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
![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
![Castle in Le Mans]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716307566/sya/wdsc26demxepfpfamrkr/CastleinLeMans.jpg","width":206}])
Mimi recounts a rainy, but meaningful day,
in Le Mans.
![A group of SYA France high school students stand in a classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716305190/sya/dcs8r9nzuejtl9oekdoy/SYAFranceclass.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716305190/sya/dcs8r9nzuejtl9oekdoy/SYAFranceclass.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716305190/sya/dcs8r9nzuejtl9oekdoy/SYAFranceclass.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1716305190/sya/dcs8r9nzuejtl9oekdoy/SYAFranceclass.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1716305190/sya/dcs8r9nzuejtl9oekdoy/SYAFranceclass.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1716305190/sya/dcs8r9nzuejtl9oekdoy/SYAFranceclass.png","width":2200}])
Celeste discusses how her capstone project allowed her to realize how much progress she has made in French this year.
![picture of the Eiffel Tower and Parisian skyline at night]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1712160354/sya/lu3amcx6fntdxppuubug/MimiMarch1jpg.jpg","width":198}])
Mimi writes about her recent trip to Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night with her SYA friends.
![picture of a sunny street with grass on either side]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1711975661/sya/pgmpxun8bjqur8jmcm3a/MegMarch1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1711975661/sya/pgmpxun8bjqur8jmcm3a/MegMarch1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1711975661/sya/pgmpxun8bjqur8jmcm3a/MegMarch1.png","width":646}])
Meg writes about spotting the first signs of spring in France. She reflects on the blooming flowers and warm afternoons as signs of growth and closure for her SYA experience.