Study Abroad

IES Nantes

  • Location: Nantes, France
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • Language of Instruction: French
  • Class Eligibility: Juniors

Introduction

The once vital port city is now a leader in technology and international industries and was recently ranked one of the best cities in France for quality of life. Nantes is located at the mouth of the Loire River just 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is rich in tradition, offering a quintessential image of French society. The IES Center occupies two floors of a 19th Century residential building that is a few steps from the city’s historical center. It is the only permanent American study abroad program in Nantes and allows ample opportunity to practice French.

  • Visa:

    Required. Non-US citizens should consult with IES and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.

    Additional Visa Information
  • Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition directly to Haverford. Students pay room and board costs directly to IES. Haverford is responsible for making tuition payments to IES.
Requirements

Students must have completed four semesters of college-level French (intermediate or the equivalent). Students must be enrolled in a French course the semester prior to studying abroad. Students must also enroll in an appropriate-level IES French language course.

French majors/minors must have completed the 100-level series of French courses or one course at the 200-level during the semester prior to studying abroad.  Students are required to meet with the Chair of the French department before going abroad. They must also, while abroad, discuss the courses taken for French credits with the Chair. No French credits will be granted retrospectively, upon return from study abroad, without prior consultation with the French department. Students must have declared their French major or minor prior to studying abroad. 

Academic Credit

Each semester, students must carry 15 semester credit hours. Students are not permitted to take less than 15 credits unless they have the permission of their dean and advisor in advance. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above. There are no English options in this program! Students with intermediate-level French or above are expected to take courses at the University.

Curriculum

IES courses in French Language, Art History, Comparative Literature, Economics, French, History, Literature, Music, Political Science, History, International Business, Literature, Theater, Political Science, and Sociology.

Course Highlights

Africana Studies, Anthropology, Art History, Archaeology, Architecture, Cities, Classics, Comparative Literature, Drawing, Economics, Education, Gender Studies, Film, Fine Arts, French, Geology, Health Studies, History, Instrumental Instruction, Language and Literature, Life Drawing, Linguistics, Literature, Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, Philosophy, Photography, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Sculpture, Sociology, Theater, Urban Studies

Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.

Review the Full Academic Requirements for Studying Abroad

Orientation

Included

Number of Students

Approximately 50-60 students attend each semester.

Housing/Meal Plans

Students are housed in private rooms with local families who live close to downtown Nantes and the IES Abroad Center and students are able to travel easily on public transportation or by foot. In order to facilitate immersion, only one IES Abroad student is housed with each family in a private room. Host family provides breakfast daily and 5 evening meals per week. Haverford students may not opt for housing not arranged by the program.

Notes

Program Notes: Strict “French Only” policy applies at all times; students must speak French for the entire program. Upon enrolling in the IES Abroad Nantes, students are automatically registered at the Université de Nantes, and have access to university facilities, including libraries, computer labs, cafeterias, and sports facilities and are welcome to join student clubs such as the University Chorale Society and other social and sports organizations.

IES Abroad Zoom Around the World Virtual Information Sessions

Additional Resources

View Scholarship Information

Apply to Study Abroad!

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  • Program List

Options

  • Semester
  • Direct Enrollment

Dates

  • Semester I: Late August to mid-December
  • Semester II: Early January to early May

Application Deadlines

  • Semester I: March 1
  • Semester II: September 21

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