Trent University exchange programme - students testimonials
In what ways did your French improve while abroad?
My French improved in all areas while abroad, but mostly with my speaking and listening skills. I now find that I don’t have to pre-think everything that I wish to say. I’m instead able to bypass the link (or translate in my head) between what I wish to say versus what I’m saying at that moment, making my speech a lot quicker and more fluid. I’m also able to use some slang or common slang that you would likely have a hard time learning in a non-immersed environment. I feel confident when speaking to French or Québécois people now, whereas I was quite nervous beforehand.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to future Nantes goers and why?
I would advise future Nantes goers to go out and make some French friends if possible. The university has quite a few resources, but going out at night and being open to speaking to other young adults is a great way to meet people – they are usually quite interested in talking if they find out that you’re Canadian !
What was the biggest difference you found between France and Canada?
Personally, as a people person, I found it difficult to adjust to the more reserved culture of the French at first. It is not so often that a stranger may approach you and comment on the weather or ask a question for example as it is in Canada. After a bit of time, this feeling went away but it is interesting to experience – the French wear their emotions on their sleeve!
How was the food?
The food was to die for. The cheese is like no cheese I’ve ever had before, as it’s created differently there under different processes than what is allowed in Canada. The wine is also amazing. Originating in Ontario, I was not used to eating very much seafood (my mother is also allergic), so the seafood of the west coast of France was refreshing and quite good ! I tried oysters, muscles, frog legs, raclette and escargot for the first time – all of which were very interesting and tasty. I must credit my host family for helping to prepare a lot of new foods for me to try !
How was the transportation?
Transportation in France will make you wonder what’s taking Canada so long to find a better system ! In Nantes, the trams ran every 5-15 minutes depending on the time of day, so you never had to wait long to get downtown or to the grocery store for example. The bussing system was also quite effective. In terms of travelling outside of Nantes, the train system was amazing and if you paid slightly more than the cheapest ticket, you’d be able to get to some places in less than half the time if you were to take a car !
Would you go back to Nantes? Why?
I would 100% go back to Nantes, I miss it quite a bit! The city was also quite picturesque and full of nature, which made it feel a bit more like home. I wish I could go back.
What advice would you give to fellow students or someone considering studying abroad?
Do it. I gained so much knowledge and experience. It was easily one of the best decisions of my life.
What life lessons did you learn from your experience; about yourself and the world around you? How have you grown?
The main life lesson that I learned was how to do things alone. Before, I would never go out unless I had my friends with me, but after having to travel alone, I have so much more confidence in myself. I was even able to eat in a restaurant by myself. This has also allowed me to make more friends overall because it forced me to meet new people and I am such a better person for it.
What was your most memorable experience while in Nantes?
I have so many memorable experiences, but I think just exploring Nantes. Nantes is a beautiful city, and I loved exploring with friends. Especially around Christmas time, the Christmas markets were a lot of fun to visit.
In what ways did your French improve while abroad?
My French improved a lot while studying in Nantes, because not many people spoke English. But, it was a great way to practice our French while immersed in a fully French-speaking environment. I also would speak with my neighbours on my floor or in the kitchen, and that would also improve my French. It was great to be able to communicate in French to practice the language, because here, not many of my friends or people in general (outside of university) speak French.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to future Nantes goers and why?
You will never be in your 20s, living and studying in Nantes with this group of friends, so enjoy it to the fullest.
How were the residences?
It was my first residence experience, so I had no idea what to expect. But, I liked having my own space and bathroom. We had shared kitchens which weren’t too bad. I liked the area our residence was in, as we had a grocery store just up the street which was convenient. The residence was fairly quiet, and in good condition.
How were the people?
I found the people to be very nice and friendly. Especially at the grocery store. It was fun to attend different events such as the ones held at our university or by our residence to meet new people, or even just meeting the neighbours in the hallway or in the kitchen.
What advice would you give to fellow students or someone considering studying abroad?
Definitely go for it. You may have doubts and worries, but in the end it will all be worth it. You’ll be able to explore new countries and cultures, to see how different your life may be to others. Studying abroad gives you the freedom to explore yourself and the world around you, all while making friends and memories that will last a lifetime!
In your perspective what are the benefits of studying abroad?
The benefits are obviously lifelong friendships, I met one of the greatest friends I’ve ever had. Also, our exchange group got along very well and sometimes we all hang out together. It’s also nice to see them around campus and remember all the memories made. I think it is important to study abroad as it allows you to break free from your comfort zone, your home or the campus you know or even your friends. Everyone needs to study abroad because it teaches you independence, strength, motivation and gives you happiness in return. I think about my study abroad experience every second of the day and I dream of returning every second of the day.
In what ways did your French improve while abroad?
I think that my French improved in the aspect of comprehension while listening to conversations because they speak so fast and it is a very different dialect compared to French Canadians. I also believe that my vocabulary increased because I got to learn different slang words they use as well as different verbs and adjectives that enhance my own French speaking skills.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to future Nantes goers and why?
Embrace every aspect. Culture, food, the university, language, traditions, events, host family, excursions, everything.
How was the food?
TO DIE FOR. European food is WAY superior to Canadian food. Just getting a baguette from the little grocery store is heavenly. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
How was the transportation?
Easy, quick, reliable. The Tram is what we used alot in Nantes to get to downtown or school when it rained. It came every 6 mins and would drop you off almost in the exact spot where you wanted to be.
How were the residences?
Cute and cozy. I loved the fact that we had our own washrooms although they were small. In my room, I had a pretty view of trees and the sunset looked so nice at some points.
What is one piece of advice you would give to future Nantes goers and why?
Do it. Have fun and do things that are out of your comfort zone. You only regret the things you don’t do, so try to do as many things as you can when the opportunity presents itself, make memories, be safe, and take in every minute because it goes by so fast!
What was the biggest difference you found between France and Canada?
The way of living is so different, going to the little supermarket by our residence every 1-2 days is so much different (and less wasteful) than getting your groceries for the week like we do in Canada. There was also an amazing market beside our residence every Tuesday where you can get fresh produce, fish, cheese, etc., which was such a fun little activity to do every week. Also, being able to take the tram instead of driving everywhere was awesome!
How was the transportation?
Amazing! Super cheap, easy to use and navigate.
How were the residences?
Awesome! Very quiet at night, and the kitchens were clean. There are lots of kitchens, so you’ll always be able to find an empty one if you want to cook alone, or a full one if you want to make friends! There is always someone at the front desk during the day, paying rent was really easy, you just have to go down and pay with cash or with credit card.
What was your most memorable experience while in Nantes?
Probably getting to explore the city for the first few days in our small group because it allowed us to get to know each other and have that first experience in Nantes together. The whole city is really beautiful— its architecture, its liveliness, its little stores and businesses down each street, etc (so many little bakeries and coffee shops!)… That was a really lovely first few days to have.
What is one piece of advice you would give to future Nantes goers and why?
One piece of advice I would give to Nantes goers is to not be afraid to get out there and try new things. The idea of moving across the ocean for a few months is scary, but it will be one of the best experiences in your life. If you savour your time while you are there, travel, meet new people, try new foods, and explore the city, you will not regret it! Teaching Stream Students, definitely do a school placement if you can! I can empathize with the anxieties people might have coming to Nantes, but I swear it is so worth it. When you get there, do as much as you can, and think about how many stories and experiences you will have when you get back.
How was the food?
The food was great! I have an insatiable sweet tooth, so I have to rave about how good the crêpes, the pains au chocolat, the croissants and the other sweet treats were. They are accessible on literally every street. I enjoyed having croque-monsieurs and quiche! There are so many different options for food, varying in their culture, price, style, etc…So you will never run out of options! The grocery stores near our residence were filled with lots of options as well, so cooking was never an issue.
How was the transportation?
The transportation was amazing! There were rarely any issues at all. Going to school was about a ten-minute tram ride, and we never had to check schedules on our phones. You just show up, and the tram will be there within the next five minutes. So reliable!
How were the residences?
The residences were comfortable. In the residence our group stayed at, Cité Universitaire La Bourgeonnière, each of our rooms had its private bathroom, a desk, a closet, a mini-fridge, a twin bed, a huge window that you could open to let the fresh air in, and lots of cubby storage. The residences have security and someone at the front desk to help out, with buying bed sheets, questions about rent, getting keys for the gym/study area, etc… On every other floor, or every three floors, there is a communal kitchen with a microwave, a couple of stovetops and a sink to wash dishes, veggies, fruits, rice, etc… It was a comfortable stay and it was a nice space for me to stay in after I decorated it and made it my own:)