Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing experience, study abroad in Nantes! March 25, 2023

By (French Studies, Santa Clara University) - abroad from 08/31/2022 to 12/17/2022 with

IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the culture and I improved my comprehension of French so much. It was totally worthwhile.

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.

Not too difficult, but high expectations and very immersive educational experience, so you will do a lot, but it will all be fun!

* 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?

I had an experience with healthcare and was able to get help quickly with the resources IES Abroad gave us at the beginning of the program

* Safety:

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

I loved this program so much. I was placed with an amazing host family, had amazing classes, and this city was great to practice my French! Highly recommend considering it over Paris!

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to grocery shop and cook your own lunches. Grocery shop outside the city center for better prices

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 101
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? Never switch to English, even if you get tired. Make sure to make French friends to learn slang and get even more practice

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The classes
  • The local culture
  • Trips organized by IES
* What could be improved?
  • A two week break instead of only one week long break
  • The process for choosing courses at the local university
  • I'm not sure what else could be improved
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the time would go so quickly and I wish I knew not to stress because of how amazing it was going to be

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!