Nantes, France

French Language Immersion & Area Studies

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

French

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level French; enrollment in a French course in the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Our French Language Immersion & Area Studies Program has two important goals: to improve your written and verbal proficiency in French through language and area studies courses, and to introduce you to contemporary France and its role in the European Union. 

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Take Courses at Local Universities

Enroll in an art or business course at a local university.

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Intern at a School

Participate in a teaching internship in Nantes.

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Volunteer in the Community

Make a difference in the local community.

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Live with Local Families

Live in a homestay with a local family.

2024 Fall

Program Dates:

September 04 - December 21

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

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Lindsay Smith

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

a photo of the Loire River crossing through the city of Nantes

Why Nantes?

Want to know what’s it’s really like to live in France? Come to Nantes! 

Nantes just might be the perfect place to improve your French language skills. That’s because it’s not a tourist destination, so English is rarely spoken. But Nantes is a spectacularly beautiful city on the Loire River, featuring gorgeous architecture, charming attractions, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Nantes is also home to some of the most delicious food France has to offer. It’s also very manageable, eco-friendly, and great to bike around in. Explore all that this city has to offer as you immerse yourself in French language, culture, academics, and innovation!

Learn More About Nantes

Get to Know Your New City

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Shop the Passage Pommeraye

Visit this ornate and elaborate shopping mall.

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Visit Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne

This impressive, moat-surrounded castle is a must see.

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Cruise Down the River

Spend a few hours on enjoying scenic boat cruise down the estuary.

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Ride the Great Elephant at Les Machines de L'Ile de Nantes

You’ll only find in these mechanical beasts in Nantes.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A student's host mother places a birthday cake with candles in front of her in a Nantes homestay.
  • Homestay

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.

Headshot of Sophia Barton.
“Living with a host family is one of IES Abroad Nantes’s most unique and best assets, and it [is] definitely the best contributor to my French.”
Sophia B. • University of Portland • Nantes – French Language Immersion & Area Studies

Academics