CIEE College Study Abroad in Rennes, France

I loved my time studying abroad in Rennes. I was fortunate enough to live with a wonderful host family who were willing to answer my *many* questions and who were excited to introduce me to their culture. I enjoyed my classes at Université Rennes 2, and felt supported by CIEE staff as I navigated the registration process. I also grew to adore the ease of transport with Rennes two metro lines and numerous buses (which were almost always on time). I felt safe wandering about the city, even after dark.

I have some major food allergies (peanuts) but I had little difficulty navigating my allergies while abroad. I'd recommend researching what the common allergin labels are for food before you travel. Food allergies are less common in France (due to frequent early exposure), so you may have to carefully explain dietary issues to those around you. However, like I said, I had no issues.

I'd say the most challenging part of this program for me was the number of protests, leading to days where we missed class. Our program leaders did a great job helping ensure we got the number of hours of instruction needed to transfer our credits, and explaining what was going on around us. I always felt safe.

If you participate in this program (and I hope you will) take advantage of all the clubs and trips offered by CIREFE (The Exchange Student Branche of the University) and CIEE. Those were some of the best parts of my study abroad experience.

I also recommend this program to anyone interested in education. I was able to participate in a field experience teaching English in a French high school. There were also opportunities at the middle and elementary level. My host teacher was very helpful and I enjoyed working with my students.

This is an awesome opportunity if you want to practice your French. You will hopefully make great friends, like I did, and have some amazing chances to travel. It can be kind of intense, but you definitely experience full immersion with your host family and classes. Just to be clear, you will be taking classes with other international students, not in the university classes with other French students. It is still super cool to meet the students from all over the world. I really loved the program, but sometimes the administrators were not very clear about how the academic part of the program would work until you were registering for classes.

This was my first time out of the country and it's safe to say it won't be my last. CIEE and its wonderful staff made my time in Rennes extremely fun and beneficial. I learned more French than I could have imagined while, more importantly, become very well acquainted with the complex and gentle French culture and people. Each day was a new adventure and leaving was by far the hardest part. What really made it whole was my host family that was always there for me and showed me everything there is to know about Rennes and the nearby picturesque beach called Saint-Malo! Thank you especially to Daniel and Valentina for making this experience so amazing!

I am really happy that I chose this program! I had already thought that I would choose this program about a year before I went. I was lucky enough to have had a friend be in the program the previous year, so she gave me advice and told me about the different things I would do. I don't think I would have chosen differently!
I love the classes and my peers! The classes are really fun and informative! Both of the instructors that I have had have been so kind and helpful. The people in my class are understanding and helpful as well. There are two classes and I have gotten to know the students in the other class and we all get along really well!
It has been such a great summer and I am really lucky to be here! There is so much to do in Rennes and it has not been a boring summer at all. Also the food is super great! I have gotten into a nice routine as well! A big plus for Rennes' public transportation systems as well!
I love the family that I am placed with and feel so comfortable with them. They are so kind and patient. I actually live with the same family as my friend who did the program last year! They are probably some of the BEST people I have ever met!

I chose this program because I wanted to improve my French. In that regard, this program was superb. High-quality classes led by understanding professors combined with the everyday practice with my host family made for a truly immersive French experience. The CIEE staff were extremely encouraging as well, and unfailingly patient with my errors. But the program offered so much else besides. Rather than listing them all, I'll name just my favorite. The home stay was simply amazing. I was welcomed into a family and made a part of their community, and as a result, my stay in French moved from the educational to the relational. I expected to learn a language; I did not expect to make what I think will be life-long friends. So if you are looking for a quality education and a welcoming community, this program is for you.

I loved the Rennes Program through CIEE. It was one of the most wonderful experiences I've had. The program was wonderful and I definitely improved my speaking, reading, and comprehension of the French Language. I was a part of home-stay and I loved my host parents they were very involved from taking me around town to some of their own events or even just helping me with my homework. I truly felt that I was a part of the family. In terms the the University Rennes 2 campus I was able to meet people from all over the world and learn so much from them and their own time here like where to go to eat or out dancing. I do recommend volunteering at the Franco-American Institute because it was a valuable way of meeting members of the city and you get to help them with their English. Overall I loved the program and the professors and the staff were very helpful and understanding. It was an unforgettable semester.

I loved living in Rennes and studying abroad with CIEE. The University of Rennes 2 provided a variety of interesting classes with students from all around the world. CIEE was a wonderful program to study with. They provided a huge amount of support and made being abroad fun instead of a scary experience. They also provided excursions throughout the semester so we could explore different cities and customs of France. The other draw for this program, that I found, is being able to live with a host family. This opportunity really helps you improve your understanding of the French language and introduces you to a new look into French culture.