France
Explore THE CULTURE of Brittany with SYA France
At SYA France you will experience the distinct Breton culture as you immerse yourself in the French language. Rennes, located in a less-traveled corner of the country, lets you focus on immersing yourself in French culture while still being able to reach Paris in less than 90 minutes by train.
SYA offers a wide range of courses at our high school campus in France, from humanities and environmental science to political science and global studies. Due to the immersive nature of our program, a wide range of language learners are successful at SYA France.
At SYA France, learning extends well beyond the classroom.
You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities from crew and choir to cooking and community service. Time with your host family will further allow you to hone your French language skills. You must be in or above French level two in order to apply.
I have been living life to the fullest, each and every day, supported by a wonderful system of teachers, fellow students, and each member of my host family, each equally a factor in making this chapter of my life in France a page-turner." - Isabelle M. FR '22, Wilmington Friends School
Watch to Learn More About SYA France
My year abroad in France with SYA has been the most incredible experience of my life, or la meilleure expérience de ma vie. If I were to give my September self a preview of all the experiences this year would entail, she would be ecstatic in shock, excitement and eagerness. From swimming in the Mediterranean Sea in my clothes to skiing in the French Alps, I could write a novel out of all my amazing memories from this year." - Clover C. FR '23, Culver Academies
Quick Facts About SYA France
By the numbers
- 10 faculty members
- 60 students
- 10 courses offered
- 216 miles from Paris
Immersive Learning
Living with a host family and participating in activities in Rennes allows students to immerse themselves directly in the community while building their French language skills.
curriculum
Students typically take six classes with all but English and math being taught in French. Unique elective courses are offered that explore French culture and language.
With SYA, I got a whole new worldview. I am so much more mature. It has given me so many more connections across the world. I am forever grateful for that." - Sophia H. FR '23, Concord Academy
SYA France Storyteller Posts
![two high school girls studying abroad sit at a table in a restaurant and take a selfie]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742824915/sya/mfq1dpxtkhdclibvoioj/MalaikaMarch.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742824915/sya/mfq1dpxtkhdclibvoioj/MalaikaMarch.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742824915/sya/mfq1dpxtkhdclibvoioj/MalaikaMarch.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742824915/sya/mfq1dpxtkhdclibvoioj/MalaikaMarch.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742824915/sya/mfq1dpxtkhdclibvoioj/MalaikaMarch.jpg","width":1404}])
Malaika reflects on her mom's visit to France, and what it was like to have both her SYA France and American worlds come together.
![three high school students studying abroad take a selfie against a dark background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742504346/sya/hz2nhciik5efvfbj97sf/ShailaDiazMarch1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742504346/sya/hz2nhciik5efvfbj97sf/ShailaDiazMarch1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742504346/sya/hz2nhciik5efvfbj97sf/ShailaDiazMarch1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742504346/sya/hz2nhciik5efvfbj97sf/ShailaDiazMarch1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742504346/sya/hz2nhciik5efvfbj97sf/ShailaDiazMarch1.jpg","width":1395}])
Shaila writes about making friends with local French students and her recent trip to watch many of them perform in a play.
![three high school students studying abroad sit in the sun outside of a building in France]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742503622/sya/rxj14jgfpvtsikip9v1q/AbigailTMarch1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742503622/sya/rxj14jgfpvtsikip9v1q/AbigailTMarch1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742503622/sya/rxj14jgfpvtsikip9v1q/AbigailTMarch1.jpg","width":578}])
Abigail writes about the benefits of spending time in the sun and how SYA France students experience the benefits of warm spring weather.
![two high school girls studying abroad ride the bus together]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739966843/sya/zmfjqdnyzqvxrhyrafg3/MalaikaFeb1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739966843/sya/zmfjqdnyzqvxrhyrafg3/MalaikaFeb1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739966843/sya/zmfjqdnyzqvxrhyrafg3/MalaikaFeb1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739966843/sya/zmfjqdnyzqvxrhyrafg3/MalaikaFeb1.jpg","width":936}])
Malaika writes about an afternoon where she rode her normal bus to the end of the line, exploring a new part of Rennes.
![three girls take a selfie at a concert in Spain]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739966812/sya/pak1kd9oturjfyx9pkxc/ShailaFeb1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739966812/sya/pak1kd9oturjfyx9pkxc/ShailaFeb1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739966812/sya/pak1kd9oturjfyx9pkxc/ShailaFeb1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1739966812/sya/pak1kd9oturjfyx9pkxc/ShailaFeb1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739966812/sya/pak1kd9oturjfyx9pkxc/ShailaFeb1.jpg","width":1404}])
Shaila writes about a Queen impressionist concert she attended in France!
![two girls stand in front of a canal in France]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739966950/sya/sixpj7gip4d4bl5wfbmh/AbigailTFeb2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739966950/sya/sixpj7gip4d4bl5wfbmh/AbigailTFeb2.jpg","width":468}])
Abigail writes about the little moments at SYA France that bring her joy every day.
![two high school girls studying abroad stand at a wall looking out over the city]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737549566/sya/rigemrbnxnuqm6jr6nan/AbbieJan1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737549566/sya/rigemrbnxnuqm6jr6nan/AbbieJan1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737549566/sya/rigemrbnxnuqm6jr6nan/AbbieJan1.jpg","width":520}])
Abbie shares about the transition from tourist to local using a book SYA France read in English class as a starting place for her reflection.
![a family sits and smiles at the camera in front of a beach on a cloudy day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737549693/sya/e4mupqrjxgpxzxfw1f5l/MalaikaJan1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737549693/sya/e4mupqrjxgpxzxfw1f5l/MalaikaJan1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1737549693/sya/e4mupqrjxgpxzxfw1f5l/MalaikaJan1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737549693/sya/e4mupqrjxgpxzxfw1f5l/MalaikaJan1.jpg","width":936}])
Malaika reflects on her feeling of "winning"; her days in France, and how she began to feel comfortable and adjusted to her French life.
![a group of american students picks up future students arriving at the airport in France]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737551781/sya/vgkt7qu6rlyqo4hhnkke/dejavuphoto.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737551781/sya/vgkt7qu6rlyqo4hhnkke/dejavuphoto.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1737551781/sya/vgkt7qu6rlyqo4hhnkke/dejavuphoto.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737551781/sya/vgkt7qu6rlyqo4hhnkke/dejavuphoto.jpg","width":1170}])
Shaila writes about her exciting trip to Paris to welcome the Semester 2 students to SYA France!
![three high school students studying abroad pose for a photo with flowers in the background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734623493/sya/ywlip6zkdwbpxlyvxnht/ShailaCampusReporterDecPhoto1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734623493/sya/ywlip6zkdwbpxlyvxnht/ShailaCampusReporterDecPhoto1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1734623493/sya/ywlip6zkdwbpxlyvxnht/ShailaCampusReporterDecPhoto1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734623493/sya/ywlip6zkdwbpxlyvxnht/ShailaCampusReporterDecPhoto1.jpg","width":1170}])
Shaila reflects on what it will mean to say goodbye to her semester one friends who are leaving this week.
![two high school girls studying abroad hug in the middle of a dark piazza]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734622927/sya/mmfwibqztvyqopuucz9t/MalaikaDec.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734622927/sya/mmfwibqztvyqopuucz9t/MalaikaDec.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1734622927/sya/mmfwibqztvyqopuucz9t/MalaikaDec.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734622927/sya/mmfwibqztvyqopuucz9t/MalaikaDec.jpg","width":936}])
Malaika writes about her independent travel to Nantes and the close friends she has built at SYA in just one semester.
![three mugs of hot chocolate sit on a wooden table with Christmas designs on the top]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734622557/sya/j2fklrxqoc1uazssawow/AbbieDec2_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734622557/sya/j2fklrxqoc1uazssawow/AbbieDec2_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734622557/sya/j2fklrxqoc1uazssawow/AbbieDec2_1.jpg","width":554}])
Abigail writes about her gratitude for the SYA community and her host family during the holiday season.
![picture of a sandy beach in front of a blue sky and bright blue ocean]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731398826/sya/mlctpo9hxkwpz6fjjp0u/ShailaNovCRphoto_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731398826/sya/mlctpo9hxkwpz6fjjp0u/ShailaNovCRphoto_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731398826/sya/mlctpo9hxkwpz6fjjp0u/ShailaNovCRphoto_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731398826/sya/mlctpo9hxkwpz6fjjp0u/ShailaNovCRphoto_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731398826/sya/mlctpo9hxkwpz6fjjp0u/ShailaNovCRphoto_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731398826/sya/mlctpo9hxkwpz6fjjp0u/ShailaNovCRphoto_1.jpg","width":2200}])
Shaila writes about SYA France's class trip to Bordeaux and her three favorite places they visited.
![people are lounging on a sandy beach in front of the blue ocean]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731322993/sya/fnstozadxb66tak2bbyi/MalaikaNov1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731322993/sya/fnstozadxb66tak2bbyi/MalaikaNov1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731322993/sya/fnstozadxb66tak2bbyi/MalaikaNov1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731322993/sya/fnstozadxb66tak2bbyi/MalaikaNov1.jpg","width":936}])
Malaika writes about her trip to La Dune di Pilat and the sense of freedom she felt playing in the sand and reminiscing with her classmates.
![three high school students studying abroad stand in a museum]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731253940/sya/btu825wnhzleoqsungk0/ThurlowNovember2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731253940/sya/btu825wnhzleoqsungk0/ThurlowNovember2.jpg","width":468}])
Abigail reflects on her daily schedule and shares how, though at first glance her life feels very different in France, there are a lot of similarities with her American schedule.
![two high school students studying abroad are laughing on a set of stairs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729344796/sya/llvvhzwwmlkdgejvpuu9/ShailaDiaz_OctCRPhoto11.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1729344796/sya/llvvhzwwmlkdgejvpuu9/ShailaDiaz_OctCRPhoto11.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1729344796/sya/llvvhzwwmlkdgejvpuu9/ShailaDiaz_OctCRPhoto11.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1729344796/sya/llvvhzwwmlkdgejvpuu9/ShailaDiaz_OctCRPhoto11.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1729344796/sya/llvvhzwwmlkdgejvpuu9/ShailaDiaz_OctCRPhoto11.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1729344796/sya/llvvhzwwmlkdgejvpuu9/ShailaDiaz_OctCRPhoto11.jpg","width":2200}])
Shaila writes about her initial fieldwork in Rennes and how her time exploring not only helped her feel comfortable with the city, but built community with both American and French friends.
![A high school girl studying abroad stands in a red room full of art at a museum]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729344400/sya/dmwesa1h6c8rrkmiaxde/AbigailOct1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1729344400/sya/dmwesa1h6c8rrkmiaxde/AbigailOct1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729344400/sya/dmwesa1h6c8rrkmiaxde/AbigailOct1.jpg","width":606}])
Abigail reflects on her transition to living in Rennes and overcoming initial feelings of loneliness as she become more independent and made friends at SYA.
![group of students stand around the word SYA written in the sand]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729343912/sya/abbkotw1xeglnmb5zrwg/MalaikaOct2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729343912/sya/abbkotw1xeglnmb5zrwg/MalaikaOct2.jpg","width":468}])
Malaika writes about SYA France's trip to Mont Saint Michel and her experience visiting the island.
![SYA France student with her host family on a boat in France.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716483709/sya/wdltms5gw2qosqnc3ued/Hostfamilyonaboat.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716483709/sya/wdltms5gw2qosqnc3ued/Hostfamilyonaboat.jpg","width":304}])
Natalie thinks back to how much her host
family experience shaped her time abroad.
![Parc in Rennes, France]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716311873/sya/grmbceeggoyyw3xa9snl/ParcinRennes.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716311873/sya/grmbceeggoyyw3xa9snl/ParcinRennes.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716311873/sya/grmbceeggoyyw3xa9snl/ParcinRennes.jpg","width":624}])
Lilee thinks about her approaching departure
from SYA France