Adapting to American University life was already an adjustment, so switching to university life abroad felt like a whole new world. Once classes at the IES Abroad center began, we had a two-week shopping period. During these two weeks, we could attend any classes we want to and were able to drop and add classes as we see fit. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. Before I left for Nantes, I was able to secure a list of classes that would work for both my majors with my academic advisor so I thought that I had a pretty concrete idea of what I was taking.

One of the aspects that I’ve come to love the most about Nantes is its strong dedication to and integration of environmental consciousness throughout daily life. Although it is presently difficult to tell because of the current sanitation strike causing garbage to line the streets (an aside: I have definitely had the opportunity to see the French exercise their right to protest in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s retirement reforms), I am usually very impressed with the way environmental awareness is incorporated into daily life.