Summer Study Abroad in Nantes, France
May 18 – June 27, 2026
The Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics (LCAL) has partnered with IES Abroad to offer a six-week study abroad program in Nantes, France.
About Nantes, France
Located just inland from the Atlantic Ocean and on the Loire river, Nantes was a major player in salt trade and naval construction, giving birth to vibrant market places and large shipyards. The link between past, present, and future is evident. Nantes is a city that has reinvented itself through culture. It has harnessed and leveraged its past as a city of history, commerce, and industry to transform itself into a post-industrial metropolis of arts and culture, environmental urbanization, and innovative technology. Owing to the quality of life in the city, Nantes has drawn talent from all over the world, housed in such incubators and accelerators as the startup palace and la cantine numérique. In a manner that is forward looking and environmentally responsible, Nantes was awarded the title of “green capital of Europe” in 2013.
Program Overview
About the Program
This program gives students the chance to fully immerse themselves in French language and culture while exploring creative technologies such as game design, podcasting and video production. Students will live and learn in Nantes, a dynamic city on the Loire River that blends a rich history of trade and shipbuilding with a modern focus on arts, innovation and sustainable urban development. Recognized as Europe’s “Green Capital” in 2013, Nantes offers an inspiring environment where tradition and creativity meet, making it an ideal place to learn, experiment and grow.
Start and End Dates
May 18 – June 27, 2026*
*Students are required to complete preparatory work with the program director before arriving in France.
Duration
Six weeks
Academics
Prerequisites
This program is open to all — no prior knowledge of French is required. Students will be placed in the appropriate course based on their language skills.
Course Information
Students will earn 18 units of academic credit:
- one French language course (9 units)
- Media Creation course (9 units)
Extracurricular Activities
As part of the program fee, students will engage in excursions and cultural activities such as museum visits, cooking classes, walking tours and day trips to cultural sites.
Travel & Accommodations
Travel & Transportation
Students are responsible for their airfare to/from Nantes.
Transportation required excursions and cultural activities are included in the program fee.
Accommodations
All students will be placed with local families as part of their immersive experience with meals during the homestay provided by the families. This experience offers an invaluable way to further practice French skills — at any level, and to gain first-hand insight into French culture.
Costs & Funding
Program Costs
$8,700*
Tuition, housing, and extracurricular activities are included in the program cost. Not included are airfare to/from host city and incidental personal expenses.
*Program cost is subject to change due to fluctuations in currency rates.
Scholarships & Funding
Our department, the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Office of International Education offer study abroad scholarships for semester, full-year or summer programs. All LCAL declared majors and Arabic Studies minors in good academic standing with CMU are guaranteed a scholarship from LCAL. Scholarships can be applied to tuition, room and board, airfare and/or book expenses for any accredited study abroad program. Learn more about funding your study abroad experience.