IES Abroad Nantes – French Language Immersion & Area Studies

I had such an amazing experience in Nantes. I met new friends who I can't imagine living without now and we explored the city together for 4 months and had so much fun. From trying new restaurants to buying gifts for secret santa at the christmas market to getting drinks at the 'chat noir' bar and gossiping together. I can't express my gratitude to IES enough for bringing me such amazing friends who I got to experience such a great city with.

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While abroad in Nantes, I experienced incredible academics, community, and exploration. In my time there, I stayed with a host family who took me in like I was a part of their own family. They invited me to events with them, supported me when I performed at our Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by IES, and generally was so kind and interested in my life. Academically, I was able to take classes at the local university where I met college students my age from France. I truly felt like part of the college student community. I also took a painting class at the Académie des Beaux Arts where I met a variety of people of a variety of ages, widening my community. And finally, I took classes with the IES Abroad students and staff. These were smaller classes where I could work on improving my French skills through a variety of subjects like history and film. Finally, the staff at IES Abroad Nantes is truly remarkable. They care so very much about their students, and are so invested in our health, safety, and success. This staff included 4 social and academic tutors our age. They helped us improve our French skills and also get involved in our Nantes community. They made us a family at IES.

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IES Abroad Nantes truly provided me with the experience of a lifetime. Originally, I never wanted to go abroad, despite how one of my majors is in Francophone Studies. I attended multiple study abroad information sessions and turned down each one. Then, hours before the deadline to declare if you were going abroad, I told my college that I’d go. I looked through all my options, searching for a program that would be similar enough to my home in Maine. I found IES Abroad Nantes and, based on how it was near the Atlantic Ocean, thought I’d give it a try. I filled out their easy application, and IES Abroad walked me through the more complicated Visa application process. When it came down to a month before departure, they sent me plenty of information on what to do once I arrived in France. Upon arrival, IES Abroad Nantes faculty met me at the train station and made sure I made it to their centre, and then home to my host family. My host family was so wonderful and understanding of the shock that comes with experiencing a new culture and language without the support of people you know. I quickly grew very close with my host family. I ate dinner with them each night, and they left breakfast out for me in the mornings. My host mother and I drank tea by the fireplace each night before bed, then I’d watch the news with my host father. When they weren’t home, my youngest host sister and I made dinner together and chatted into the night, exchanging stories about our lives and cultures. I was even invited to my host brother’s fiançailles (engagement party), and I hadn’t even officially met him yet! That night spent in celebration with my five host siblings is one of my best memories of being abroad. As for the IES center, I took three classes there. The classes were small and consisted entirely of exchange students, yet they were all entirely in French. The small class sizes allowed me to get close to the professors, who were natively French. Additionally, there were tutors at the center who hosted events which encouraged us to immerse ourselves further into the culture of Nantes. A few examples are study sessions in local cafés, seasonal festivities happening throughout the city, weekly karaoke at a local bar, and a weekly Conversation Club that invited French university students to come chat with and then go out to dinner with our group of exchange students. On top of all this, IES Abroad Nantes provided us to go on excursions to visit other parts of France. As a group, we would leave for a weekend and IES Abroad Nantes provided us with room and board, as well as transportation and guidance. A few of the 12 places we visited in France outside of Nantes through IES Abroad were Guérande, les châteaux de la Loire Région, and Caen. I also took two classes outside of the center at the local French university, Nantes Université. My self-confidence improved immensely during this experience, as I realized I could excel in a classroom setting that was designed for native French-speakers. Because of this experience as a whole, my fluency in French skyrocketed. Not only that, but I also now have connections with people in France, as well as some exchange students from Lithuania and Germany. I also have a new knowledge of and love for a city I would not have discovered otherwise. I hope to return soon to my second-home and reunite with my host family and friends.

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Studying abroad in Nantes with IES Abroad was an incredible and transformative experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. From the moment I arrived in this charming French city to the day I left, IES Abroad ensured that every aspect of my study abroad journey was not only enjoyable but also enriching. Academic Excellence (5/5): The academic program at IES Abroad in Nantes was top-notch. The courses were thoughtfully designed to integrate French language and culture, allowing us to immerse ourselves in both the language and the local way of life. The professors were not only experts in their fields but also passionate about helping us succeed. I felt challenged academically, which was exactly what I was hoping for in a study abroad program. Cultural Immersion (5/5): Living with a host family was one of the highlights of my experience. It provided me with a unique opportunity to engage with locals, practice my French, and gain insights into French culture that I wouldn't have had otherwise. IES Abroad also organized cultural excursions and activities that allowed us to explore Nantes and other regions of France. These experiences helped me develop a deep appreciation for French culture and history. Supportive Staff (5/5): The IES Abroad staff in Nantes were exceptionally supportive throughout the program. From helping us with paperwork and logistics to offering guidance on adjusting to life in a new country, they were always there when we needed them. Their dedication to our well-being and success made us feel like we were part of a close-knit community. Safe and Inclusive Environment (5/5): I always felt safe and welcome in Nantes. The city is known for its friendly residents and overall safety, and IES Abroad took additional measures to ensure our security. The program also fostered inclusivity, embracing students from diverse backgrounds and creating an environment where everyone felt valued and respected. Life-changing Experience (5/5): My time in Nantes with IES Abroad was truly life-changing. I not only improved my language skills but also gained a global perspective, developed lifelong friendships with both locals and fellow students, and grew personally in ways I couldn't have imagined. The memories and lessons from this experience will stay with me forever. In conclusion, studying abroad in Nantes with IES Abroad was a dream come true. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to explore France, learn the language, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. It's an experience that will not only enrich your academic and cultural knowledge but also shape you as a person. Thank you, IES Abroad, for making my study abroad adventure in Nantes unforgettable!

Studying abroad was one of the best experiences I could've had. Every day I noticed personal growth and confidence within myself and I am proud that I went on this journey fully by myself. I was also supported by my peers and IES staff who I will remember forever. The relationships I made on this trip, the personal growth, and immersive experience has positively affected me forever!

My time in Nantes was unforgettable and I am so grateful for IES, which not only paired me with an amazing host family that helped immerse me into the culture, but also gave me the opportunity to be an intern at a local middle school and get to have professors from the University of Nantes who were all very knowledgeable and amazing individuals themselves. I really enjoyed doing this program as it gave me the opportunity to use my French a lot more and I felt that I got the chance to improve even more than I would have if I had gone to a bigger city. Despite saying that though, Nantes still offers many of the amenities of a larger city and it was great to have the balance of living outside the city and going to school in the city, which was walkable from my housing. The four months I spent there felt like only 2 weeks and I'm so glad I got to have this experience. It was truly the perfect experience for me.

My time studying abroad for the Academic Year (2021-2022) in Nantes, France with IES was one of the most incredible times. I will always cherish the memories of the places I travelled, the food, the conversations, the people I met, the personal growth, confidence, and so many more amazing things I experienced abroad. I could go on and on about how much I love studying abroad and think everyone should do it. First, I think I was most nervous about my living situation because I was staying with a French family, and you never know. Fortunately, I absolutely loved my host family! They were so sweet and patient with me, and the absolute loveliest. I loved my meals with them, watching a movie after dinner or playing French Scrabble, going to the countryside with them, and other fond moments. So basically (just so I can make this post relatively to the point), living with a host family was amazing and really added to my time abroad in the best way! IES was also so helpful with so much of the living abroad process, including housing. They were always there in case you needed any assistance with your living situation, and truly wanted everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy their host families. The staff are also the sweetest. I loved just talking to them about anything, and most of the time it wasn’t even related to assistance or concerns, they’re just fun people to talk to (and practice French with)! IES also organizes cultural trips to different areas near Nantes which is informative, interesting, and fun. We also do so many activities within Nantes with the amazing French Assistants who are French students turned friends! There are many academic options at the local University, the fine arts University, and IES. I was able to take classes at all three, and it was a great experience to see French University life, as well as create art in France!! The classes at IES are great because the University professors know they’re teaching non-French native speakers, so I still learned so much but at a less fast-paced speed. The second semester I did the teaching internship, and although at first going into it I wasn’t sure if I would like it because middle schoolers sometimes scare me, and I didn’t know if I’d enjoy teaching. However, I absolutely loved my experience! I got to connect with French middle schoolers, teach them some American culture, learn about pedagogy in France, and work with a French teacher. To sum up my thoughts on Study Abroad: full send and go! I have never heard anyone come back and say they wish they had not gone. The experiences, memories, and everything that comes with living abroad and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone are irreplaceable. Plus who doesn’t want to see more of the world while still getting school credit?!

If you're looking for a French immersion program, look no further than IES Nantes. Aside from the program itself, the city of Nantes is perfect for college students who want to practice their French. It is decent-sized city with tons of restaurants, bars, cool events, and things to do, but it's also not overwhelming and is very easy to navigate. It also has a solid airport that makes it easy and relatively cheap to travel throughout France and Europe. It's also not very touristy, so there are plenty of opportunities to speak French with locals. I found that locals were very willing to practice with me and my friends, and we were also able to make friends with French and international students. The program is INCREDIBLE. All of the staff at IES work so hard to make this an amazing experience for us. They are some of the nicest people I've ever met and will help you with every problem (even problems as crazy as the impending coronavirus!!). The social activities and travel opportunities provided by the program are so varied and immersive--we went to the Loire Valley castles, Normandy, and Mont Saint Michel/ Saint Malo in the two months that I was there. I appreciated that we could take classes both at IES and the local university. The IES classes were so interesting--take gastronomy if you want to try amazing new food and drink each week! The staff help you take pretty much any class you'd want at the university, and I even knew people who took STEM classes there. At the university, I highly recommend the translation class. The professor knows IES well and loves working with IES students, and it's a great way to learn some new vocabulary. IES also recognizes that you are not just here for your studies, so the workload isn't overwhelming. If you work steadily, you'll have plenty of time to take advantage of the city and Europe! IES's homestay program also makes this program so strong. My host family was so welcoming and wonderful, and most of the homestays are located within easy access to everything--I was about a 20-minute walk away and lived right next to the main cathedral. You'll leave with a second family. These were some of the best two months of my life. I wish they weren't cut short by the coronavirus, and I wish I could go back, but I learned so much during my time in France. And I definitely came back more confident in my French. Don't be intimidated about the immersive side of this program--you are required to speak French when at IES and during IES activities, but you'll be glad for it. There were people of all levels in my program, and everyone improved significantly over the semester. Come to Nantes!!

I chose this program to improve my French comprehension and speaking skills, and I was able to do just that. I spoke French every day with my host family, my French and American friends, and the amazing staff at the IES center. I took classes at the local university which offered a unique view of everyday life and student life. There were a lot of nice restaurants and creperies to eat in and a lot of them offered great deals for students. When I wasn't working Nantes had a lot of things to do, including museums, the chateau, shops, the Machines-de-Ile, and much more! Overall I learned a lot of elements about French life and culture that are impossible to learn in the classroom and I'm eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to learn about this culture firsthand! I also got the chance to meet a lot of different people from all around France and the United States that I still keep in touch with. Definitely one of the most awesome things I've done!

The IES Abroad Nantes program was everything I could have asked for and more. It was an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and the language, while earning credits towards my degree at my home university. My program had the added option to do a pedagogical internship in a local middle school helping teach the students English. I loved every minute of it and it helped inform my future career choice. This program ensures you have every possible opportunity to succeed and flourish in Nantes. The staff, teachers, assistants, and host families are all so kind and great resources if you need support during your time there. The program also leads excursions outside of the city of Nantes, which is a great opportunity to see more of the Loire Valley and France in general, they are a part of the program cost and a great bonding experience for you and your fellow classmates. I have returned home with some friends who I know I will be close with for life and the memories we made together in this program are what brought us together. I cannot recommend this program highly enough, it was seriously the best semester ever!

IES is a great organization to study abroad with and Nantes, specifically, is an awesome city to be in. These factors combined, it was a fantastic semester. IES provides a lot of assistance with the Visa process, homestay situation, picking classes, and taking trips around Nantes (such as wineries and castles). Nantes itself is a really cute city-- it has a hidden culture of music and art, and is teeming with young people, thanks to the University of Nantes network. I took four classes at the IES abroad center (so with other Americans in the program), one class at the University of Nantes, and one class at the local Fine Arts school. My IES classes were my favorite, because some were just four people, and never more than 15. The professors are all native French speakers from the Nantes region who are passionate about what they teach and want to bring you out into the community. For example, in my Art History class, we took a field trip to a covered mall (Passage Pommeraye) downtown to study the architecture, and in my Sociology class we sat in on a public trial. All these courses were in French, which is the aspect I was most worried about prior to the program, but which ended up being very positive. When I arrived at IES I quickly realized that people in the program have many different levels of French, which is great. There is a place for everyone, whether you're near-fluent or have only taken a few French classes. I also partook in the teaching internship in a local school. I was an English teaching assistant at a middle/high school, where four hours a week I taught/assisted in the classroom. That was also a great experience that I highly recommend. If you love galettes (savory crêpes), mild weather, kind people, and a new adventure everyday... Nantes is your place to go.

This program challenged me to grow immensely in my language speaking and comprehension skills, as well as my understanding of the French culture. Being that all my classes were in French and I only spoke French with my host family, I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone, but the support of the IES abroad staff and host family helped me adjust and grow confidence in my new environment. I enjoyed making new study abroad friends, as well as French friends outside of the program. I learned a lot about France from the classes I took, as they touched on an array of topics from politics and religion, to food and customs, to slang and pop culture. One aspect that I would say really made my study abroad experience was my host family. We would go on trips, do different activities together, and have conversations where I learned about their life experiences, interests, and beliefs. They really made me feel like family, and the connection I made with them is something I cherish and I want to maintain. This program gave me new connections and great memories that I can take with me, and I'm glad I took part in it.

I am so glad that I spent my semester in Nantes! It was truly an unforgettable experience. Going into the semester, I was definitely a little apprehensive because I wasn't sure how well I would do immersed in the language, but after a while, I totally got the hang of things! I chose to stay in a homestay and that combined with the immersive schooling really pushed me to become a better French speaker. It was definitely one of the best decisions I have made and I miss sitting at cafes with my friends all the time!

Studying abroad in Nantes, France with IES is one of the best decisions I could have made. IES takes care of its students from the moment you are accepted to study abroad with them. Upon arrival, they welcome you with wide smiles and ensure a smooth transition to a new French life by having about ten days of orientation before classes begin. Even after the orientation period, staff members work to make sure students are enjoying their experience by asking you how you’re feeling or how your homestay is going. IES goes further than giving students a good education by providing students with the opportunity to engage in cultural events that really allow you to get to know the city. Students are also able to make plenty of French friends by going to the Club de Conversation and speaking to French students in English and French. It is truly a fully immersive experience! By the time you leave, your French will have greatly improved and you will truly feel like a Nantais(e)!

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My experience abroad challenged me in the most rewarding ways. Coming from a small town, I learned how to live in a city. I had the opportunity to learn a new language and engage myself in the local culture and community. The city of Nantes has great food, interesting museums, bountiful history, and kind people. I look forward to visiting there sometime in the future to visit one of my professors or my host family!

I absolutely loved my semester with IES Nantes! This program is great for anyone trying to improve their French because it is so immersive: you live with a host family, all of your classes are in French, and most people doing the program with you have a passion for French! There are copious opportunities to practice your French in Nantes, a vibrant city that I grew to love. This program also has a great staff who really go the extra mile to help you become integrated and happy in France. I had some of the best four months of my life with IES Nantes and I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who has a passion for French or who wants to have an authentic cultural experience!

One thing I really appreciated about the IES Nantes program is how well they facilitated the growth of a close-knit community among the students in the program. I definitely didn't get to know everyone, but I made so many more friends than I expected to just by making meals together in the program center kitchen, hanging out (and sometimes jamming out) in the salon, and exploring Nantes together during/after program outings. They also host a conversion club that allows you to get to know other French students. I ended the semester with so many new friends. The only housing option available was homestay, but I feel like they did a good job of offering a variety of different homestays to accommodate people's different needs. Some people were with families with kids, some were with families with young adult kids that were the same age as them, some of them were just with one person. I felt incredibly well matched with my family and felt right at home with them. The program staff were really invested in getting to know the host families too and letting them get involved in the program. Some host parents would even come to the program center to host french cooking workshops! IES also had phenomenal staff! It can be hard when you're trying to communicate about housing, academics, and other aspects of life abroad in your second language, but the staff were always so kind, approachable, and willing to listen. Everyone in the program started at different levels in their French, and by the end we had all grown so much. The staff and professors were able to meet each of us where we were at with our French and work with us over the course of the semester as our language skills progressed. By the end of the semester, I was so proud of the work I had done and all that I had accomplished, both in my classes and in my day to day life ~en français~. I'm so glad to have chosen to study in Nantes, because I absolutely fell in love with the city! There was always plenty to do around town, but it never felt as overwhelming or as crowded as I was worried the city would. Nantes is no where near as touristy as Paris is, so you really will be practicing French with every local you meet. There are plenty of cool places nearby worth exploring, and travel from Nantes is very easy. Though I was perfectly happy staying in town for most of the semester. From program outings to events throughout the city, there was never a shortage of fun things to do and amazing cultural experiences to partake in!

When I first arrived in Nantes after an exhausting day of travel, I was immediately greeted by IES staff and other students. At first every one was extremely nervous to get to know one another, but this quickly changed. In a city where no one knew my native language, I was always eager to speak to students in English. Throughout the semester, my dependency on English lessened day by day thanks to the students, staff, my friends, my host family, and everyone else I met. My goal before I let was increase my language skills as much as possible and IES made this goal achievable. Their golden rule, "En francais, s'il vous plait" was so challenging for me, but is one of the main reasons I feel as if gained as much knowledge and fluency as I did. The professors, both at IES center and at the University of Nantes were patient and willing to help you. They understood how difficult it was to learn in another language but never doubted you. They pushed you and expected you to give high results. The most intimidating aspect of going abroad became second nature to me. Every weekend, there were activities, excursions, and field trips to fill my days with. From ice skating to soccer games to trips to Bordeaux, I was constantly busy and embracing the culture surrounding me. Every week, we could attend a conversation club where I could meet other French students and practice our language skills. Every day, I could learn more about France's culture with the help of my host family, one of the best aspects of studying abroad. My host family became a second family to me. I explored the coast of France, ate dinner every night, asked for advice, attended parties and the movies, and much more with them. I can not imagine how different my experience would have been without a host family. Finally, I could not end this review without talking about how amazing the city of Nantes is. Smaller than Paris, but big enough to always find something new, Nantes really is the ideal city. With so much French history, so many boulangeries, landmarks, and art, I fell in love with the city. The IES center is located next to a beautiful little park that is always filled with people. If you walk a little farther, you are in the heart of the city where you can see the Opera house, one of the most historical restaurants, La Cigale, and a fountain (something that seems to be in the center of every circle!). With plenty of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, I was always able to fill my days with new and exciting things to do. I was fortunate to visit so many different cities, both in and outside of France and although I loved so many of them, I was always so happy to come back to what I considered home for four months in Nantes.

I remember being terrified upon arriving in Nantes. I showed up at the program building, which I would later grow to love, and I met a host of other students, each one of us more or less quiet, just waiting for our host families to come pick us up. The first few days passed like you would expect, everyone saying their names over and over, trying to talk to as many people as possible, and sharing all kinds of information about their lives back in the US and about what their host families here in Nantes are like. IES took us on all kinds of trips, especially at the start, and little by little we became as comfortable as if we had spent years with each other. Many a conversation was had around the little table in the kitchen, or the big mass of tables in the library, and I made friends in Nantes who I still talk to and am close with despite the fact that we are now spread out all over the US and France. My host family, especially, was one of the most impactful parts of my time in France. I was far more sad, and full of tears, on the day I left France and my host family, than on the day I said goodbye to my real family, knowing I would see them in only four short months. I was blessed in my host family to have my mom, dad, three younger sisters, a cat and a dog, and each one of them welcomed me as if I was some long-lost member of the family, coming back from a lengthy trip. I fit into their life and routine well, and I could talk to each of them about anything. IES couldn't have done a better job placing students in their host families. The classes I took, both with IES and at the University, were challenging, but well-worth every minute. And for every difficulty there was a tutor, or a friend, or the teacher standing by to help in any way they could. And though I had my worries about being comfortable with the language before arriving, every fear was quelled within little time of arriving. There is a learning curve, and there will be adjustments, but the fact that everyone in your sphere wants to help you, coupled with the fact that simply being immersed in the language will help you to learn quicker than you ever knew, makes everything seem all the easier. I loved my semester in Nantes more than I even realized I could before arriving there, and I wouldn't change it for anything. I came home with lifelong friends, knowledge of a beautiful culture and country that I never imagined I would understand so well, memories that will say with me as long as I am still going, and skills in a language that I will be able to use for the rest of my life.

IES gave me the opportunity to be a teacher at a local middle school in Nantes, France. Thanks to this program, I got to teach English to nearly fifty French students for a semester and explore a potential career path. This internship gave me more insight as to what I would like to do as a career through a simple four hours of teaching per week, not including lesson planning. I would not have had such an incredible opportunity without the connections and help of my IES administration team.