Zoe Stewart

Zoe Stewart

Joint Major: English Literature and French and Francophone Studies 

Specialisation: Teacher Education Stream 

Testimonial

Click on the tabs below to find out what she thought about the experience!

What was your most memorable experience while in Nantes?

We had like 15 people cooking dinner in a teeny tiny kitchen eating cake for a friend's birthday and listening to music. There were so many languages being spoken and my heart felt really full. 

In what ways did your French improve while abroad?

I learned some French slang and discovered how young people talked versus the older generation. I also think that my brain has switched a little bit to think more in French since I was surrounded by it so much. I also loved that I took classes in French that did not teach me grammar/vocab, but also just a new idea. 

What was your favourite place to travel to and why?

My favourite place to travel in France was Paris because there was so much to do. I would definitely go back again. However, my favourite place in Europe I travelled to was Portugal. The music, the nightlife, the sights and the people I went with were magical. It was also cheap there. I also loved Dublin, Ireland because it was Christmas time and the live music was off the hook.

What is one piece of advice you would give to future Nantes goers and why?

My piece of advice is just go for it and say yes (make sure you are safe though!). Nothing will ever happen if you never go out of your comfort zone and take a chance on someone new or on yourself!

How did you enjoy school in Nantes compared to Trent? What were the differences between the two?

I found that the professors were much more serious and our relationship was much more professional and there was no syllabus. The no syllabus was weird, but I had way less homework and zero exams. I also participated way more than I ever have because our class was so small.

How was the food?

The food in Nantes rocked. There were so many kebab places, cafes, Indian food, Italian joints and so so so many galettes places / creperies. I really enjoyed galette and I loved the variety of restaurants and how close they were all together. I tried escargot and was not a fan, but I saw that coming. It is snails after all.

How were the people?

I met a lot of international and French students in my building and we ended up being friends the entire semester.  

Would you go back to Nantes? Why?

I definitely would because my friends are living there! If I travelled back to France I would make a pit stop there to visit my favourite bars and restaurants.