Approximately 35 students participate in the Nantes program. All courses are taught in French . Located near the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Loire River, Nantes, historically a prosperous seaport, has also become a thriving commercial and technological center. Exploring the beaches of the Atlantic coast and the chateaux of the Loire Valley are popular excursions. The area surrounding the IES Center also offers many shops, cafes, restaurants, and theaters.
Orientation begins immediately upon arrival in Nantes with a full week of intensive language study.
In Nantes, students are housed in private rooms with local families to facilitate integration into daily French life. The host family provides daily breakfast and three additional meals per week. Students must rely on their own resources for other meals. Many students choose to eat at university cafeterias or inexpensive local restaurants. Students who wish to make independent housing arrangements may do so.