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Rennes, France

Honors French Language & Culture

Summer '25 Applications Open

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,250

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,250

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Are you up for a unique challenge in Rennes?  

While all our Language & Culture programs offer immersion and college credits, this Honors program is for students with the drive to grow their French and cross-cultural understanding to the max! As an Honors student, you will:   

  • Take a language proficiency test to ensure you have enough fluency to speak in French at all times. Only intermediate and advanced French speakers will be accepted. 
  • Honor your Language Pledge to strictly use only French both in and out of class.  
  • In a weekly survey, reflect on your language learning and set goals to stay challenged.  
  • Live in a homestay and go on cultural activities and excursions only with other Honors students. 

Now, let’s switch to French. If you can continue reading the following without a translation tool... 

Inscris-toi aujourd’hui et vis la belle vie à Rennes ! 

Tu n’es pas prêt.e d’oublier ton expérience à Rennes ! Plonge-toi dans la langue et la culture française, tout en découvrant les traditions bretonnes. Des façades à colombages aux petites rues piétonnes, explore un patrimoine historique riche et vivant. Rencontre des jeunes Rennais de ton âge et savoure les spécialités locales, à commencer par les galettes et les crêpes ! De retour dans ta famille d’accueil, chaque soir, partage un repas et les nouvelles de la journée. Reviens aux Etats-Unis avec de nouveaux amis pour la vie et d’inoubliables souvenirs de ton séjour à Rennes!

The Take-Aways

Language growth and cultural proficiency

Come home with a higher level of French and a greater understanding of French culture. Use your stamp 4s language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a seal of biliteracy.

College credits

Earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

Life skills and new friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

60

Hours of instruction with a native French teacher

4

College credits

1

Life-changing experience

Destination
  • Rennes
  • Rennes
  • Rennes

The Destination

Welcome to Rennes, a charming French city rich in regional identity and off the beaten tourist path. 

Fifteenth-century half-timbered houses with colorful facades, Renaissance buildings, cobbled streets, and cozy courtyards all make Rennes a feast for the eyes. Situated at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers, Rennes is a gem in France’s northwestern Brittany—a scenic region of medieval villages, rugged beaches, and dramatic landscapes, which you’ll explore. 

Rennes—the capital of Brittany—is a blend of the quaint and cutting edge, ranked as one of France's “most livable cities” and a center for digital innovation. Centuries-old traditions—including its own language, Breton—intermingle with a vibrant cultural scene driven by the city’s young and student-friendly population. Rennes has a long roster of festivals—music, cinema, and now gaming—with no shortage of things to do! 

The city holds France’s second largest outdoor farmer’s market, known as the Marché des Lices, featuring local Breton specialties such as crêpes, galettes, and kouign-amann. Bring your appetite, be bold, and explore the city with an open heart and mind! 

Cultural Awareness

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Rennes.

Itinerary

Daily Life

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at your homestay 
  • Engaging French classes with expert language instructors, all native speakers  
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators 
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner, evening discussions, and homework at your homestay

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites 
  • Quality time with friends and everyone at your homestay 

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Weekly Learning Goals

Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Discovery Theme. Ask about and describe family members, discover and describe exciting things to do in Rennes, and compare daily routines and customs in France and the USA. For your Project, create and present a Memory Book of Your Life in Rennes. 

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day, you'll advance your French—through activities and discussions in class and through conversations with locals in the community and at your homestay.  

Week 1: Settle in and meet your classmates as you explore the Discovery Theme. Ask about and describe family members, discover and describe exciting things to do in Rennes, and compare daily routines and customs in France and the USA. For your Project, create and present a Memory Book of Your Life in Rennes. 

Week 2: Explore French culture during this week’s Creativity Theme. Compare musical performances, express opinions on art, tell what happened in movies, and persuade a classmate to attend a cultural event. For your Project, create a Photo Gallery on French Culture and share it in a conversation.

Week 3: Delve into Rennes in this week’s Community Theme. For your Project, create and present a Neighborhood Tour in Rennes. Describe the city and what happens there. Role play scenes in a market and a restaurant. Report on Rennes’s past and future.

Week 4: Consider the impact of your summer during the Personal Growth Theme. Tell what happened in memorable moments and how you felt about it. Make cultural comparisons and persuade a friend to study abroad. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.

Each week, you’ll explore a Theme and create a Project. Each day, you’ll advance your French—through activities and discussions in class and through conversations with locals in the community and at your homestay.  

Week 1: Settle in and meet your classmates during the Cultural Encounters Theme. Tell what happened on a first encounter abroad. Summarize past and current events in Rennes. Express your opinions as you compare cultural norms and stereotypes. For your Project, create and present a Field Report on Rennes.

Week 2: Explore French culture in this week’s Creativity Theme. Describe street art and profile artists, express opinions on magazines and movies, and compare musical performances. For your Project, create an Arts & Culture Magazine and share it in a conversation.

Week 3: Continue advancing your French as you delve into the Discovery Theme. For your Project, create and present an Awareness Campaign about a global threat. Give information on its causes and effects, explain solutions, and persuade others in debates, justifying your arguments.

Week 4: Consider the impact of your summer in this week’s Personal Growth Theme. Conduct a class survey on experiences in France and make cultural comparisons. Tell an original story about a memorable moment and speculate on what’s next for you. For your Project, create a Study Abroad Album and share it in a panel discussion.

Activities

Sample Activities

Group shot

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Dabble in the art of pastry-making with a local chef. Make (and taste!) traditional specialties, such as sablé breton or tarte Tatin. Bon appétit! 
  • Travel to Mont Saint-Michel, a tidal island and UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking views. Hike barefoot through the wet sands, explore the medieval town, and climb to the awe-inspiring abbey at the top. 
  • Discover Rennes from a new perspective while canoeing or kayaking the canal Saint Martin. 
  • In Rennes, art is everywhere—in museums, galleries, and streets! Tour its vibrant graffiti scene and design your own tags and murals with local street artists. 
  • On excursion, explore the Emerald Coast of Brittany. At the corsair city of Saint-Malo, famous for its long sandy beaches, admire a stunning coastline and rich marine ecosystem!

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • "It’s a great program that immerses you in the language with a family and classes every morning. There are too many fun experiences to choose a favorite. I loved our visits to castles and beaches, and I loved getting through escape rooms in French. Having to think quickly in French helped me a lot!"

    Mason P., Global Navigator Alum

  • "I think the trip to Mont Saint Michel was very fun and it was awesome seeing not only the castle but the surrounding area too. Loved being able to spend time with friends in such an awesome setting and atmosphere."

    Adam E., Global Navigator Alum

  • "This whole experience has been amazing. I have learned so much about myself, how to interact with people better, and have made so many new memories with new friends. I will remember this entire program in Rennes for a long time and hold it very dear."

    Shea S., Global Navigator Alum

Dinner 1
From CIEE

A Delicious Farewell

By Bethany Malcolm at CIEE

Last night, the Honors Program celebrated the end of a wonderful month at the Brasserie de la Paix in Rennes. Students enjoyed a delicious three course meal, with French specialties... keep reading

Kids kayaking on a river
From CIEE

On fait du kayak! Enjoying Rennes via Water

By Stephanie Segretto at CIEE

When the sun is blazing and the temperatures rise, there's nothing more refreshing than spending time on or near water. Our students had the perfect opportunity to cool off and... keep reading

Male teen sitting in front of chateau
From CIEE

Allez au zoo! Discovering Endangered Species Preservation at Parc Bourbansais in Rennes, France

By Stephanie Segretto at CIEE

Parc Bourbansais is a park between Rennes and Saint Malo and it’s no ordinary zoo; it’s one of many of the new types of animal parks concerned with the preservation... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—who have:
  • Completed high school French Level 2 or higher by the start of the program, and  
  • Attained a minimum ACTFL proficiency level of Intermediate-Low on the pre-program STAMP test that determines language proficiency. 

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application fee 

$25 

Optional college credit fee 

$150  

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree 

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.   

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs
Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,250
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,250

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Program Balance = $7,250

Total Fees = $7,250

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Program Balance = $7,250

Total Fees = $7,250

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Ready to change your life?

Enroll Today or Contact Us

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

daniel audaz

Daniel Audaz

Director

Daniel Audaz has been the Director of the CIEE program in Rennes since 2008. He is originally from Marseille and studied at the University of Aix-en-Provence (France) where he obtained his M.A. in Geography and then specialized in FLE/S (Français Langue Etrangère et Seconde).

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