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Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore French language, history, and culture, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and handson approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local institutions enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
While in Nantes, you take 15–19 credits per semester, and all courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified. All courses are taught in French.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional components:
- IES Abroad French language course (required, 3-4 credits)
- French-taught area studies courses (required, 3 credits each)
- French-taught courses at a local university (optional, 3 credits each)
- Université de Nantes
- Audencia Business School
- École des Beaux-Arts de Nantes Sant-Nazaire
- Teaching Internship and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
Courses
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty. All courses are offered both fall and spring semesters unless otherwise noted. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings for your term in your MyIESabroad account. The final course list for each term will depend on faculty availability, students interested in each course, and discipline diversity.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 313 - French Classicism: Art And Architecture | Fall | French | 3 |
| AH 314 - French 19th and 20th Century Art | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU 356 - French Cooking and Gastronomy: Food, Wine and Etiquette | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| SO/PO/CU 352 - French Overseas Territories: A Model of Diversity Management | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC 380 - International Trade And Globalization | Fall | French | 3 |
| PO/EC 382 - The European Union and France | Spring | French | 3 |
| PP/EC/ES 364 - Nantes Green Capital: A Model for Understanding the Green Economy | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PP/EC/ES 364 - Nantes Green Capital: A Model for Understanding the Green Economy | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR 303 - French Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 353 - French Language in Context: Independent Abroad | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 377 - Phonetics and Conversation | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 401 - French Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| FR 451 - French Language in Context: Competent Abroad | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 320 - History of French Cinema | Fall | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 358 - France And The Atlantic World | Fall | French | 3 |
| RL/HS 342 - Religion, Society and the State in Modern France | Spring | French | 3 |
| RL/HS 362 - Nantes Between Revolution and Counter-Revolution. Political and Religious Controversies of the French Revolution: the Example of Nantes (1780-1832) | Fall | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Teaching Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 345 - Panorama of French Theater | Spring | French | 3 |
| LT 349 - French Poetry At The Turn Of The Century | Fall | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO 371 - Construction of a European Union from 1945 to the Present | Fall | French | 3 |
| PO 372 - Government and Politics in France since 1958 | Spring | French | 3 |
| PO/EC 382 - The European Union and France | Spring | French | 3 |
| SO/PO/CU 352 - French Overseas Territories: A Model of Diversity Management | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PP/EC/ES 364 - Nantes Green Capital: A Model for Understanding the Green Economy | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL/HS 342 - Religion, Society and the State in Modern France | Spring | French | 3 |
| RL/HS 362 - Nantes Between Revolution and Counter-Revolution. Political and Religious Controversies of the French Revolution: the Example of Nantes (1780-1832) | Fall | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO 360 - Contemporary French Society: French Identity In The European Union | Fall | French | 3 |
| SO/PO/CU 352 - French Overseas Territories: A Model of Diversity Management | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| TH 343 - Theater Production | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
The amount of credit awarded by local universities varies between 2-4 credits depending on the course. Course offerings vary from semester to semester, and course listings and syllabi are not available until shortly before the beginning of the academic year.
Université de Nantes
You are automatically registered at the Université de Nantes and are encouraged to enroll in at least one university course provided you have the appropriate prerequisites.
Courses
Most university courses are assigned 3 credits for a semester. At the Université de Nantes, most courses consist of a cours magistral (lecture course) and a travaux dirigés (discussion sessions). The lecture course is taught by a professor or a maître de conférences, and the travaux dirigés are generally taught by an associate professor.
You may select French-taught courses in:
- Art History
- Business & Economics
- Education
- Geography
- History
- Humanities
- Languages & Literature
- Political Science
- Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy
- Sciences: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
Location & Commute Time
The main campus, called Tertre Campus, hosts the colleges of Language, Literature, Geography, History, Art History, Humanities, Political Science, Business, Economics and Management, Education, and Psychology. The Tertre campus, situated on the Erdre River, is located in the outskirts of Nantes, in the northern part of the city. The Tertre Campus of the Université de Nantes can easily be reached by tram and buses. It is only a 20-minute tram ride from the city center and approximately 25 minutes from the IES Abroad Center.
The Lombarderie Campus hosts all courses in the sciences, and is a 10-minute tram ride from the city center and the IES Abroad Center, in the same direction as Tertre Campus.
Audencia Business School
Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 100 institutions for Business and Management, the Audencia Business School is one of France’s elite Grande École institutions, ranked sixth in the nation. Audencia has AACSB and EQUIS accreditation and offers several French-taught courses that IES Abroad students can enroll in. Classes are available in:
- Business & Management
- Communications
École des Beaux-Arts de Nantes
Fall and academic year IES Abroad students may enroll in one course at this fine arts school, with priority given to students who have experience in Studio Art. As registration takes place in September only, spring students may enroll only if a spot becomes vacant. Classes are available in:
Courses
École des Beaux-Arts courses are practical workshops - you work alone with advising from the class instructor. Your evaluation and grade is based on your work and progress in class. École des Beaux-Arts offers you opportunities in:
- Live Model Drawing
- Painting
- Drawing
- Watercolor
- Oil
Courses typically earn 2 credits.
Location & Commute Time
École des Beaux-Arts is located in downtown Nantes, a 10-15 minute walk from the IES Abroad Nantes Center.
Internships
Interning while you study in Nantes gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:
- Gain a better understanding of the real-life, everyday culture of your host country
- Add global work experience and skills to your résumé or your application for graduate school
- Improve your confidence
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship.
Teaching Placements
Participating in a teaching internship in Nantes as part of your study abroad experience gives you the opportunity to learn about the French education system and teach English to French students. No prior teaching experience is required. A teaching internship abroad will help distinguish your application for graduate school or a job opportunity. It’s an exhilarating challenge, and we’re here to help guide you in securing your placement and succeeding in your internship.
You complete at least four hours of supervised teaching each week. Placements are available in écoles primaires (elementary schools), collèges (junior high schools), and lycées (high schools) in Nantes.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Nantes, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. These trips are subsidized by IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations.
Caen & The Normandy Beaches
2 Days | Spring
Stay overnight in Caen, city of William the Conqueror. Visit the Mémorial de Caen, the historic D-Day beaches, and the American Cemetery to learn more about Normandy’s role in World War II. Discover Bayeux and the incredible 11th-century tapestry depicting the story of the Norman conquest and the Battle of Hastings.
Tours & The Loire Valley Castles
2 Days | Fall
Visit several of the most famous châteaux in the heart of the Loire Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region is known for its wine production and for being the former playground of the French kings, who came here to hunt. More than 300 castles dot the landscape.
Clisson & The Muscadet Vineyards
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Tour this small, charming town dating back to antiquity and known for its distinctive Tuscan-inspired architecture. Explore the Château de Clisson and the 15th-century market, one of the oldest functioning markets in France. Visit a vineyard to discover how the local Muscadet wine is made and enjoy a tasting.
Mont Saint-Michel & Saint Malo
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit the famous abbey on the island of Mont Saint-Michel, and explore Saint Malo, a walled port city on the English Channel.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and length of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
Course-related trips are organized as an integral part of the IES Abroad courses and contribute to a general knowledge of French culture and society. For instance, as part of our French Cooking & Gastronomy course, students travel to Bordeaux to visit cheese and wine producers, and sample local specialties, like cannelés.
Participation is based on course registration and may involve an additional fee. Students not enrolled in these classes may participate, if space allows, for an additional cost.
Past course-related trips include:
- Making baguettes at a local boulangerie (bakery)
- A visit to the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
- A trip to the Salon du Vin et de la Gastronomie (a food and wine expo)
- A walking tour of the monuments in Nantes
- Watching a French movie at the Cinéma Gaumont
- Exploring the Marché de Talensac (a local farmers’ market)
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Nantes is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
The program begins with a 10-day orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad staff, your fellow students, and the city of Nantes, plus a language-intensive session that prepares you for full French immersion.
A portion of your orientation takes place off-site in a coastal resort town, such as Vannes in the fall and the Touraine in the spring. The rest of the IES Abroad orientation program takes place in and around Nantes.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Nantes, it will feel like home.
Homestay - Live in a private room with a local family in a homestay. Many host families have been welcoming IES Abroad students into their homes for years. Only one IES Abroad student is housed with each family. You receive breakfast daily and five evening meals per week.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Nantes through our cultural events, such as:
- French table lunches with Center staff and professors
- Trips to local operal and theater productions
- Visits to museums, local industries, and exhibitions
- Student theater performances
- A weekly conversation club for French and IES Abroad students
University Clubs & Events
Upon enrolling in the IES Abroad Nantes Program, you are automatically registered at the Université de Nantes and have access to join student clubs and other social and sports organizations.
Volunteer Abroad
When you volunteer in Nantes, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term. Past volunteer opportunities in Nantes include:
- Relief organizations
- Food banks
- Schools
Get to Know Your New City
Sample the Delicacies of Nantes
For instance, try the galettes de blé noir, savory buckwheat crêpes filled with eggs, cheese, and ham.
Shop the Passage Pommeraye
Named because it serves as a link between two streets, this spectacularly ornate and elaborate little shopping mall is stunning, whether you’re here to shop or just passing through.
Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne
With beautiful gardens surrounding the moat and a fascinating museum of Nantes’ history inside, this impressive castle is a must see.
Cruise Down the River
Since Nantes is right on the Loire River, a scenic boat cruise down the estuary to the nearby Atlantic Ocean is a great way to spend a few hours.
Ride the Great Elephant at Les Machines de L'Ile de Nantes
This collection of gigantic and whimsical mechanical beasts is something you’ll only find here in Nantes.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Kathleen Kervin Diamond Endowed Scholarship
Kathleen Diamond is a consultant, entrepreneur, and business leader in the language services industry. In 1979, she founded Language Learning Enterprises, Inc. (LLE®), a full-service language company based in Washington, D.C. She is recognized as an early pioneer in Telephone Interpreting, launching LLE-LINK in the early 1990s. Over the next 20 years, under her leadership, the company grew into a dynamic, multimillion dollar corporation, serving a wide range of clients, in both the private and public sectors, across the United States, and worldwide. In 2009, Ms.
The Sam McQuade Nantes Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Mme Suzanne Hugues
The Sam McQuade Nantes Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Mme. Suzanne Hugues, was established by Sam W. McQuade, Nantes 1967-68. Mme. Suzanne Hugues, who Mr. McQuade remembers fondly as “La Directrice” of the Nantes Center, greeted him when he first arrived in Nantes and was his advisor during his academic year abroad. She passed away in December 1969.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Nantes, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Nantes Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Nantes experience.
The IES Abroad Nantes Center is located in a gorgeous 19th-century residential building that is located just steps from the historic center of Nantes and the Passage Pommeraye—a narrow passageway of galleries that fill three levels and is covered by a canopied glass ceiling.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Study and plan trips in the library
- Meet up with friends in the student lounge and TV Room
- Cook meals in our student friendly kitchen
Other features include: WiFi, printing facilities, computers, and a piano room.
Our Staff
Thibaut de Berranger, Ph.D., J.D.
Center Director
Dr. Thibaut de Berranger first joined IES Abroad Nantes in 1988 as instructor when he taught Government and Politics in France Since 1958. He also served as an academic advisor, helping students select courses and navigate the university system. In 2004, Thibaut was named Director of the IES Abroad Nantes Center. Dr. de Berranger has been a senior lecturer and Associate Professor of Public Law at the University of Nantes since 1993, teaching at the School of Law and at the Institute of Preparation for General Administration (IPAG), a Department he has chaired from 2009 to 2012. A specialist in Constitutional Law and European Union Law, Dr. Thibaut de Berranger has been publishing about 35 articles and books in both fields for over twenty-five years. He also has given academic conferences at various French, European, and American institutions. After 12 years as Center Director, Thibaut stepped down in 2016, but continued to assist IES Abroad Nantes as an academic advisor, consultant, and liaison with the University of Nantes. In 2019, Thibaut returned as Center Director.
Nicolas Stefanni
Associate Center Director
Nicolas joins IES Abroad from the University of Nantes, where he held several positions, including European Project Manager, Project Engineer, and Finance and Administrative Manager. He earned his Master’s degree in Arts, Literature, and Languages at the University of Nantes, and spent parts of his education and professional career abroad in the UK and the US.
Together, Thibaut and Nicolas manage all aspects of the Center, Thibaut serving as our IES Abroad Nantes Center Director on a part-time basis heading the academics and overarching direction of the Center, and Nicolas fulfilling his role as full-time Associate Director and managing day-to-day operations, including student affairs, housing, and customized programs.
IES Abroad Nantes Staff
IES Abroad Nantes Staff
Béatrice de la Bretesche
Senior Accountant and Academic & Administrative Coordinator
Eugénie Fouré
Housing, Excursions, and Center Events Coordinator
Cindy Brétéché
Student Affairs Coordinator
Julie Ouvrard
Senior Registrar and Academic & Cultural Coordinator
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Summer 2020 & Fall 2020 Refund Policy
A core philosophy of our health & safety procedures is that we plan for the what ifs so that you don't have to. That includes the development of our refund policy for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020, which allows you to still plan to study abroad or intern, knowing that if for some reason you cannot participate, your money will be fully refunded.
Don't put your dreams on hold just because the world is unknown.
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Contact a Past Student
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