Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester I Will Never Forget Past Review

By (Illinois Wesleyan University) - abroad from 01/05/2016 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?
I learned more about the French language, it's culture, history, and nuances than I even thought possible for me. It was definitely worthwhile and I will go back one day.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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

The IES Nantes program provided an overall and immersive French experience that not only developed my practical french skills, but also my love of french culture. It is an experience that I do not think any other program would be able to provide.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 50 to 70 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget and think before you buy souvenirs. Also IES has a fridge, so just make your own lunches instead of always eating out.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Francophone history 303
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? Actually speak in class and strike up conversations with the kebab vendors.

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?
  • Nantes
  • Host Family
  • IES Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Variety of classes
  • Amount of IES excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Exactly how much stuff there is to do in Nantes.

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!