Daily commuting using the city's extensive public transportation system is a reality for all who live in or near Nantes. Commuting time may take between 15-30 minutes depending on the location of your classes, internships, or other daily responsibilities. Public Transportation Nantes offers an easy and efficient system of public transportation (buses and trams) called the “T.A.N.” ( Transports de l’Agglomération Nantaise). The T.A.N. allows students to ride to all parts of Nantes, 7 days a week (there is no bus service between 12:30am and 5am). Students will receive details on how to obtain a...

IES Abroad is the only American study abroad program in Nantes, making opportunities for integration much more likely, provided you are willing to make the effort. IES Abroad enjoys a close relationship with the Université de Nantes, and IES Abroad students benefit from substantial contact with faculty and students. In an effort to increase the opportunities for IES Abroad students to meet French students, IES Abroad employs a Social Coordinator who organizes activities each week where French and IES Abroad students can interact. Take advantage of these opportunities early on. IES Abroad also...

The visa is an official authorization affixed to your passport, which gives proof that you have the permission of the French government to enter France and study for the allotted time. U.S. and EU citizens are not required to have a visa to study on programs less than 90 days in France. Non-U.S. and Non-EU citizens may be required to obtain a visa prior to your arrival in France. You should begin determining your specific visa requirements as soon as possible by getting in touch with your French Embassy or Consulate directly. Also, if you plan on traveling to other countries while you are...

Food & Drink Groceries per week, if you cook every meal at home €65 Breakfast at a restaurant €4-8 Lunch at a restaurant €16 Dinner at a restaurant €40 Soft drink €3 Coffee €2 Meal at a university dining facility €5 Personal Necessity Toiletries per week €8 Social Activity & Entertainment Movie €10 Theater performance €22 Museum entry fee €12 TRANSPORTATION Monthly Public Transportation Pass €41

The French monetary unit is the euro (€). For more information on the euro and related topics, consult The European Commission site. For current exchange rates, check the business section of any large newspaper or consult xe.com. Before departing for France, you should exchange between US$100-200 into euros to cover incidental expenses during your first few days in France. Euros can be purchased at most large banks and at most international airports. Keep in mind you may be charged an extra transaction fee, and exchange rates can fluctuate. When changing money, please make sure to ask for...

Most French electricity operates at 220 volts (which may differ from your home country), which means you may need a transformer or converter in order to use major electrical appliances. Past students advise keeping appliances to a minimum. You can purchase many appliances, such as a dual-voltage hair dryer, on-site for a reasonable price. You will need an adapter to plug dual-voltage appliances like computers, cell phones, and hair dryers into wall sockets in France. Adapters can be purchased in the US at most big box stores, some hardware stores, or a travel store. Please be advised to...

Becoming involved in athletic activities can be an excellent opportunity for you to meet and interact with other Germans. In the past, IES Abroad students have joined local sports clubs for swimming, fencing, soccer, climbing running or dancing. Running and Indoor Pools Berlin is a great place for running and jogging because of its many parks. In addition, practically every district in Berlin has an indoor pool for recreation and exercise. Fitness Centers Most private centers require a minimum one-year contract, but some offer short-term contracts. The on-site staff at IES Abroad Berlin can...

In Berlin, there is a variety of vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, etc. options in supermarkets, organic markets, and restaurants. Please let us know beforehand if your diet requires special housing arrangements. Major grocery stores, discount grocery stores, and markets can be found all over Berlin. Most stores are closed on Sundays.

German electricity operates at 230 volts (as opposed to 110 volts in the United States). Most laptop and tablet cords include a voltage converter, but other appliances do not. You will either need to purchase a converter or purchase some electrical appliances (e.g. hair dryer) in Germany. We recommend purchasing these items on-site to avoid carrying them in your luggage. Plan to purchase one or more travel plug adapters to bring along with you. You will need this to adapt the shape of your plugs to match the outlets in Europe. We urge you to conduct some research on adapters, converters, and...

Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA) Our Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA) strives to make studying abroad a learning experience accessible to all students, creating a student body that reflects the diversity of both the United States and US college students. We define a diverse student as someone who identifies as a racial/ethnic minority, first-generation college student, economically disadvantaged, LGBTQ+, and/or is a student who has demonstrated a history of overcoming adversity (a physical or learning disability, for example). We hope the information here will...