Nantes, France
IES Program
Program Focus - French Immersion Program, “French Only” language policy, opportunity to enroll at Université de Nantes, all courses are offered in French, high level of cultural immersion, internship options, semester or full year offerings
IES Web Site - www.iesabroad.org
Program Dates
- Early September to Late December (Fall Semester)
- Early January to Late May (Spring Semester)
Program Type - IES Nantes enrolls 60-75 students each semester and offers students the opportunity to integrate fully into French society and function completely in French due to the low number of Anglophones in Nantes. The IES Nantes program has two important goal: to improve students’ written and verbal proficiency in French through language and area studies courses and internships, and to introduce students to contemporary France and its role in the European Union.
University Studies in Nantes - All IES students are automatically registered at the Université de Nantes and are encouraged to enroll in at least one university course provided they have the appropriate background. The university calendar, now on a semester system, allows enrollment opportunities to both semester and full year students. To compensate for the shortened university calendar during the fall semester, IES organizes a three-week pre-session for all students interested in university courses that take place after the fall orientation period. Students also have the option to enroll in a local business school and French conservatory for music study.
Université de Nantes- The university's central campus includes the Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines, with courses in Literature, History, Geography, Sociology, Psychology and Languages; the Faculté de Droit et Sciences Politiques; the Faculté de Sciences Economiques; and the Faculté de Sciences. All IES students have access to facilities at the Université de Nantes, including its libraries, computer labs, restaurants, and sports facilities, and are welcome to join student clubs such as the University Choral Society. The universite de Nantes also has two engineering schools and offers courses to students majoring in engineering.
Ecole Polytechnique de l'Universite de Nantes- The Université de Nantes has two engineering schools under the Ecole Polytechnique de l'Universite de Nantes, which are located in the "Silicon Valley" area of Nantes and offer courses to students majoring in computer engineering, materials science, electrical engineering and computer science.
Conservatoire National de Région - Opportunities in music and music history are available at the Conservatoire National de Région. French conservatories are highly competitive and accept a very limited number of students. IES Nantes can, however, provide assistance for those students interested in auditioning for instrument or voice classes or for those who wish to take private music lessons. Students taking private music lessons will be responsible for the additional costs incurred.
Ecole Régionale des Beaux-Arts - IES students with prior training in studio art are eligible for some courses at the Ecole Régionale des Beaux-Arts as space allows. Night classes are available in drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography. Students should bring a portfolio or slides of their work. Students also can take studio art courses in private institutions.
The City of Nantes - Once a vital port city in the 18th century, Nantes is now the sixth largest city in France with a population of over 500,000 people, a leader in technology and international industries, and recently ranked one of the best cities in France for quality of life. Situated at the mouth of the Loire River just 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Nantes is only two hours by train from Paris and allows quick journeys to the capital and easy access to other destinations in Europe.
Rich in tradition, yet unspoiled by tourism, Nantes offers a quintessential image of French society. More importantly, IES is the only permanent American study abroad program in Nantes. As English is rarely heard in the streets, students have ample opportunity to practice their French.
Eligibility
- Meet Loyola standards of eligibility
- Prior French knowledge is required for all IES Nantes programs. See IES program materials or the IES web-site for details.
- 3.0 GPA or better is required (Students with GPAs between 2.75 and 3.0 may be eligible with supplemental application materials)
- Please refer to additional eligibility requirements as listed in IES program materials or on the IES web-site.
Course Information - Students are encourage to enroll in at least one university course provided they have the appropriate background. Students also take IES courses and sometimes complete an internship for academic credit.
IES Courses - Most IES courses are worth 3 credits and all are taught in French. Courses are offered in the following areas:
French Language
Literature/Theater
Art History
Political Science
History
Psychology
International Business
Sociology
Internships
For a complete listing of courses and descriptions visit the web site www.ieasabroad.org
Course Load and Credits - Students must carry 15 to 19 semester credit hours (5-6 courses)
Special events - International Drama Festival, French Culinary Exchange
Types of Accommodation
Home Stays - Students are housed in private rooms with local families, some of whom live close to the IES Center, while others live in different parts of the city. IES Nantes carefully selects host families who welcome students into their homes and who take pride in furthering students' discovery of French culture. Students who live with French families not only greatly improve their French language skills, but also experience the unique characteristics of daily life in France. In order to facilitate immersion only one IES student is housed with a family. Two students may, on occasion, live with the same family, but only upon special request. The host family provides daily breakfast and five additional meals per week. Students must rely on their own resources for other meals; many eat at university cafeterias or inexpensive local restaurants.
Independent Housing - Occasionally, students who have lived abroad or who have friends or family in France may wish to coordinate their own housing. However, IES strongly encourages students to participate in housing located by IES. Upon acceptance, students who elect to arrange their own housing must notify the IES Chicago office no later than the deadline listed on the Independent Housing Form.
Program Costs and Financial Aid Transfer
For Semester/Full Year Programs:
IES tuition ($12,405 for Fall 2008), plus IES room and board costs ($3,000 for Fall 2008), and IES health insurance ($195 for Fall 2008).
The following forms of aid may transfer: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal PLUS Loans, IL Monetary Award Program Grant (MAP), Alternative Loans, IES scholarships and need-based grants (for which students must apply).
Additional Loyola Study Abroad Fees
$1000 for semester and full year programs
