Nicole Thompson

Overall Experience

I had a great study abroad experience in France. I explored France's food system firsthand and visited local markets, grocery stores, vineyards, restaurants, historical monuments, and so much more. I gained valuable insight into sustainability, food regulations, farm-to-table practices, food waste reduction, and consumer nutrition initiatives such as Nutri-Score. This experience broadened my perspective on nutrition and public health, and I am grateful for the knowledge, connections, and memories made along the way.

Learning experience

Throughout the program, I visited local markets, grocery stores, bakeries, vineyards, restaurants, and cultural institutions, which allowed me to see how food, culture, and sustainability are deeply interconnected in everyday life. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of supporting local food systems and consuming foods that are seasonal and minimally processed. I also observed how walking, public transportation, recycling initiatives, and food waste reduction efforts are integrated into daily life and contribute to overall community well-being and environmental sustainability. Overall, the program taught me that nutrition extends far beyond individual food choices and is influenced by culture, policy, sustainability, and the environment.

Memorable experience

One of the most memorable experiences from the program was visiting a vineyard in the Sancerre region and learning about wine sustainability firsthand. My group had the opportunity to hear directly from wine producers about the environmental, economic, and social factors involved in sustainable wine production. Seeing the vineyards, learning about vineyard management practices, and understanding the challenges and opportunities within the wine industry brought many of the sustainability concepts we discussed in class to life.

What did you not expect?

One thing that surprised me was how deeply sustainability is integrated into everyday life in France. Before participating in the program, I expected to learn about sustainability primarily through food production and agriculture. However, I was surprised to see how it extended into many aspects of daily living, including walking or using public transportation, shopping at local markets, reducing food waste, recycling, and prioritizing seasonal and locally produced foods. This experience changed the way I think about both my profession and my personal life. As a future RD, I found that nutrition is about more than just individual food choices but is also influenced by culture, environment, accessibility, and sustainability.

What advice would you give?

My advice to other students considering studying abroad is to step outside of their comfort zone and fully embrace the experience. Be open to trying new foods, learning about different cultures, meeting new people, and participating in activities that may be unfamiliar. Some of the most valuable lessons come from experiences that challenge you and push you to see the world from a different perspective.

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience has had a significant impact on my life both personally and professionally. Personally, it increased my confidence, independence, and willingness to step outside of my comfort zone. Living and learning in another country challenged me to adapt to new environments, navigate cultural differences, and become more open-minded. It also reinforced the value of slowing down, being present, and appreciating different ways of life. Educationally, the program allowed me to learn concepts such as French food systems, sustainability initiatives, food regulations, consumer nutrition education, local food production, and public health practices. Observing these systems in action deepened my understanding of global nutrition and food sustainability and strengthened my ability to think critically about how different countries address nutrition and food-related challenges. From a career perspective, this experience broadened my outlook as a future Registered Dietitian (RD). It reinforced my interest in public health nutrition, sustainability, and global food systems while highlighting the importance of cultural competence when working with diverse populations. Long-term, I hope to use the knowledge and perspectives gained from this program to become a more effective RD, advocate for sustainable food practices, and contribute to improving health outcomes.

How did you learn about this experience?

I learned about this international opportunity through Iowa State’s study abroad website and was interested in participating to gain a deeper understanding of French culture and sustainability practices while also taking on an experience that would push me beyond my comfort zone.

International Connections