Way Up! Language courses

Way up LnaguagesThe world has become a “global village” in which economies are closely interrelated and political, social and cultural dimensions can be tightly interwoven or openly confrontational.
Rennes School of Business is ready to face these new challenges by educating students to be internationally aware.
All of our courses and actions are designed to pursue these objectives and the study of foreign languages is a key element of intercultural communication. Not only are programmes at Rennes SB taught in English, but students can also benefit from specialised language classes (English and second foreign languages) which are implemented within our Way Up! framework.
Way Up! is based on various different principles and ways of working:

  • Lessons are centred around participation and communication with activities based on real-life, everyday situations.
  • Students follow a number of different“Pods” (themed units in English).
  • Objectives are defined for each “Pod” and activities fit within these objectives.
  • Certain “Pods” are obligatory, others are optional. Students create their own personal pathways according to their specific needs.
  • “Pod” choices are made using an online training platform known as “Offre de Formation en Ligne” (OFLs).

Available Languages

  • English classes are obligatory for all students (with the exception of MSc students whose classes are all in English).
  • Second language classes are also obligatory: Arabic/German/Spanish/Chinese/Italian/Russian/etc…
  • Third language classes are available for certain students (according to their programme): Arabic/German/Spanish/Chinese/Italian/Russian/Japanese/Korean/Portuguese/French Sign Language/

For incoming students, French language and/or French Culture classes replace the second language classes.

External Language Tests

An approved score in an External Language Test, may be required (according to the programme):

  • to validate the diploma
    Full details of the requirements can be found in the Student Handbook for the appropriate programme,
  • to apply for Partner Universities
    Full details can be obtained from the International Mobility (Exchange) team.

Certain External Language Tests can be taken within school.

For international students : French as a Foreign Language

Courses in ‘French as a Foreign Language’ are available for international students (between 30 and 60h/year depending on the programme):

  • Year-round courses: 1h30/week -15h/semester – Single semester courses: 3h/week – 30h/semester
  • Undergraduate/postgraduate courses (except MSc) : 3 hours (consecutive) on Wednesdays or 2 x 1.5 hours (on Wednesdays and Fridays) depending on the programme
  • Specific eMBA and iMBA courses: 3 hours per week

All courses focus on oral communication and are taught by qualified teachers. An initial placement test allows students to be divided into groups according to their level, based on the CERF (Common European Reference Framework for languages) criteria.
Groups of 20 students (maximum) take face-to-face classes (except in exceptional situations related to the Covid crisis).

At the end of their training, students who wish to do so can validate their level of French by taking an external test.

Additional courses

Languages office

The Language Office is located on the 1st floor of building 1 (next to the language lab).

For any questions or requests, get in touch.