This 6 week, 6-credit program provides participants with a unique opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of French language and culture. The program is divided into two distinct components: a four-week intensive session in Rennes emphasizing language and civilization at all levels, and literature, writing, and French culture; and a two-week cultural workshop highlighting the French way of life from both socio-cultural and linguistic perspectives.
Location
Rennes & Paris, France. While in Rennes, students take courses at the Centre International Rennais d'Études de Français pour Étrangers (CIREFE) of Université de Rennes 2 - Haute Bretagne. In Paris, instruction is provided by the Villanova faculty member in residence.
Rennes: Capital of la Bretagne,Rennes is a city of approximately 275,000 people and an additional 60,000 university students. With its numerous cultural activities, lowcost of living, large weekly open-air market, and new subway line, Rennes regularly ranks as one of the most desirable cities in which to live and work in France. It is just two hours west of Paris by TGV.
Université de Rennes 2: About60,000 students and 3,500 researchers have found their temporary home in the city's two universities and twenty other institutions of higher education. Successful programs in French language, culture, and literature have been offered at the Université de Rennes 2 - HauteBretagne since the Faculté des Lettres was established in Rennes in1810.
For more information, please check the International Studies web site on the French program.
Faculty Program Coordinator
Dr. Seth Whidden
Department of Romance Languages & Literatures
College of Arts & Sciences
St. Augustine Center 343
610-519-5468
seth.whidden@villanova.edu
Additional Academic Requirements
1 year (2 semesters) of college level French or equivalent. Students with no prior knowledge of French may be eligible; see Faculty Program Coordinator.
Housing and Meals
While in Rennes, students will live with host families, with easy access to the university campus via public transportation. The university has a metro stop right on campus (Villejean-Université) and is just a five-minute subway ride away from the center of Rennes, which offers everything from fast food to fine dining. In addition to breakfast and dinner with their host families, students can take well - balanced meals at the restaurant universitaire, or Resto-U, on campus. There is also a canteen located next to the classroom building.
In Paris, students share rooms at the Maison internationale de la jeunesse et des étudiants (MIJE), a youth hostel situated in the center of the city. Breakfasts and some meals are also provided in Paris.
Excursions
Students will participate in the excursions organized through the CIREFE, including to le Mont St. Michel. and to the forest of Brocéliande. There will also be additional excursions, to Fort La Latte, Dinan, Nantes, Dol-de-Bretagne, and the Normandy beaches. There will also be a weekend trip to St. Malo, a walled city on the English Channel, marking the transition between Rennes and Paris.
Itinerary 2011
23 June 24 June 24 June - 22 July 18 July 20 July 23 July 23 - 25 July 26 July 26 July - 3 August 3 August |
Departure from the Newark Airport Arrive in Paris, transfer to Rennes Orientation, placement, and classes in Rennes Excursion to Fort La Latte and Dinan Excursion to Nantes Excursion to Dol-de-Bretagne, transfer to St. Malo Visit of St. Malo Visit Normandy Beaches, arrival in Paris Stay in Paris Depart from Paris, return to Newark Airport |
NOTICE: Villanova University reserves the right to modify or cancel the program if circumstances warrant.
