An experience I'll never forget! Past Review

By (University of Tulsa) - abroad from 01/09/2019 to 05/04/2019 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 about myself while studying abroad. Particularly that I am capable of being in an entirely new country and being able to get around even by myself! I also learned that when you immerse yourself in a language and culture you are bound to pick things up.

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.

All the classes were in French, which in the beginning was definitely hard but because of that I definitely improved. There were also some really cool classes. Because the program is smaller, there are not a lot of classes offered, but you can take classes at the University of Nantes and they offer tons of courses!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was one of my favorite parts of studying abroad!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local culture was really cool in Nantes. It was kind of a big city with a small-town vibe. Lots of art and festivals!

* 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)

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

The program was immersive so it was highly encouraged to speak in French whenever and wherever you were. And that is definitely the way to improve!

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? Advanced French
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? The best way to practice is to do it all day, every day even when you feel insecure about it. I had to get over that fear of making a fool of myself; but I learned that no one is really going to judge you, especially when you are trying!

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
  • 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?
  • The classes and the staff
  • the friends I made
  • my host family!
* What could be improved?
  • better communication on the visa process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I could go back and tell myself not to be afraid to jump into speaking French with my host family or in public because practice makes

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.