Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in Nantes, oh what a life! Past Review

By (Political Science and International Relations, The College of Wooster) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 05/09/2015 with

IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was absolutely worthwhile. My French improved immensely during my time in Nantes. I also gained a much better picture of French society, history, and politics. I had the ability to travel not only around France, but around Europe as well and really try new things and get outside my comfort zone. My experience definitely made me a more well rounded and open-minded individual.

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?

* 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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 224
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The biggest thing is don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone does when they are learning a language and if you don't practice and make those mistakes you might not see improvement. Whether its your host family, professors, or French students they will understand and help you without any judgement.

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?
  • My host family
  • The classes
  • The French assistants
* What could be improved?
  • Integration of semester and full year students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly, I felt pretty prepared either by my home institution and IES Nantes, so there weren't any negative surprises.

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!