Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

French Fun Past Review

By (Luther College) - abroad from 01/07/2016 to 05/07/2016 with

IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How do you sum this up? I learned so much about myself, which sounds cheesy but is true. When you are abroad, the support systems you have built up back in the US are still there for you, but in a different way because of your being removed geographically. It was up to me to blossom and grow and initiate relationships here, and I am so glad that I did! I also learned a lot about how I am just one small person in this great big world... but there is truly so much that unites us with one another as opposed to that which divides us. The immersion in another culture was incredible, and it gave me so much that I hope I left a little something behind in the hearts of those whom I met! Worthwhile all the way!

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.

It was not as rigorous as my home school, but keeping in mind that it was its own kind of rigorous because it was in a different language, it definitely was challenging!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

pretty good; a few areas that I might like to see worked on a bit

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was my favourite part of the experience! I love them like my own family and plan on keeping in touch with them forever!

* Food:

Everything about the food was WONDERFUL.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program gives you plenty of opportunities to get out there and connect with the culture; it's up to you to take them. :)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I think healthcare was fine. I didn't need much of anything, and when I did get something it was easily available in the pharmacy.

* Safety:

I give this four stars without malice. There was the fact that there was a lot of protests going on in France at the time, some of which ended up being somewhat violent. Obviously, this is not under the control of IES. That in mind, IES was super helpful in making sure we knew how to get home and always made sure that we were never in danger ourselves.

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

Overall, I had a really great experience with this program! My family was probably the highlight of it all. Grateful to have had this opportunity!

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

There was frequent encouragement. I was disappointed in my classmates, who, despite prodding, could not be bothered sometimes to speak French. However, I would say that we spoke French often even considering that and that for many of us, our French ameliorated at an unprecedented rate.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400-level course at college
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? Make French friends and talk often with your family! Don't be afraid to make mistakes-- that's the best way to learn. :) Commit to yourself that even if those around you choose to speak in English, you will continue to practice French.

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 family (They are by far the greatest part of my experience, I think!)
  • the city itself (large, but not too difficult to navigate or too tough to make connections)
  • the teaching internship (opportunities to go out and interact with the locals)
* What could be improved?
  • staff/student interactions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it's okay to feel alone when you first get over to your country where you are studying. It's natural, and dare I say, normal: everything is new and nothing is familiar! The best remedy for this? Throw yourself into interacting with new folks around you! Chances are they might be feeling the same but don't know how to (or if they should) voice it. Also, don't be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone!

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!