CIEE-Rennes: Liberal Arts

Program Details

Program Location	Rennes, France
Sponsor	CIEE
Program Type	Co-sponsored
Course #	SA 31009
Duration	Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
To Be Announced
Past Dates
Summer 2026	05/18/26 to 07/13/26

Page Links
Overview	Purdue Credit
Eligibility	Academics
Housing	Program Costs
Financial Aid	Deadline
Returnee Info	Resources

Click here to apply for this program!

Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

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 discover Brittany's historical culture and broad heritage while polishing your intermediate to advanced French language skills.

This eight-week Intensive French Language program allows you to develop a deeper understanding of French history, culture, and society as you explore common themes throughout your courses. All courses are complemented with weekly co-curricular visits to the city's wide variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.

You'll be in good company in the old city center of Rennes, as 30% of the population is students. Explore the charming timber houses, cafés, narrow streets, and stone roads by day. Experience the vibrant nightlife and visit the theater, opera, orchestra, and cinemas by night. Summer is a charming time to visit Rennes, particularly in July when the "Festival des Tombées de la Nuit" packs the streets with people enjoying meals in outdoor cafes and free entertainment.

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:CIEE.

Eligibility

The program is open to students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

GPA Requirement: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: 4 Sem French

Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Liberal Arts]

What does this mean? Click here to learn more.

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.

Academic Program

Students take three French language courses, focused on language, oral communication, and reading and writing. 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.

Excursions

Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site allows students to explore the abbey and the citadel, walk in the pilgrims’ footsteps through the sands and rivers of the bay, learn how to avoid quicksand, and explore a unique ecosystem and landscape constantly renewed by the tides and the winds.

OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

Indulge in delectable crêpes and other regional specialties and become familiar with Rennes by involving your senses: observation, taste, smell, and hearing.
Embark on a journey through time as you explore Medieval walled cities such as Fougères, Dinan, or Vannes.
Get away to Nantes and discover the Galerie des Machines, a bestiary of machines inspired by the imaginary world of the writer Jules Verne.
Explore the walled city of Saint-Malo, admire the view from its ramparts, and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in France!

Housing

CIEE Rennes offers various housing options, including homestays or single-studio apartments. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to the center of Rennes and the host institution.?The city is very easy to navigate on foot, by metro, or by bus, courtesy of an excellent and modern public transport system.?

Homestays: Live with a French family, in Rennes or a close suburb, and immerse yourself in the language and culture. Students have their own rooms. Homestays are within 15-40 minutes from CIEE.

Studio apartments: Includes a single studio apartment at a residence hall located approx. 20 minutes from CIEE. Equipped with a private bathroom and kitchenette, this option requires an additional fee.

Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.

Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location. This will vary by program.

The program and housing fees include: tuition, housing, pre-departure advising, airport greeting, orientation, cultural activities, and local activities. Depending on housing choice, some meals may be included.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Summer 2026

Costs per term to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee	$6,650.00
Study Abroad Fee	$609.40
Housing	$1,900.00
Insurance	$200.00

Approximate additional costs per term
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare	$1,200.00
Local Transportation	$77.00
Books and Supplies	$30.00
Meals	$408.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses	$0.00 - $160.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos)	$175.00

Financial Aid

CIEE scholarships can be found here.

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus;
consult website Study Abroad Financial Aid Process ;
complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.

Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline. Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Summer Programs	Mar 1

Returnees Information

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted. If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.

Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.

Program Sponsor's Home Page: CIEE
Program Website
Search Google(tm)*
Department of State Consular Information
(You must find France in list)
CDC Travel Information (You must find France in list)

For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.