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Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies
$5 Million in Financial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB 350 - International Marketing | Spring | 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 347 - French Writers and Foreign Nations: Encounters with the "Other" in 19th and 20th Century Literature | Fall | French | 3 |
| LT 348 - French Romanticism | 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
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. Explore Clos Lucé, where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the end of his life.
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.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Our Center
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.
Features include:
- WiFI access
- Computer stations and printer
- A student lounge and TV room
- Classrooms, offices, and a library
- A kitchen for student use
Our Staff
Thibaut de Berranger
Center Director
Thibaut 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. Thibaut has passionately educated thousands of students, sharing with them his love for Nantes and the discovery of new languages and cultures, and celebrating with them the sense of achievement that comes from a full immersion experience.
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. Welcome back, Thibaut!
Nicolas Stefanni
Associate Center Director
Nicolas joins IES Abroad from the University of Nantes, where he held several different 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 one year at the University of the South as Director of the Maison Française.
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 Staff
IES Abroad Nantes Staff
Béatrice de la Bretesche
Senior Accountant and Academic & Administrative Coordinator
Eugénie Fouré
Housing Coordinator
Cindy Brétéché
Student Affairs & Customized Programs Coordinator
Julie Ouvrard
Registrar and Academic & Cultural Coordinator
Latest from Nantes
A galette "norvégien" which has smoked salmon and crème fraîche inside.
One of the downstairs windows of Paul Cézanne's home in Aix-en-Provence, complete with plants and sunshine.
Contact a Past Participant
From budgeting tips to housing insight, 500+ IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad experiences and advice.
