Study Abroad in Rennes

Université Rennes 2 is the largest institution for research in Western France and CIEE’s historical partner school. Rennes 2 University’s campus is located one mile northwest of downtown, just an eight-minute metro ride from the historic center, and hosts 24,000 students, including 1,500 international students from all over the world.

The U. Rennes 2 is home to the premier French-language learning center, the CIREFE (Centre International Rennais d’Etude de Français pour Etrangers), where our Liberal Arts students take most of their courses, with other international students (on average there are 300-500 students, and 40-60 nationalities represented each semester). Our students often describe their experience at CIREFE as studying at an international school. Thanks to this rich and diverse environment, our students are not within an “American bubble.”

Located in Bruz, approximately eight miles south of Rennes city center, the Institut Catholique de Rennes (ICR) is situated in a modern, functional building (constructed in 2012) on the green and welcoming campus Ker Lann. Founded in 1989, ICR allows Semester in Rennes students to enjoy a rich student experience, with access to modern amenities, including amphitheaters, a library, a computer and language lab, spacious classrooms with large windows equipped with the latest technology, and a cozy student lounge – creating an ideal environment for learning and growth. The campus is well served by public transport (bus lines to/from Rennes in 30 minutes; train to/from Rennes in eight minutes + a 10-minute walk to the ICR).

Langue et Communication was created in 1984 and is accredited as an institution for life-long learning focusing on French for Speakers of Other Languages.

Over the years, their missions have expanded, and their expertise deepened, ensuring recognition as a reference institution in Brittany regarding teaching French to allophones.

Located in a heritage building with a large and pleasant courtyard, in the historical heart of Rennes, just a five-minute walk from Rennes Thabor’s Park, the institute provides a wonderful setting for our summer Intensive French Language students. 

With about 200k residents, multiple universities, and many museums, Rennes, France, is a good place to study abroad for students looking to blend city-life with a small town. Close to Paris, Rennes is the dynamic capital of Brittany, known for its traditional architecture that dates back more than 2,000 years.

One of the best places to study abroad in France, Rennes has many places to visit, including Marché des Lices, Parc du Thabor, Écomusée du Pays de Rennes, and the Rennes Cathedral.

With over 60,000 students living in the city, Rennes offers an exciting new city for students looking to enjoy a variety of experiences in Europe, from new cuisine and cultural events to historic site visits and French language study. Rennes is a great city for foreigners looking to live in France and offers accessible public transport with a relatively cheap cost of living.

In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Rennes.
For more detailed information on diversity in Rennes, visit our Diversity in Rennes page.

The cost of studying abroad in Rennes varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Rennes study abroad program page.

For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.  

Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?

Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Rennes with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!

Search our internship opportunities to get started!