Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Life Changing Experience! Past Review

By (Gettysburg College) - abroad from 08/28/2019 to 12/14/2019 with

IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of elements about French life and culture that are impossible for teachers and professors to teach in the classroom. I also got the chance to meet a lot of different people from all around France and the United States that I still keep in touch with. It was the most amazing out of the classroom experiences I've had.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

I chose this program to improve my French comprehension and speaking skills, and my French greatly improved! I was able to speak French every day with my host family, my French and American friends, and the amazing staff. I took classes at the local university which offered a unique view of everyday life and the classes themselves were very interesting. There were a lot of nice restaurants and creperies to eat at that offered deals for students. Nantes also has a lot of really fun things to do, including museums, the chateau, shops, the Machines-de-Ile, and much more. Overall one of the most greatest things I've ever done!

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? ~$70 a week not including weekend travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for sales and compare prices for clothes. A lot of little shops will offer better deals than larger stores.

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? FREN 353
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? Talk in French all the time, even if you are with other English-speakers! That is the best type of practice you can have. And don't be afraid to fail! Unless you're already fluent you will make mistakes, and that's okay.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • French Language Immersion
  • Super Supportive Staff
  • Tourist/Extracirricular Activities
* What could be improved?
  • Procedures in case of lost property could be explained more at orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about public transportation system and cost per month.

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!