IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies
IES Abroad
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(For American Students)
Our French Language Immersion & Area Studies Program has two important goals: to improve your written and verbal proficiency in French through language and area studies courses and to introduce you to contemporary France and its role in the Eu... read more
All Reviews
I learned how to be independent during my time abroad. I've always been super close with my family, and was terrified to leave for such a long time, but I had the time of my life in Europe and learned how to be on my own. I wouldn't give my experience back for the world. A student - Tufts University View Entire Review
I am so happy that I chose this program. I loved the aspects of cultural immersion, and felt like I really understood a different culture by the end. I didn't want to leave! A student - University of Rochester View Entire Review
I gained more knowledge about France and Europe, as well as a more global perspective on some important issues like the Brexit and French politics. I met a wide variety of personalities that I though I would have clashed with, but ended up being very comparable as friends. My French greatly improved, showing that this immersion ... Iggy Takahashi - University of Portland View Entire Review
I gained a new perspective and I really learned what it is like to live and thrive in another country. I learned about a new culture and a new language and I feel like I now have a second home. It was 100% worthwhile. Molly J - Illinois Wesleyan University View Entire Review
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. A student - Illinois Wesleyan University View Entire Review
The biggest gain was the improvement in my French skills, and it was absolutely worth it! It's hard at first; expect that. You'll be a little culture shocked, homesick, and exhausted. But it's so so worth it to get to know a new country, new people, and be welcomed into a new family. A student - Pomona College View Entire Review
I gained so much confidence in my own French language abilities; that in and of itself made the program worthwhile for me A student - George Washington University View Entire Review
The program was definitely worthwhile! I loved the French immersion aspect of the program and my French skills definitely increased. I became more comfortable speaking and communicating. Rebecca G - University of Rochester View Entire Review
It was absolutely wonderful to study in Nantes. I learned so much about French culture and language because I was compeltely immersed during my semester. But I think it is important to warn that for any study abroad experience it is YOU who makes the experience worthwhile. I made mine incredibly worthwhile and I received lots of... Amanda F - Lafayette College View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was absolutely worthwhile. My French improved immensely during my time in Nantes. I also gained a much better picture of French society, history, and politics. I had the ability to travel not only around France, but around Europe as well and really try new things and get outside my comfort zone. My exp... A student - The College of Wooster View Entire Review

I was extremely impressed with IES Study in Nantes and my stay there ended up being some of the best five months of my life. The program is very well organized and the staff is professional, enthusiastic, and truly cares about the students. They made it clear that they were there to help us and they were all very approachable. A... A student - The College of Wooster View Entire Review
I vastly improved my language skills and became immersed in my host culture. Additionally, I made lifelong friends and enjoyed fantastic travel experiences outside of Nantes. A student - University of Saint Thomas - Minnesota View Entire Review
I learned that I was capable of juggling a lot, and that the best kind of friends are honest and caring and not just 'fun'. Shadi N - University of Tulsa View Entire Review
Primarily, I think the language was the most important aspect of my time abroad. Along with the travel, the classes, and the friendships, becoming challenged in a foreign language and being able to progress in that was one of the most rewarding parts of my experience. I think in general just being challenged to a new lifestyle w... A student - University of Portland View Entire Review
I improved my French immensely and overall gained so much confidence. I felt really independent abroad and had the best experience I could've hoped for exploring a beautiful city and meeting really great people. Emma - Occidental College View Entire Review
This program helped me start to think about what i want to do post-college. Brigit - Whitman College View Entire Review
I learned how to speak french, which is truly one of the most precious gifts/accomplishments that you can experience- learning another language. So yes, it was completely worthwhile. A student - Gustavus Adolphus College View Entire Review
How do you sum this up? I learned so much about myself, which sounds cheesy but is true. When you are abroad, the support systems you have built up back in the US are still there for you, but in a different way because of your being removed geographically. It was up to me to blossom and grow and initiate relationships here, and ... Erin Steward - Luther College View Entire Review
I learned about myself as a person more than I ever thought possible. I also learned how to explore a city by myself, an incredibly valuable lesson. I learned that I can tackle a city on my own, that I can live abroad for an extended period of time. I drastically improved my French, and had an amazing time doing it. I cannot exp... Abigail D - Scripps College View Entire Review
IES Abroad changed my life. If you've read and other reviews of this program, you know that there is no better program for French immersion. Between the IES Nantes staff, the professors, the home stay families, and the friendly people of the city, if you're looking for the opportunity to improve your French in 4 or 8 months, thi... Megan Z - Loyola University Chicago View Entire Review
Besides getting a lot better at French, I feel much more confident in general after studying abroad, and have really grown to love traveling. Conrad A - Ohio State University - Columbus View Entire Review
It's hard to believe now, a few months out, that I actually lived in Nantes, France for four months. While I was anxious to see the world, improve my french, and make new friends, I accomplished everything I could have imagined. This experience opened my eyes to new cultures and allowed me to understand that relationships can ... A student - Wofford College View Entire Review
I learned so much about French culture, my language improved immensely, and I grew as an individual. I became more independent, educated, and open minded. Becca S - Pacific Lutheran University View Entire Review
I learned a lot not only about a foreign culture, but also about myself. Studying abroad challenged me in ways that no other experience has, and it pushed me to open my mind to different ways of viewing and experiencing the world. I also became much more independent than I had been when I arrived. A student - The College of Wooster View Entire Review
IES Abroad Nantes is an amazing program! Specifically, the host families and the program/university classes are two things I will highlight that were a huge part of everyone's day-to-day experiences. The host families are your home base: they really do welcome you in with open arms (which is rather difficult when you think about... A student - Northwestern University View Entire Review
About
This program has a close relationship with the Université de Nantes, so you will have many opportunities to enroll in local university courses. IES Abroad courses are taught in French by native French faculty, many of whom are professors at the Université de Nantes. You also have access to the university libraries, computer labs, cafeterias, and sports facilities, and you are welcome to join student clubs and other social and sports organizations.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- French
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- International Agriculture
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Comparative Literature
- French Language, Literature
- Cultural Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Economics
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology
- Drama, Theater, Theatre Arts
- Film, Video, Photographic Arts
- International Business
- History
Minimum GPA:
2.75Website
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