Becoming Nantaise Past Review

By (Biology, Wofford College) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 05/08/2015 with

IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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 be built between individuals who have completely different backgrounds. IES Nantes provided me with opportunities I may not have had with another study abroad program. I believe that after four months of living in Nantes, I learned the lifestyle and felt like I had found a new home. I am eager to return to Nantes to see the IES staff, my host family, and my friends.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Nantes - IES Abroad in Nantes Photo IES Abroad: Nantes - IES Abroad in Nantes Photo IES Abroad: Nantes - IES Abroad in Nantes Photo IES Abroad: Nantes - IES Abroad in Nantes Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses were challenging, but easy to adjust to due to great professors and good course descriptions. The IES center had plenty of computers, access to a great library, and connections to help us use resources in the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at IES Nantes were helpful, supportive, and caring throughout the entire semester. They were eager to welcome us into their city and introduce us to our surroundings.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements provided me with a second family that was hospitable and caring throughout the semester. This aspect of the program gave me one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

* 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

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? $50-$75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of the free meals your host family provides if available and go grocery shopping so you don't have to eat out at every meal.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French Literature
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? Speak to locals as much as possible. This will help your accent, speed of conversation, and expose you to common phrases that you might not learn in an American college french course.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living with a host family
  • The courses that were offered as well as the professors.
  • The trips that were built into the program that allowed us to get to know other students and staff in the program.
* What could be improved?
  • The availability of the IES center on the weekends for homework and/or projects.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? First off, I wish I knew how to pack more efficiently. I tried to follow some of the packing lists my program has provided but assumed I would need more than they suggested. I realized that I could have gotten exactly what I needed in Nantes, and some products I liked better than the ones I had used in America. I also wish I had done a little more research about the city and about how to travel in Europe before leaving for the program. Once I got there I was overwhelmed at how much I could do and if I had planned better, I could have accomplished a lot more.

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!