Academic Year 2025-2026: September 03 - Late April
Credits:
15 to 19 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$20,990
Visa Required:
Yes
Housing:
Homestay
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
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. With our close relationship with our partner universities, Student Athletes, can study abroad without worrying about missing out on training or competitions.
Take Courses at Local Universities
Enroll in an art or business course at a local university.
Intern at a School
Participate in a teaching internship in Nantes.
Find Community
Join a sports team or club at a local university.
Live with Local Families
Live in a homestay with a local family.
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
September 03 - December 20
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
20,990
Program Advisor
Rachael Grochowski
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!
Academic Year 2025-2026: September 03 - Late April
Credits:
15 to 19 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$20,990
Visa Required:
Yes
Housing:
Homestay
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
About the Destination
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!
This post explores what it's like beginning a study abroad journey. I write about my experience arriving in Nantes and reacting to the differences, and...
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 hands-on 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.
Partner Institutions
Nantes Université
École des Beaux-Arts de Nantes
Nantes Université
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 15-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.
You are automatically registered at the Nantes Université and are encouraged to enroll in at least one university course provided you have the appropriate prerequisites.
École des Beaux-Arts is located is located on the "Isle of Nantes," just across the Loire River: a 5-10 minutes walk from the IES Abroad Center.
Fall, spring, 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.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15–19 credits per semester. All courses are taught in French.
IES Abroad French language course (required, 3-4 credits)
IES Abroad French-taught area studies courses (required, 3 credits each)
French-taught courses at a partner university (optional, 2-4 credits each: Nantes Université and/or École des Beaux-Arts Nantes Saint-Nazaire
Teaching internship and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
NOTE: This is a list of possible course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
French Universities DO NOT provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. IES Abroad may have samples of past syllabi, but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered at a partner university.
Nantes Université
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 available shortly before the beginning of the academic year.
Most university courses are assigned 3 credits for a semester. At the Nantes Université, 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:
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 available shortly before the beginning of the academic year.
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. Classes are available in:
2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
4 or more semesters of college-level French or the equivalent
Enrolled in a French course within the year prior to the program start date
Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins
For local university courses - 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (no exceptions)
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Foreign Language Assessment — Fill out and sign the top portion of the PDF form and give the assessment form to a college-level language professor who has taught you in the target language.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Nantes Center is located in a gorgeous 19th-century residential building, just steps away from the historic Center of the city. Whether you’re finishing up a show at the Théâtre Graslin, absorbing the art at the Passage Pommeraye, or looking for a cozy place to read, the Center is your study abroad hub.
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.
“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
Field Trips
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. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Caen, the Normandy Beaches, Saint Malo & Mont Saint-Michel
2 Days
Fall & Spring
Stay overnight in Caen, city of William the Conqueror. Visit the local castle and the American Cemetery of Colleville next to the D-Day beaches to learn more about Normandy’s role in World War II.
Clisson & The Muscadet Vineyards
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Tour this small, charming town dating back to the middle ages and known for its distinctive Tuscan-inspired architecture.
Tours & The Loire Valley Castles
2 Days
Spring
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.
Bordeaux, La Rochelle & Cognac
2 Days
Spring
Explore one of the most beautiful cities in France, notorious for its wine tradition and production. Sample Cognac in the small town where it is made.
Vannes & the Gulf of Morbihan
2 Days
Fall
See the beloved "little sea" and its fabled islands. Don't forget to try Southern Brittany's specialty... oysters!
Part-Time Internships
IES Abroad Nantes
Did you know that, while in Nantes, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time teaching internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
Experience what working in Nantes is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 4-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
IES Abroad Nantes
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. Additionally, it is also an ideal training for students who might want to come to France after graduation to teach English, as many Nantes alumni have done in the past.
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. It is an exhilarating challenge, and we’re here to help guide you in securing your placement and succeeding in your internship.
Volunteer Opportunities
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:
Food Collection
Help in a community food bank
Relief Organization Support
Help underprivileged communities
Child Education
Tutor children in need
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
$16,315
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
$4,430
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (12 meals provided per week)
Health Insurance
$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$20,990
+
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Campus France Regular Service Fee
$270
Campus France Expedited Service Fee
$430
VFS Service Fee
$28
FedEx Courier Fee
$39
Long Stay Student Visa
$55
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$900-1,400
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$223
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay (with kitchen access)
$1,500
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$350
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" 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.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
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.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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“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
