Tyler Schmied is studying in France, blogging and gaining teaching experience for his post-grad plans
March 2025 – Drew University student Tyler Schmied C’26 is spending the spring semester studying in France, and blogging while he’s at it.
Schmied, an international relations and French & francophone studies double major, approached Drew’s Center for Global Education about options for studying abroad in France. After looking through various options and ensuring his credits would transfer back to Drew, he picked a program in Nantes, located in northwest France, run by IES Abroad.
“When you think you want to study abroad, you start with so many options it can be overwhelming,” said Schmied. “Drew’s Center for Global Ed was key in helping me find the right program for me and making the process easy.”
Schmied selected IES Nantes because of the immersive aspects of the program that have allowed him to improve his French speaking abilities.
“Studying abroad in France has given me so much cultural knowledge that can only be gained through experience. I feel more connected to the country, having lived here as a student and used the language every day.”
Schmied was also intrigued by IES Nantes’ internship program which connects students with local schools to assist local English teachers in the classroom. The experience will be perfect preparation for his post-graduation plans of participating in the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF), which places students in French schools to teach English for up to three years.
On top of honing language and professional skills, the program is also providing an eye-opening experience into the global aspects of his international relations major.
“The classes I’m taking at Nantes University focus on politics and economics, but from a different perspective that comes from a different political culture and history than the United States. France has a completely different form of government and way of doing things that I find fascinating to learn about in relation to the United States, which is all I’ve ever known.”
Throughout his time in Nantes, Schmied is also serving as a travel correspondent for IES, writing blogs covering topics like his favorite restaurants, getting acclaimed to the Nantaise lifestyle, and tips for the visa application process.
