CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Rennes, France

  France

Rennes

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 16 weeks: early Sept-mid-Dec; Spring 19 weeks: mid-Jan-late May; Academic Year 38 weeks: early Sept-late May

Description: This Liberal Arts program has three main goals: to increase language ability for intermediate and advanced intermediate students; to increase knowledge about France and French culture; and to offer students with an adequate level of French language ability the opportunity to take University of Haute Bretagne courses alongside French students. These goals are achieved through intensive language coursework, humanities coursework, and cultural activities throughout the semester.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Rennes began in 1971, and is geared to students with intermediate French skills interested in perfecting their language skills through a combination of French language and content courses taken at the CIREFE and the opportunity to take regular university courses at the University of Haute Bretagne. During the first three weeks, students are enrolled in an intensive language course. Following the intensive language session, and based on the results of a placement exam, students enroll in classes at the CIREFE and the UHB.

Academic Culture
Higher education in France is divided into three stages, the licence, masters, and doctorat. French students specialize in a particular discipline at the outset of their university studies, with a prescribed set of courses in their discipline and a limited choice of electives. Professors in France tend to be more formal than in the U.S. and do not see it as their role to give encouragement or individual attention to students. Instead, they see themselves as specialists who are there to impart their knowledge. As a result, French students are generally very self-disciplined and do not expect to be motivated by their instructors, but rather judge a course by the quality and quantity of information taught.

CIREFE, where CIEE students take the majority of their classes, does provide more individual attention to international students. However, students must still have a more independent, self-motivated attitude. Teachers do notice when students are absent, which can affect their grade. Also, syllabi are seldom as detailed as in the U.S. and students need to be able to figure out for themselves what is important, what should be memorized, etc. Classes in which CIEE students enroll meet Monday through Friday, with excursions on some weekends. Students usually attend two, two-hour classes per day. Students are expected to complete all of the work given and take exams when scheduled. Advanced students may enroll in one or two courses at UHB and must sit lectures, take notes, complete assigned work, and take exams. Special exams are given if the exam period falls outside the CIEE program dates.

Highlights:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the French people and fluency in the French language
  
• Opportunities for student teaching internships and for students with advanced French to take regular university courses
  
• Three-day orientation in Paris prior to arrival in Rennes
  
• Homestay with a French family

Immersion
Advanced French Track
For students who have at least six semesters of college-level French and place into CIREFE's autonomie level, the CIEE Study Center in Rennes offers qualified participants an opportunity to pursue an Advanced Track of study. Levels and placement are determined by performance on a placement test. Students who qualify for and pursue the Advanced Track have the opportunity to choose among a host of social science and humanities courses at the UHB or the Philosophy Department at Rennes I.

Internship
Students can participate in a teaching internship in a primary, middle, or secondary school. This is a great way for students to learn more about the educational system in France and become involved with the community, while earning credit through Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Interested students must enroll in one methodology course conducted in French. Students are responsible for preparing a one-hour lesson in English per week. The final grade is based on lesson plans, homework assignments, and class observations. The Resident Director or Internship Supervisor oversees the experience and evaluates the student's performance. Students will receive 3 credit hours. Students seeking credit for this experience must obtain written approval from their home institution prior to arrival.

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 2.75
* French GPA 3.0
* 4 semesters of college-level French or equivalent

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to France Independently

Scholarships are Available. - We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947