This program for intermediate or advanced intermediate students is designed to increase language ability, to provide knowledge of France and French culture, and, for students with an adequate level of French language, to provide the opportunity to take regular university classes alongside French students. The program offers intensive language coursework, humanities coursework, and cultural activities throughout the semester.

The program is administered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) on behalf of a consortium of which The University of Iowa is a member. Participants join a group of students from other U.S. colleges and universities and take classes at the University of Haute Bretagne’s center for foreign students alongside other internationals from around the world.

UI students earn resident credit on this program.

Academic Program

Course descriptions

During the first three weeks, students take an intensive CIEE language and culture course consisting of 30 hours of language and civilization and 10 hours of cross-cultural analysis and seminars on cultural adaptation. Immediately following this pre-session, and based on the end results of a placement exam, students enroll in a program of study at any one of six levels at the center for foreign students (CIREFE- Centre International Rennais d’Etude du Français pour les Etrangers.). Each level has prescribed language courses plus a choice of content classes, with the option of regular university classes for students placed at the most advanced level. Students typically earn between 16 s.h. and 18 s.h.

Courses may be reviewed for approval towards Gen Ed requirements, French major requirements, and towards other majors as appropriate.

Teaching internships

Study abroad students can participate in a teaching practicum in a primary, middle, or high 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 teaching practicum supervisor oversees the experience and evaluates the students’ performance. Students receive three credit hours.

Cultural Activities

Rennes is the capital of Brittany. Economically very dynamic, the city is known as a center for technology, and is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in France. The city offers an excellent variety of cultural events and provides study abroad students the opportunity to learn the distinct Celtic traditions particular to this region of France.

Teach English at a local primary, middle, or high school. Get experience, learn more about the French educational system, immerse yourself, and give back to the community while earning Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) credit. Interested students must enroll in one methodology course conducted in French and are responsible for preparing a one-hour lesson in English per week. Final grade is based on lesson plans, homework assignments, and class observations. The center director and/ or TEFL course instructor oversees the experience and evaluates students’ performance. Internship positions are limited.

Possible destinations for excursions are:

Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Saint Malo, Brittany’s privateers’ haven and beautiful walled city

Paris and it world-famous landmarks

Medieval cities such as Fougères or Dinan

Program Dates

Fall semester is late August – late December

Spring semester is early January – late May

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with CIEE, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

  

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email:Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

Université Rennes II

The CIEE Study Center is housed at Rennes II, the humanities campus of the University of Haute Bretagne. The campus is one mile northwest of downtown and is easily accessible from all housing situations by an excellent public transportation system. CIREFE, the Centre International Rennais d’Étude du Français pour les Etrangers, within the University teaches both language and content courses to a large and varied international student population.

Rennes

Rennes is a medium-sized city, often cited as among the most livable cities in France. With its young population of 60,000 students, the city is a perfect setting for study in France. Just two hours west of Paris by train, Rennes is the capital of Brittany. Economically very dynamic, the city is known as a center for technology. In addition, it offers an exceptional variety of cultural events, with its national theater, opera, orchestra, numerous cinemas, soccer stadium, and skating rink. The location offers students an opportunity to learn the distinct Celtic traditions particular to this region of France.

France

For as long as the United States has existed, France has been considered a center of culture within the world and has had a significant impact from contributions to food, art, fashion, and sciences. The largest country in the European Union is also one of the greenest, with stunning natural views and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve and the Palace of Versailles. The French people are passionate about their country and their way of life. Explore a rich history by visiting classic churches, dive into French cuisine, and enjoy a glass of wine or latte at any of the wonderful French cafes.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

For more information regarding housing, please visit CIEE Rennes' page and scroll down to the Housing section.

Passport

US Citizens

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students without a valid passport should apply for a new passport or a passport renewal as early as possible.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements

Students will work with their program provider to make travel arrangements to their program site. The cost of travel is not included in the course fee. UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Local Transportation

Within your host city and around the country, students will utilize public transportation such as buses and trains. Excursions and general travel require a lot of walking, so bring some comfortable shoes!

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

Clear interest and commitment- Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter, and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.

Demonstrated preparedness and maturity- Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.

Minimum 2.75 GPA- Students must have at least a 2.75 overall GPA and a 3.0 GPA in French to be considered eligible for this program.

Need to have taken at least 4 semesters of college level French.

Good academic and disciplinary standing- Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.

Sophomore, junior, or senior standing- Applicants must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing by the time the program begins to participate in this program.

Approval by CIEE and UI Study Abroad- Applications will be reviewed by UI Study Abroad and by CIEE. Students will be accepted based on their review of their application materials.

Attendance at mandatory orientation programming- Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming presented by UI Study Abroad and CIEE.

18 years of age- Participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Program Costs

The most recent cost sheet for the program is included below. The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (CIEE program fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact your Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

Cost Sheets

Cost Sheet for CIEE Rennes Liberal Arts, Spring 2025

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page and a list of courses to take while abroad.

• Please note that for study abroad programs through Fall 2022, students will not be charged the $50 application fee until travel is assured. If a student chooses to withdraw prior to the application fee being billed, it will not be charged.

• Complete the CIEE Online Application.

Application Deadline

Spring: September 20

Fall/Academic Year: March 1

Acceptance and Confirmation Materials

Coming soon.

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Passports and Visas

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

For more information about receiving financial aid while studying abroad, please review the following:UI Financial Aid Information

You can find more information about options for funding your study abroad experience including scholarships on Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad.

In addition, take a look at CIEE Scholarship website for information about scholarships offered directly through your program provider.

Visa

U.S. passport holders should follow the Visa batch process instructions provided by CIEE. Make sure to submit all required documents by the submission deadline. Otherwise you will have to apply for your student visa independently.

U.S. Citizens will need a student visa if they are going abroad for a semester, or academic year. Typically, they will not need a visa for the summer sessions.

Non-US Citizens- should refer to the Campus France Visa website for more information on French visa requirements.

UI Study Abroad will hold advising appointments and/or information sessions to provide details on the visa application process. UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance on the French visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Prior to starting the visa application process check in with CIEE for more information; they have a preferred timeline that students need to follow.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

Predeparture Resources

CIEE will provide you with a variety of pre-departure resources to prepare you for your study abroad experience. These will include a packing list, cultural information, housing instructions, etc. Ensure that you thoroughly review any information provided to you by CIEE and refer back to it if you have any questions.

These materials may be periodically updated to reflect new program information prior to departure. Be sure to check your CIEE Account often.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu