Overview
Click to OpenThis program has been suspended for summer 2021.
Explore our other active study abroad programs for summer 2021, or check out our travel assurances and updated health and safety guidelines.
Immerse yourself in the medieval flavor, idyllic setting, and rich culture of Rennes, the capital of Brittany. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to experience life as a Breton while polishing your intermediate to advanced French language skills through our committed approach to linguistics. Improve your French while discovering the historical culture and broad heritage of Brittany.
Unique Experiences
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Live with a French family
and share daily meals with them.
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Take language classes
that are perfect for your level.
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Volunteer
to help the local community.
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residents in Rennes
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universities
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technology companies
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Location & Culture
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Your Destination
You’ll be in good company in the old city center of Rennes - 30 percent of the population is students.
By day, explore the charming timber houses, cafés, narrow streets, and stone roads. By night, experience the vibrant nightlife and visit the theater, opera, orchestra, and cinemas. Summer is a particularly lovely time to visit - in July, the "Festival des Tombées de la Nuit," packs the streets with people enjoying meals in outdoor cafes and free entertainment.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS
Possible destinations for excursions are:
- Overnight weekend trip to the Cornouaille region, or the northwestern coast of Brittany or Normandy.
- Excursion to Mont Saint-Michel, an abbey and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Excursion and exploration of Saint Malo, Brittany’s privateers’ haven and beautiful walled city.
PROJECTS
- Volunteering. Students can give back to the host community by helping French children with their English at the Franco-American Institute, and/or keeping elders company in a local retirement home.
- Peer-to-peer tutoring. At the Franco-American Institute in Rennes, brush up on your language skills by chatting with French conversation partners or joining a French book club.
Daily Life
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HOUSING
Students live in carefully chosen French homes in Rennes or nearby suburbs. Host families provide breakfast and dinner, all weekend meals, and internet access. On weekdays, students purchase lunch at local cafés, crêperies, or restaurants in downtown Rennes.
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MEALS
Homestays: Students eat weekday breakfasts and dinners, and all weekend meals at their place of residence. Lunches may be purchased at local cafés, crêperies, or restaurants in Rennes.
Rennes, France Where You'll Study
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INSTITUTE LANGUE ET COMMUNICATION OF RENNES
RENNES
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
The CIEE Summer Intensive French Language program in Rennes is geared toward students with intermediate- to advanced-level French skills who want to make significant gains in French language in a short period of time. Students take three French language courses, focused on language, oral communication, and reading and writing. All CIEE courses are taught by professors who specialize in second-language teaching methodology at a private institute conveniently located in the city’s historic center. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.
Before the start of the program, students must have completed three semesters of college-level French or equivalent, and must take an online preliminary language placement test.
Students agree to speak only French during the program to encourage language and cultural acquisition.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
3 semesters of college-level French or equivalent.
Program Requirements
Three language classes at their level (intermediate or advanced); language placement test will determine the level.
Program Credit
Total credit: 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- Intermediate French Oral Communication and Advanced French Oral Communication courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
Academic Culture
In general, professors in France are more formal than in the United States, however, they will be accessible and will provide some individual attention to students. French professors put great emphasis on students’ ability to demonstrate logical thinking, produce well-structured arguments (both in writing and in speaking), and conform to a certain extent to French methodology. The courses build upon the knowledge that students have acquired and progressively introduce them to the more advanced nuances and complexities involved in a deeper understanding and use of the French language. This is achieved in part by reinvesting learning processes through structural exercises, games, special projects, and group and sub-group activities using authentic and didactic documents (press articles, excerpts of informational, argumentative and literary documents, theatrical papers, digital sources, radio and television shows, film clips and songs). Throughout their courses, students explore common themes (regional identity of Brittany, French society, and artistic expressions in France) and thus develop a deeper understanding of French history, culture, and society.
Class Format
Classes are typically scheduled from Monday through Friday, and combine lecture and interactive styles. Students spend part of the class in the classroom and part of the class out of the classroom: visiting markets, museums, and places of cultural interest. Professors distribute a detailed syllabus indicating course materials, assignment and exam dates, and expectations. Students should expect daily homework. Attendance is mandatory and absences will impact the final grade.
Grading
Assessment is typically based on homework, essays, tests, oral presentations, out-of-class project reports, participation, and final exams. Students can expect at least two major exams (midterm and final). Teachers notice when students are absent, and this can affect grades. Professors use a French grading scale of 0 to 20. All final grades are converted into U.S. letter grades.
Language of Instruction
French
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
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You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Daniel Audaz
Director
Daniel Audaz is the Director of the CIEE program in Rennes since 2008.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
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CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.