Université de la Réunion


Image of Université de la Réunion
The island of La Réunion in the middle of the Indian Ocean offers more than just clear blue waters and pristine beaches. Students can also explore both active and inactive volcanoes, cirques, and picturesque waterfalls
Location: Saint-Denis, Réunion
Language of Instruction: French
Program Type: Semester or Academic Year
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Study in French on the island of La Réunion, located in the middle of the Indian Ocean
  • Ideal for French-speaking students looking for a non-traditional study abroad experience
  • Courses offered include tropical environmental studies, postcolonial Francophone literature, and anthropology of Indian Ocean communities

The island of La Réunion in the middle of the Indian Ocean offers more than just clear blue waters and pristine beaches. Students can also explore both active and inactive volcanoes, cirques, and picturesque waterfalls. Université de la Réunion is perfect for a student looking for a non-traditional location with a French/Creole twist. Students take courses at the university taught in French paired with French language and culture courses.

The university is located within walking distance of the commercial center and about three miles from the old town center in St. Denis.

Unique offerings include Creole studies, ethnology and anthropology in a multiracial society, tropical environment studies, literature and anthropology of the Indian Ocean, African post-colonial literature and culture, postcolonial and francophone literatures.

Students also may have the opportunity to obtain a paid tutoring position. More information is available to students who are accepted by the Université de la Réunion at the time of receiving their acceptance materials.

Students typically enroll in 5 classes per term which averages to 15 hours in class per week. A term runs for 14 weeks.

Courses offered in English

Language Requirement: A minimum of 4-5 semesters of university-level French or the equivalent must be completed prior to program.



Language Notes: A French language course and French translation course is offered in addition to regular classes during the academic year for intermediate to advanced levels. A Créole class is also offered throughout the academic year, and a course on the local culture may also be of interest:

  • Language course (Langue et civilisation du FLE) = 5 ECTS
  • Translation course: French-English and English-French (Thème-Version Anglais) = 5 ECTS
  • Creole (Langue Orale : Créole) is also offered throughout the academic year = 5 ECTS
  • Culture (Environnement, société et culture réunionnaise) = 5 ECTS

Language courses are not designed to be a student's full course load.

Students are housed in student residence halls and given a meal stipend.

Students studying at the Université de la Réunion will participate in an orientation upon arrival. Orientation includes a visit of the campus, library, and sports facilities. Students will receive a description of the courses available and will visit the city of Saint-Denis.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Contact Kaitlyn Johnson at k.johnson@ku.edu for more information.

Further information on programs can be found on the ISEP Website.