Tokyo Awaits: Your Adventure Begins Now! 


<h3><span class="s1">Why did you decide to apply for an international program?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">An international program is required by my university in order to obtain my specific degree in international business and marketing. However, I have had a passion for travel and international education from a young age.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-pritchard-1473996391.jpg" alt="Students enjoying the sunshine in the French Riviera"><figcaption class="caption">Living the high life in the French Riviera</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose IES Abroad Nice?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">IES Abroad was the most helpful provider I came into contact with. I had a difficult time choosing a program that I wanted, and IES Abroad provided me with the support and assistance to make the best decision possible. They jumped through hoops in order for me to participate and receive an amazing scholarship. I was also very enticed by the location. The south of France is the most beautiful place, and I was so fortunate to find a program that fit so well with my academic needs, as well as my hopes for a location.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about the location?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite part about studying in the French Riviera was the landscape and the people. There are breathtaking landscapes all across the French Riviera and there are so many small villages with so much to offer. It was amazing to be surrounded by so much beauty and culture. The people were much nicer than I expected and helped me pick up French quickly.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What makes the IES Abroad Nice Direct Enrollment - SKEMA program unique?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">This program was very unique. I was the first IES Abroad student to participate in their SKEMA: Direct Enrollment/Exchange program and it was the best decision I could have made. SKEMA is an international business school with an extraordinary exchange program. I was able to take classes on a global platform, with so many different participating perspectives, and I was able to make friends with students from across the world. Some of my best friends were from Australia, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Kazakhstan, the UK, and France.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-pritchard-1473996432.jpg" alt="Village in the Cote dAzur, France"><figcaption class="caption">Exploring the villages of the Cote d&rsquo;Azur</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">How did local staff support you throughout your program?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Our IES Abroad staff was spectacular. They quickly became more than just our abroad advisors: they became our new family in France. I had some difficult times while abroad, and the IES Abroad staff was always there for me, and willing to go out of their way to offer me support and guidance.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">If I could go back, I wouldn't be so preoccupied with traveling every weekend. I would have spent more weekends relaxing in the French Riviera, and spending time with my friends that I made through SKEMA and my IES Abroad program.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">Describe a day in the life of your program.</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I lived in Antibes, France so I would wake up and grab a sandwich or breakfast from the local sandwich shop next to my apartment complex. I would always greet my reception staff who were so friendly and accommodating. I would ride the bus 45 minutes to school at SKEMA, with gorgeous views of the French Alps in the distance. At school, I would hang out with my friends before classes. Each class lasted about three hours, with a break in the middle, but you only had one class a week. After class, I would go to get dinner in downtown Antibes with my friends from school, or I would get the train or bus over to downtown Nice to have dinner and go shopping with my best friends in my program. We might finish the day with some wine on the beach during sunset.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-pritchard-1473996452.jpg" alt="Students swimming in the French Riviera"><figcaption class="caption">Selfies and swimming with new friends</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite activity outside the normal day-to-day schedule of your program?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I loved shopping in Nice because the fashion there is spectacular. I also enjoyed trying new restaurants and types of <i>crepes.</i> Mostly, I just enjoyed discovering new places in the Riviera. Some days we would take the train and visit Cannes. Some days we would explore a small village down the coast. Some days we would just relax on the secluded, pebbly beaches and swim.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">For the first two weeks, I lived with a host family. I really enjoyed my host family, and they taught me French and some things about the French culture. I moved afterwards in order to be closer to my school. I lived by myself in an apartment in Antibes for the duration of the program. I liked this because I was able to define my own schedule. While a part of me wishes I had had a roommate, I enjoyed living by myself because I learned so much about myself, gained new confidence, and grew as an individual.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-pritchard-1473996473.jpg" alt="Mediterranean coast in the south of France"><figcaption class="caption">The Mediterranean coast in the south of France</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Studying abroad has changed my perspective on life. I am now open to learning about and understanding new cultures, and I try to view things from all possible perspectives. I have a newfound passion for travel and embracing cultures, as well as meeting new people and learning about them and their experiences. I made some of my best friends while abroad and those individuals changed my life and shaped the person I am today.</span></p><p>















































</p><blockquote><span class="s1">I am now more confident in myself and my ability to guide myself through the difficult parts of life. I am very optimistic for the future and I hope that studying abroad is the first of many of my adventures.</span></blockquote>


Alison Pritchard

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Alison Pritchard who participated in IES Abroad program.

Alison Pritchard | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Alison Pritchard - 2015 Program Participant


<p class="p1"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-quiros-1459943490.png" alt="







View of La Conciergerie from Quais de la Seine in France"><div class="caption"><p>My favourite view in Paris: la Conciergerie from quais de la Seine</p></div></div><h3>Why did you decide to go abroad?</h3><p></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I think the best way to learn is through experience, and I don't think there's a better experience than being fully immersed in a different culture. In business, global awareness and cross-cultural communications are becoming increasingly important, so as a business student I thought an international program would help me develop not only personally, but also professionally.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose your IES Abroad?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I knew I wanted to be in Paris and that I wanted to take courses related to business, so I started looking at the programs that offered that. I decided to go for IES Abroad because it seemed like it had the kind of support I wanted while abroad (I ended up being right and I couldn't be happier that I chose this program).</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about Paris?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I had never been to Paris, so it was mind-blowing living there. It is both a global cosmopolitan city and a historical one. That was probably my favourite part: it was the perfect combination of modern and historical so I got to experience both "big city life" and the traditional French ways; because of that, it also provided a great learning environment. For my history or art and architecture class, we would actually go and see/experience what we were studying.</span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 380px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-quiros-1459943518.png" alt="







The Louvre in Paris, France"><div class="caption"><p>Day at the Louvre Museum in Paris</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">What made your experience of studying abroad unique?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">You know when you ask people what they like the most about their school/town/country, etc. and they usually give that really cliche answer: the people? I hate that I'm doing this, but that is what I'm going to have to say: the people.</span></p>
<blockquote><span class="s1">The staff and professors in this program were out of this world.</span></blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The program is small, so I guess you have more face time with them, but I never expected them to be as involved with the students as they were. You could tell that they legitimately cared about getting to know us. The day I walked into orientation everyone already knew my name. I was there during the Paris attacks and you would expect them to provide support (which they absolutely did), but they went beyond what they had to do and did small things for us like have food during that week, because food makes people feel better and they wanted us to be comforted.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">There is a professor with whom I discussed a project I'm working on, and even after I left Paris she sends emails with things she thinks could interest me for my project. They really are amazing and to me they made all the difference in my experience. I can't image being able to build those relationships in every program.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">In what ways did the local staff support you throughout your program?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">They were there for ANYTHING 24/7. The support for "official" program events (field trips, classes, etc.) was great, as expected, but I was amazed by how they weren't annoyed when we were bugging them with the small things all the time. They were there when you had to ask about serious matters, like where to find a doctor or how to deal with cellphone carriers, but they also went the extra mile if you had to ask where to have a good eclair or what museum to visit over the weekend.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I visited Barcelona during my time in Europe and it happened to be that one of the staff members had lived there so I asked for recommendations; she brought a colour-coded map with restaurants, sightseeing, and night-life places (I meant it when I said the extra mile).</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Like I mentioned, I was there during the attacks and their support with that was also incredible. They accounted for everyone, kept us in the loop, and always placed our safety first. They provided outside professional resources, but also everyone was available if we needed to reach out and discuss anything.</span></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-quiros-1459943545.png" alt="







Ocean view in Santorini, Greece"><div class="caption"><p>Solo hike from Fira to Oia in Santorini, Greece</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I spoke some French before I got to the program (enough to understand and make myself understood) and I wished I had spoken more French since the beginning of the program. I was with a host family, so I practiced with them, but I didn't start speaking French to the staff until after a month or two; I wish I had used the opportunity to practice more.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Describe a day in your life in Paris.</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I'll start with the commute since I actually really enjoyed it. I lived a little outside of Paris so I would walk 10 minutes to the metro. I loved the walk and the coolest thing was when I started seeing the same people every day, it made me feel like I was a part of the city already. Anyway, I took the metro to the center. I usually got there early so I would chat with whoever was at the front desk and then go to class. After (or between) classes I would have lunch (there were a ton of places around to grab food).</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Every week for my art history class we would go somewhere in the city for the class, so that became part of the routine as well. If I didn't have art history, I would usually stay at the center and "work on homework", but realistically I would hang out with other people at the program. The center has a great environment and I think I got lucky with the people I met, but I don't think I had ever laughed as much on a regular basis as I did in Paris.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">After the center closed I would take the metro back home, where I would have dinner with my family. This was probably one of my favourite parts of the day, especially as my French improved and started feeling like I could have real conversations with them. Food was always good and I became closer to them so the conversations and interactions became more natural.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite thing to do during your free time?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I don't think I have a favourite one. I absolutely loved walking around the city because there was always something new to do. If anything, I would say visiting new places was one of the things I enjoyed the most, whether it was a new museum, a new city, or another country.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In spite of my Mum's fears of me living with strangers, whom I might or might not have liked, for four months, I stayed with a host family. I wanted to improve my French and to be fully immersed in the culture and I thought that was the best way to do it. What I liked most about it was feeling like I was actually experiencing French culture through the food, the language and interactions, and even the physical space in which I was. I improved my French and became close with the family, so it was also nice feeling like I had a home and people to go back to at the end of the day.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-quiros-1459943567.png" alt="







Group selfie in Normandy, France"><div class="caption"><p>IES Abroad trip to Normandy, France</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">Now that you're home, how has your time in France impacted your life?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I don't know if I can say that life here is different, but I am, so it seems like it. My aspirations (both personal and professional) changed during my time abroad. I feel like I know myself better, so the way in which I interact with people and the way I see things are different. Going abroad motivated me to go after what I want, so I feel like I am less conforming now. I felt very empowered while abroad, for some reason, and I was afraid coming back home was going to dilute that feeling, but I when I feel it fading away, I go through my pictures or talk to my abroad friends and it reminds me of who I want to be. I also got a tattoo to remind me of that; I'm not saying everyone should get one, but I think it reflects how deep of an impact this experience had on me.</span></p>


Monica Quiros

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Monica Quiros who participated in IES Abroad program.

Monica Quiros | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Monica Quiros - 2015 Program Participant


<p class="p1"></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-gautam-1441950300.jpg" alt="







Eiffel Tower in Paris, France"><div class="caption"><p>At the foot of the Eiffel Tower</p></div></div><h3>What inspired you to study abroad?</h3><p class="p1">I've been learning French since middle school, and I really wanted the opportunity to immerse myself in a French-speaking culture, while simultaneously exploring a new city. I wanted to challenge myself and I figured going to a major city in another country where I didn't know anybody (and where English wasn't the primary language) seemed like enough of a challenge!</p><h3>Why did you choose IES Abroad&rsquo;s program in Paris?</h3><p class="p1">I wanted to enroll in French classes abroad, but I did not want to be away from my university for an entire semester. The IES Abroad Paris summer program was perfect for me, because it was enough time for me to get to know the city pretty well and discover places that a typical tourist wouldn't see, while developing friendships and improving my French skills.</p><h3>What was your favorite part about Paris?</h3><p class="p1">Paris is truly the most magical city in the world! I loved being able to visit the iconic sites, but what I loved even more was discovering the small and lesser-known areas and neighborhoods that make up the city. Furthermore, the city is a major center of economy, politics, education, and style. I was able to experience the fast pace of life in a European metropolis, which is very different from life in the United States.</p><h3>What characteristics of your program made your experience unique?</h3><p class="p1">I really liked having the option to stay with a host family. I wanted to get as much exposure to French culture as possible and I feel as if I achieved that with my family, observing behaviors and comparing their daily activities to what I'm used to in the U.S. I also enjoyed the course options of the program. I was able to take two culture-based courses, which I felt really expanded both my French vocabulary and my knowledge of past and modern French society.</p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-gautam-1441950329.jpg" alt="







View of the River Seine in Paris, France"><div class="caption"><p>A gorgeous afternoon along the Seine</p></div></div><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p class="p1">The staff was very friendly and approachable from the beginning. Because many staff members were American, they understood the culture shock that sometimes occurs with students, and were very helpful in teaching us qualities of French lifestyle that we American students were not aware of at the time. Additionally, the staff encouraged all the participants to speak in French whenever we were at the center, which was an aspect of my experience which I felt improved my language skills. We were always informed of activities and events happening around the city, and the staff took us on some great trips, both in and outside of Paris.</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</h3><p class="p1">I regret not meeting more French students and locals my age, which would have been a great part of the study abroad experience.</p><h3>Describe a day in the life of your program.</h3><p class="p1">I'd wake up and get ready for the day, starting with a typical French breakfast: coffee, bread, and jam (homemade by my host mom and so amazing!). Then I'd take the m&eacute;tro to the IES Abroad Center, about 25 minutes away. After my morning class, I had a two hour lunch break.</p><p class="p1">The center was located on a bustling market street, full of shops, caf&eacute;s, and vendors. My friends and I would get lunch at our favorite nearby caf&eacute; and do some homework before heading to our next class. Once the second class of the day was done, we'd go out and explore the city, or hang out at our favorite sites and caf&eacute;s. I had dinner with my host family a few times a week, and if it wasn't family dinner night, my friends and I would meet at a restaurant in a different neighborhood and spend a couple hours together before heading back home on the m&eacute;tro.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-gautam-1441950360.jpg" alt="







Le Palais du Luxembourg"><div class="caption"><p>Sunning at Le Palais du Luxembourg</p></div></div><h3>What was your favorite activity outside the normal day-to-day schedule of your coursework?</h3><p class="p1">I loved taking field trips with our professors, because we learned so much more about the sites and neighborhoods than when we'd explore by ourselves. My &ldquo;History of Paris&rdquo; class took a trip to a different location each week, where we saw churches, cemeteries, and other important sites in Paris. My sociology class took several trips as well, to neighborhoods that had many different influences, depending on the demographics and social groups we were currently studying.</p><h3>What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?</h3><p class="p1">I stayed with a host family and I'm so glad I chose that option. They were so welcoming and helpful throughout my stay in their home, and always had great suggestions about sites to visit and foods to try. They were especially helpful in teaching me about life in France and the French language, and were interested in learning about my life in America as well. I feel like staying with a family maximized my experience abroad, as it really helped me to understand how families in France differ from ones in America.</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has studying abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>















































</p><p class="p1">I think about my experiences all the time, because it really was an unforgettable summer. I made so many close friends that I would not have met otherwise, and we all have great shared memories. I was able to challenge myself and improve my French skills, while trying new foods, exploring a beautiful city, and having a new adventure every day. This experience really made me catch the travel bug, and I can't wait to get out into the world and explore even more.</p>


Meghna Gautam

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Meghna Gautam who participated in IES Abroad program.

Meghna Gautam | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Meghna Gautam - 2015 Program Participant

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