In September 2026, Rennes 2 University welcomed the first cohort of TELME – Teaching Languages in Multicultural Environments, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme dedicated to language teaching in multilingual and multicultural contexts.
The 22 students, representing 18 different nationalities, began their studies with an intensive welcome week in Rennes. The week provided an opportunity to discover the university and the programme, meet fellow students and teaching staff, and prepare for the international mobility that will form a central part of their studies.
A joint European programme coordinated by Rennes 2
Coordinated by Rennes 2 University, TELME brings together five European partner universities:
- Rennes 2 University (France)
- Åbo Akademi University (Finland)
- Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland)
- the University of Burgos (Spain)
- the University of Limerick (Ireland).
Taught over two years, the programme combines language education, multilingualism and intercultural approaches. Students follow different mobility pathways according to their language combinations, studying at two universities in the consortium during two one-year mobility periods.
With six possible language combinations involving English, French, Spanish and German, TELME allows students to develop their expertise while experiencing different languages, academic cultures and educational systems first-hand.
Exploring multilingualism through research
From the beginning of the programme, students are also introduced to research through a project focusing on the linguistic landscape.
Throughout their studies, they will observe and analyse the languages visible in public spaces – on signs, shop windows, advertisements, posters, public notices and graffiti – first in Rennes and in their home city or country, and later in the city where they complete their second mobility period.
The project encourages students to examine how multilingualism is reflected in everyday environments and to compare the place and visibility of different languages across cultural contexts.
The first results will be presented during the Erasmus Days in October 2026, before the students continue developing their research throughout the programme. Their work will ultimately be showcased at the end of their second year.
By combining international mobility, multilingual learning, intercultural experience and research, TELME reflects Rennes 2 University’s commitment to innovative language education and European cooperation.
