IES-Nantes

Program Details

Program Location Nantes, France
Sponsor IES
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 33016
Duration Semester or
2 Semesters
Upcoming Program Dates
Spring 2025 01/07/25 to 04/26/25
Current Program Dates
Fall 2024 09/03/24 to 12/21/24
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

IES-Nantes
The IES 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. Nantes offers wonderful food, outdoor spaces, and stunning modern and classic architecture. Nantes is the ideal place to improve your French—with few anglophones and a focus on full immersion, you’ll have the opportunity to fully integrate into French society and function completely in French.

Located on the Loire River, Nantes—France’s sixth largest city—has all the amenities of a big city: world-class museums, breathtaking cathedrals, a great public transportation system, and even its own château. But the best thing about Nantes for study abroad? It’s small enough to feel like home.

Before long, you’re blending in with local residents and university students, and saying “bonjour” to the shop keepers you pass on your way to class every day. This livable, accessible, and exciting city was the official EU 2013 Green Capital. It’s something to celebrate when you study abroad in Nantes and can get around easily on the bus, tram, or by foot.

The IES center occupies the fourth floor of a 19th century residential building located a few blocks from the historic center of Nantes. Founded in 1963, the IES Nantes program enjoys a close relationship with the University of Nantes, and students have many opportunities for interaction with faculty.
For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:IES.

Eligibility

IES-Nantes

The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

GPA Requirement: 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: 4 Sem French


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Liberal Arts]

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

This program has a close relationship with the Université de Nantes, so you will have many opportunities to enroll in local university courses as well as to take courses taught by IES. IES Abroad courses are taught in French by native French faculty, many of whom are professors at the Université de Nantes. You have access to the university libraries, computer labs, cafeterias, and sports facilities, and you are welcome to join student clubs and other social and sports organizations.

While in Nantes, you take 15–19 credits per semester.

All courses are taught in French, and there is an optional teaching internship for those interested. 

For more information please click here.

 


Excursions

Excursions are subject to change.

Even though your adventure starts in Nantes, IES field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. These trips are subsidized by IES Abroad. For an idea of possible destinations, click here.

In addition, 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 the French Cooking & Gastronomy course, students might 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.


Housing

IES will arrange a homestay for you and you will live in a private room with a local family. 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 an excellent way to improve your French and learn about the culture from inside a family's home.


Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
 
Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

Program fee includes: tuition, daily breakfast, five evening meals a week during term, on-site orientation, and selected field trips.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Spring 2025

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $16,315.00
Study Abroad Fee $914.10
Housing $4,430.00
Insurance $245.00
Program Discount for Purdue Students - $1,000.00

Approximate additional costs per semester
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare $1,400.00
Local Transportation $350.00
Visa $392.00
Books and Supplies $223.00
Meals $1,500.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $2,100.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Fall Semester Programs Mar 1
Spring Semester Programs Sep 15



Returnees Information

IES-Nantes

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.