Study abroad is the best - only the fondest memories looking back September 09, 2022
By Kira P (IPE, French and Studio Art, University of Puget Sound) - abroad from 09/01/2021 to 04/29/2022 with
IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies
- I learned and gained so much, I can't write it all down, but in general terms I had some of the best and influential and though provoking conversations with people from around the world. I had simple yet impactful moments that allowed me to love and get to know cultures. I made so many life long friends - I can't even describe, going through study abroad, especially immersion and living with host families bonds you so deeply in the best way. The people you meet are amazing. I gained confidence within myself with my French and just in general! I travelled, and it was just the starting point for my travel curiosity!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Amazing!!! The sweetest people |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Loved! My host family was the loveliest, miss them so much! |
| * Food: |
Yummy French food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
-Trips, University life, French family life, and exploring! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Got sick :/ but the staff were so helpful |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The IES staff are the best! They are supportive and try to make the adjustment living abroad smooth and enjoyable, which I think they certainly achieved! They are also so sweet to talk to, so I look forward to seeing them again when I visit (: |
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) |
- Definitely budget early! Yummy =crêpes, pastries, and coffee sneak up on you, but they're soooo worth it! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Eating with the host family saves money and is super fun! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | - Budget early! - Travel!! It's affordable, but def maybe plan a bit |
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 |
Classes, when you were with your host family, and cultural activities were in French. French speaking is heavily encouraged because of immersion which is good! Everyone is very kind and patient, so it's a good environment to improve your French! |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A 200 elective |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | - Practicing the summer before you go could be good - speaking is the hardest for me, so it's easier said than done but sometimes you gotta just yolo it and practice speaking -- I feel like people appreciate you trying to communicate in their language more than we sometimes think |
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? | - The nerves, sometimes awkwardness, and being uncomfortable is so worth it! (: |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
