Study in France
Programs in France
SUNY Plattsburgh students can study in Rennes, France for a full semester or academic
year or check out our summer programs page for more information on summer availability.
Current Programs
ESC Rennes School of Business
- Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Class standing: Sophomore, Junior, Senior
- Restrictions: Plattsburgh students only
- Program Information
Rennes is a vibrant capital city of Brittany, which is known for its rich history and gastronomy. The region offers access to some of the best of aspects of French culture and is located only two hours from Paris by train.
Rennes offers an interesting selection of business courses taught in English, along with French language and culture classes. All while in a dynamic international setting known for economic activities in biotechnology, transport, luxury goods, and more. Visit ESC Rennes incoming exchange student website to see updated course availability.
SUNY Plattsburgh students will select from Level 2 (fall semester only), Level 3, or Level 4 options. All courses taught at ESC Rennes are taught in English with an extremely international and multicultural student population.
- Level 2, which is only offered in the fall, are courses with second year students and the course listing is set for each year.
- Level 3 courses are with third (and final) year students at Rennes and you must select course work from the following fields: Sales & Marketing, Finance & Banking, or Purchasing & Supply Chain Management. You cannot cross fields.
- Level 4 courses provide the most flexibility, but also the most difficult. We highly recommend you are a Junior with an above average GPA for this option. Students will take courses dedicated solely to exchange students.
Contact the Global Education Office for updated course packages and syllabi for your SBE advisor's review. Credit value and grades may be calculated differently around the world. Please consult the Rennes Credit and Grade Conversion Chart.
- Fall term: beginning of September to end of December
- Spring term: beginning of January to beginning of May
When searching study abroad programs, I decided on the ESC Rennes program, which is about 1.5 hours west of Paris. Not only did I get to experience a new environment and education system, but I got to grow quite a lot as a person. I was able to come out of my shell and really enjoy speaking with different people from all over the globe. My favorite parts of the experience were traveling across Europe and just spending time with brilliant, mature students. I wish I would have taken advantage of where I was in the world in terms of geographic location a little more, but also I wish I had someone deeply explain to me how important the experience would be for personal growth. Lastly, Rennes had a very different education system that I wish I had fully grasped before going.
— Sean V , Finance & Economics Major, Fall 2022
- Housing
Typically students rent private accommodation while studying at ESC Rennes. There is an Accommodation Team on campus that will contact students with a housing platform dedicated to Rennes School of Business students. This platform will have options that include accommodation near campus with private landlords, residence halls, and real estate agencies. Students are encouraged to reserve housing as soon as they are accepted into the program.
As of August, there will be a new residence campus open for international students that will be situated very close to ESC Rennes.
- Support Services
Students with physical or learning disabilities, should contact the Global Education Office to find out more about the specific services available.
- Cost
Financing a study abroad program is one of the most important aspects to consider before applying. Please refer to the budget sheet below to review a detailed cost estimate for the program, which includes costs you are billed for through SUNY Plattsburgh, as well as those you must plan for, but pay directly, such as a flight and accommodation. Estimates are subject to change at any time. If you have questions about the estimate, please contact the Global Education Office.
Financial aid in the form of scholarships, aid (NYS TAP, etc.), and loans, may be applied to study abroad programs. It is important that you visit the financial aid office at your home campus to discuss your eligibility prior to applying. Please share the cost estimate for your program with your financial aid office. Please note that all students participating in a Plattsburgh program are automatically enrolled and billed for a SUNY international health insurance policy through United Health Care (UHC).
SUNY Plattsburgh students are able to apply for various SUNY Plattsburgh scholarships each semester. Scholarship applications can be accessed as an optional component of your study abroad application. Please keep in mind that scholarship and study abroad applications are due at the same time.
- Application Information
The first step of the application process is to complete the SUNY Plattsburgh study abroad application and submit all additional materials, which include official transcripts, academic references, and a study statement.
Please note that a student visa is required to study in France. In most cases, U.S. citizens may apply online. This is a lengthy process and requires an in-person appointment at the appropriate consulate, which is usually in New York City. Students should not delay in applying for a student visa and start the process as soon as they receive their acceptance letters from ESC Rennes.