An experience I'll never forget! Past Review
By Alyssa Clinard (University of Tulsa) - abroad from 01/09/2019 to 05/04/2019 with
IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies
I learned a lot about myself while studying abroad. Particularly that I am capable of being in an entirely new country and being able to get around even by myself! I also learned that when you immerse yourself in a language and culture you are bound to pick things up.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All the classes were in French, which in the beginning was definitely hard but because of that I definitely improved. There were also some really cool classes. Because the program is smaller, there are not a lot of classes offered, but you can take classes at the University of Nantes and they offer tons of courses! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was one of my favorite parts of studying abroad! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The local culture was really cool in Nantes. It was kind of a big city with a small-town vibe. Lots of art and festivals! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The program was immersive so it was highly encouraged to speak in French whenever and wherever you were. And that is definitely the way to improve! |
| 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? | Advanced French |
| 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 best way to practice is to do it all day, every day even when you feel insecure about it. I had to get over that fear of making a fool of myself; but I learned that no one is really going to judge you, especially when you are trying! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I could go back and tell myself not to be afraid to jump into speaking French with my host family or in public because practice makes |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
