Study Abroad in Rennes
College Study Abroad
Explore Rennes with CIEE
Dive into the heart of Brittany when you study abroad in Rennes, France, a lively university city known for its half-timbered houses, bustling markets, and strong regional identity. Walk past medieval architecture on your way through the city center, grab a galette-saucisse at the famous Marché des Lices, or relax with friends among the rose gardens of Parc du Thabor. Explore Rennes’ vibrant music, arts, and café culture, catch an independent film at a local cinema, or take a quick train ride to Brittany’s stunning coastline. With its welcoming atmosphere, rich traditions, and youthful energy, Rennes study abroad offers an authentic French experience filled with culture, connection, and discovery.
While abroad, choose from a variety of study abroad programs in Rennes designed to support your academic goals across fields like Liberal Arts, French language and culture, the arts, and social sciences. Beyond the classroom, you can also complete a full- or part-time internship in industries such as communications, information technology, education, marketing, and architecture, gaining valuable international work experience while building intercultural communication skills. By combining academics with hands-on learning, Rennes study abroad gives you the opportunity to build career-ready skills while experiencing the traditions, creativity, and everyday charm of life in Brittany.
Top Activities in Rennes with CIEE
Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Rennes, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Step back in time through a breathtaking tour of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and magical island crowned by a medieval abbey
- Walks through the cobbled streets of Fougères or Dinan, two medieval cities with amazing castles and half-timbered houses
- Experience the powerful legacy of WWII through a trip to Normandy and/or D-Day beaches -- where history feels vividly real
About CIEE Rennes
CIEE Rennes sits in a charming, cozy business center near the Vilaine River, with convenient access to restaurants, cafés, public parks, a post office, a gym, and green spaces (like Jardin de la Confluence). It boasts one main classroom, a combo student lounge and kitchenette, two main offices, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Students only have to walk five minutes to reach the nearest metro station (across the canal) and 12 minutes to reach the city center.
Academics in Rennes
CIEE Rennes
Our location in Rennes places students in the heart of Brittany’s capital, known for its rich history and strong academic reputation.
Université Rennes 2
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.”
Institut Catholique de Rennes (ICR)
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
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.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Internships in Rennes
Depending on your program of study and availability, you may be able to participate in an international internship while studying abroad in Rennes. Rennes offers a diverse work environment shaped by cybersecurity, agriculture, and eco-industries, alongside a strong cultural and creative scene. With strengths in sustainability, technology, and the arts, the city encourages collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning in a globally connected setting. You may find opportunities in industries such as:
- Architecture + Construction
- Arts, Audio/Video Technology + Communications
- Education + Training
- Information Technology
- Marketing, Sales + Service
Community Impact Initiative in Rennes
CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with Rennes by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to meaningful, lasting impact. Your experience may span key focus areas like Food Security, Community Development + Public Health, and Youth Development + Education initiatives.
In Rennes, your service work may include:
Supporting food recovery and redistribution efforts to reduce waste and assist students in need with L'Epicerie Gratuite
Assisting with outreach and support programs for LGBTQ+ youth facing housing insecurity through Le Refuge Bretagne
Spending time with elderly residents and helping foster social connection at EHPAD Les Roseraies
Study Abroad Programs in Rennes
- Rennes, France
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Rennes, France
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Rennes, France
- Full-Time Internship
- Rennes, France
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Rennes, France
- Full-Time Internship
- Rennes, France
- Study Program
- Rennes, France
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're looking for a unique destination that allows you to truly experience French culture and daily life, Rennes is an excellent study abroad destination. As the capital of Brittany, Rennes combines medieval architecture, exciting markets, cozy cafés, and a strong student culture that makes it feel both historic and very welcoming. Here, students can experience everyday French life while exploring half-timbered streets, local festivals, and regional traditions you won't find anywhere else in France.
Rennes home to world-class universities and beautiful art, while remaining more affordable than larger cities like Paris. Students can spend weekends exploring Brittany's stunning coastline, visiting destinations like Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo, or simply enjoying the city's famous markets and café culture. For students who want to improve their French, immerse themselves in local culture, and build meaningful connections, Rennes is an excellent choice!
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.
Yes, Rennes is widely considered a very safe destination for international students and study abroad participants. Like any major city, students should exercise common-sense safety precautions, but Rennes is generally considered a safe and comfortable destination for studying abroad.
In the event of an emergency, remember that CIEE staff are available 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839).
Read More: Student Safety Tips
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?
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.
As 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.
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!
Most students studying or interning abroad in Rennes will need to obtain the appropriate visa before departure. Visa requirements vary depending on your program type and length of stay. CIEE provides guidance throughout the visa process and helps students understand the required documentation and application steps for their specific program. Be sure to review the latest visa requirements well in advance of your departure to ensure a smooth arrival in France.
No, you don’t need to know French to study abroad in Rennes. CIEE courses are offered in English, and English is commonly used in academic settings and major urban areas.
That said, learning some basic French phrases can make daily life easier and help you connect more with the local culture and community, but it’s not required to thrive during your time abroad.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Rennes. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Rennes to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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How to Study Abroad in Rennes
Step #1: Select a Timeframe
CIEE offers a variety of ways to study abroad in Rennes, including semester-long sessions, summer study abroad, and J-term, with program lengths ranging from four weeks to 18 weeks. With flexible options, it’s important to select a timeframe that makes sense with your personal and academic schedule.
Step #2: Choose a Program You Love
After determining your timeframe, find a program that meets your academic and career goals. Students can choose from subjects like mathematics, business, and French language courses, along with classes focused on local culture, history, and more. Choosing a program you’re passionate about will help you make the most of your Rennes study abroad experience!
Step #3: Verify Your Eligibility
Make sure you’re eligible to participate in CIEE’s Rennes study abroad offerings. Every program has its own requirements, but typically include a minimum GPA and often other course and credit requirements, too.
Step #4: Create Your Budget
While studying abroad in Rennes can be an affordable study abroad option, it’s always a smart idea to budget for other expenses, like incurred travel expenses, gifts, and food.
CIEE also offers millions in study abroad scholarships and grants each year based on several factors including financial need, academic merit, and other considerations, to allow you to make a study abroad dream a reality!
Step #5: Apply!
Now that you’ve found your program, you’re ready to apply! The application process is quite simple, but if you have any questions, we’re always here to help. Just contact us!
Safety at CIEE Rennes
At CIEE, your health, safety, and well-being are always a top priority, so you can focus on making the most of your study abroad experience. From trained on-site staff who are local community experts to 24/7 support for students and families at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839), we’re here whenever you need us. Every program location is carefully reviewed for health, safety, and academic quality. Our global teams continuously monitor local conditions and stay connected with trusted partners, government officials, and U.S. embassies around the world. With guidance, resources, and real people ready to help every step of the way, you can feel confident living, learning, and exploring abroad with CIEE.
Student Housing in Rennes
CIEE Rennes offers a variety of housing options for you to choose from. Our Rennes housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants. Available housing options vary by program.
CIEE Rennes Staff
Daniel Audaz
Director