Sophie Medeiros

Sophie Medeiros

Joint Major: English Literature and French and Francophone Studies 

Specialization: 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?

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.  

In what ways did your French improve while abroad?

I see an improvement in my French skills when I am speaking in conversation. I think lots of French courses focus extremely on conjugation and not the literal practice of conversation, which is so crucial to improving language skills. Being in Nantes, you are completely immersed in the French language and culture— you are speaking French everywhere you go, with everyone you meet, and it allows you to improve your quick thinking skills and casual conversation skills. In our classes, they were very conversationally focused, and we had so many opportunities to speak French, which helped me get more comfortable with my speaking abilities in my second language. I find myself not having to think of a response while someone is speaking to me in French as much as I used to before, and I can just comfortably respond and engage in conversation.  

What was your favourite place to travel to and why?

I really enjoyed all of the places I went, like London, Porto, and Belgium, to name a few. However, I loved Paris! I was lucky enough to do a solo trip there for a couple of days before I came back to Canada, and it is a trip I will remember forever. Paris was so beautiful— it is filled with rich culture and history, especially regarding its literature and art. Everywhere you walked, there was something to stop and look at because of how beautiful the city’s views and architecture are. I ate lots of good food, and yes, of course, I had lots of croissants! I got to see the Père Lachaise Cemetery, the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, the Sainte-Chapelle, Shakespeare and Company, etc… I loved the city's ambience, and it was incredibly easy to get around. I would go back in a heartbeat!

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

Université de Nantes is not extremely different compared to Trent. The lectures are around three hours with breaks. The lectures are conversationally focused, and you will have lots of opportunities to speak with classmates and professors. The differences I noticed were the grading system (most assignments are just out of 20), and the lack of having a syllabus! Nevertheless, we managed. It was great to have our group in the same classes

What was the biggest difference you found between France and Canada?

The biggest difference I found between France and Canada was the people. In France, most people are reserved and formal. Everyone keeps to themselves and is polite. It is not extremely common to strike up a conversation with the cashiers store workers or a passerby you see walking their dog. They value their privacy and their personal lives. It is quite different compared to Canada, but it was totally okay!  

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! There are machines at the tram stops where you can buy individual tickets, so you can buy passes/tickets on the TAN app for your phone. The bus route was also super reliable and easy to navigate.  

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:)  

Would you go back to Nantes? Why?

I would go back to Nantes one day. I enjoyed the city itself and because of our stay there, it started to feel familiar and like a second home. I would go back for a trip down memory lane in the future and go to some of my favourite restaurants and cafés again!