's really up the students to push themselves to improve their language skills.
  • It was a bit difficult to meet French students because so much of our time was centered around IES and the other American students. But again, if you push yourself and get involved at the university, it's possible.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how fun and fulfilling it can be to interact with local students. I didn't hang out with many French people until later on in the semester, and I wish I had done so sooner!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!