Center for Education Abroad

Faculty-Led: French in France

Rennes, France

Program Description

Rennes is a fascinating blend of a center of higher education and a rich tradition of legend and history. This capital of Brittany is a town of over 300,000 which is home to many universities and institutes and to electronics and telecommunications industries. In its historic center there are architectural reminders of its long history, from a portion of the medieval gate to the lovingly restored 18th century Parlement to the most modern of shopping centers. Rennes is both a modern city--only two hours from Paris by high-speed train--and a town attached to its Celtic roots. Rennes has had a sister city relationship with Rochester for more than 40 years and has long welcomed UR students to study . A short distance away are landing beaches of Normandy, the port city from which Cartier sailed to the new world and the ancient abbey of Mont St Michel. As one of the students remarked, "It was perfect for our study. It’s small enough so that it’s not too overwhelming, but large enough to not get bored."

Academics

 

FREN 157/207: French in France
 
Courses are held every weekday morning and are taught by an MLC faculty member. Students take classes in French language, culture, and contemporary issues in the historical context of France, Brittany, and the city of Rennes.

Afternoons and evenings are usually free for exploring the city, enjoying its cafes and restaurants, taking in its parks and markets. Along with a guided tour of the city, planned activities include a stop at the lively Saturday morning market with a peek at the bridal parties gathered around City Hall, as well as a visit to the Fine Arts Museum and the museum of Breton life.

Weekends are free for personal activities, family excursions, or an occasional optional trip to a nearby site of interest. The Fête de la Musique, an all-France, all-day and all-night musical festival, takes place every year at the Summer Solstice

Students receive four credits and should be enrolled in either FR 157 or FR 207 depending on prior language experience. Both courses can count toward the French major or minor, and each is part of the Introduction to French Studies cluster.

One year of college French or the equivalent.

Excursions

When students arrive in Paris they are met by the program director and are housed in a hotel in the lively Latin Quarter. Three days are devoted to a group orientation to all things French: food, language, customs, and the stunning sights of the City of Light.

During this orientation students visit the following (subject to change): 

Sainte Chapelle
Notre Dame de Paris
Musée du Quai Branly
Musée Picasso
Latin Quarter with an emphasis on the Black cultural Presence
Le Panthéon
Ruins of a Roman arena
Eiffel Tower
Chateau and gardens of Versailles built for Louis XIV

Students may also pursue individual interests among the sights and attractions of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Once settled in Rennes students have weekly excursions—an integral part of the curriculum—to places including:

The medieval abbey of Mont Saint Michel
The landing beaches of Normandy
The Peace Museum in Caen
Musée d’Histoire de Nantes
Nantes: The Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery

The precise scheduling depend on factors such as the French calendar and the schedule at the Institut Franco-Américain, which hosts the program and provides the classroom, family placements, and practical arrangements.

Program Contacts

Julie Papaioannou
Professor of Instruction in French
Language Pedagogy Coordinator, French
Study Abroad Advisor, French
julie.papaioannou@rochester.edu  

Costs

Total cost for program is $4,600 (does not include airfare or personal expenses):

• Tuition (four credits)
• Hotel accommodation and some meals in Paris
• All local transportation and museum fees
• Round-trip fare on the high-speed train from Paris to Rennes
• Homestay (with breakfasts, dinners and weekend meals)
• Instruction
• Excursions
• Some meals
• The gala farewell dinner

Transatlantic airfare, incidentals, and most lunches are not included in the program fee.

Additional Information 

Accommodations 

Students are welcomed in the homes of host families in the city and the nearby suburbs. Breakfast, dinner, and all weekend meals are offered by the families. In the past, host families have
even included our students in family parties and vacations, weddings, and christenings.
 

UR Scholarships
All students will automatically be reviewed and considered for the Mildred Burton scholarships. Priority will be given to those demonstrating financial need, and merit will be considered given funding availability. Award notifications will be made in late-January/early February 2024.