A group of eight Icelandic students, accompanied by their professors, arrived on the Villejean campus last week for a welcome reception hosted by the CIREFE – the Centre International Rennais d’Études de Français pour Étrangers. The event marked the beginning of a two-week stay that includes an intensive academic agenda with a rich program of cultural and linguistic activities.
As in previous years, the students will take approximately 20 hours of French-language courses per week within international CIREFE groups, complemented by a specialized module designed specifically for the Icelandic cohort. The training allows participants to validate 6 ECTS credits and offers a structured opportunity to develop their linguistic competencies while engaging with learners from diverse backgrounds.
A highlight of this year’s mobility is the students’ participation in the study day on the didactics of French and Icelandic as foreign languages organized by the research team LIDILE, (Linguistique Ingénierie et Didactique des Langues), held on February 11 at the Espace des Langues. This event brought together researchers from Rennes 2, the University of Iceland, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU Trondheim), and the CIREFE to explore evolving trends in language teaching. Presentations discussed topics such as the decline and transformation of French studies in Iceland, the growing interest in Icelandic as a second language, and innovative approaches including immersive virtual environments developed within the ANR project AIR. The presence of speakers such as François Heenen, Ásta Ingibjartsdóttir, Kári Páll Óskarsson, Anne Prunet, and Nelly Foucher Stenklov enriched the dialogue and highlighted the academic strength of this international cooperation. Rennes 2 was notably represented by speakers and contributors from CIREFE and the research unit LIDILE including Anne Prunet, Gaël Zanol, Fanny Hervé-Pécot, and Clara Millán, whose involvement underscored the university’s strong commitment to research-led language pedagogy.
Throughout their stay, the students will also enjoy a variety of cultural activities, including an introduction to Breton culture through a traditional crêpe workshop, guided visits of Rennes’ historical centre, and excursions in the region. These activities aim to promote intercultural understanding and help students become familiar with the cultural environment in which they are studying.
This mobility programme stems from a collaboration initiated in 2021 by Griselda Drouet (Rennes 2, LIDILE) and Ásta Ingibjartsdóttir (University of Iceland). Over the years, it has contributed to building strong ties between Brittany and Iceland—two regions with rich linguistic traditions and shared cultural affinities. It also reflects the commitment of Rennes 2 to fostering international exchanges, academic cooperation, and high-quality language learning opportunities. Rennes 2 University warmly welcomes this new cohort and wishes the students an engaging, successful, and memorable stay.
