AIFS Study Abroad Program in Cannes, France
Sipping martinis on the French Riviera and strolling past street-side masterpieces, this French study abroad experience will seem more like a luxury vacation than an intensive summer, semester, or year of study abroad! Nevertheless, this program is intended to give a student working utility of the French language, as well as a comprehensive understanding of French culture.
Students will have the chance to learn French cooking, go wine tasting, practice their French by interacting with other students and locals, and for some, attending the Cannes Film Festival. Extensive traveling is also a guarantee--all students visit London, and many choose to also stop by Paris, Florence, and Monaco. What are you waiting for? Study abroad in Cannes with AIFS and live like a French man or woman!
Reviews
90%Overall
Rating
90%Overall
Rating
The college is a wonderful environment, from the students, to the professors to the cafeteria and security personnel.
The French language classes were challenging, but the professors were tremendously helpful, and they re-evaluate your level often so you can move up or down depending on your needs. They truly care about your success as a student and are willing to help in any way they can.
The non-language classes were fairly easy, but you still have to do your share of the work. It's not a semester off, but with an average effort you can easily get an A.
The AIFS staff on campus are second to none. They are responsive and willing to bend over backwards to help. I went to them for advice on the town, the culture, travel destinations, and also for day to day needs (where can I get a hair straightener that will work? They actually had one in the office we could borrow!).
I've talked with other students who went on different study abroad programs, and none of the others came close to the level of involvement and commitment to the students that the AIFS Cannes program has.
GO!
80%Overall
Rating
I did experience some difficulties living abroad, but they mostly related to picking up and moving half-way across the world. It was both terrifying and exciting but turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.
My goal in studying abroad was to really improve my ability with the language. Living and learning in such a beautiful place with a number of people who could only speak French was ideal. Additionally, I ended up taking all of my classes (including non-language classes) in French even though the idea made me nervous at first.
Sandrine, the program coordinator, said that she'd be more than happy to help me with difficulties, advice I took advantage of on several occasions. By the time I came back to the US, I was comfortable speaking casually even though I knew my speaking wasn't perfect.
I'm returning to France this summer and am completely excited! I hope I haven't forgotten too much!
90%Overall
Rating
One of the best experiences I had in college was studying abroad in Cannes. I went for my spring semester, which was perfect because we were there for the festival. Being a part of the AIFS group was wonderful - I loved that we came from different schools and different parts of the country. We all became friends, and some I became close enough with that I still name them as some of my best friends, and keep in touch with them today. The two AIFS representatives in Cannes with us were like older sisters - helpful, warm, and knowledgeable.
We also had a great time being in the College in Cannes - it gave a great opportunity to make friends with international students all over the world - from France to Brazil to Switzerland to Japan. Having mixed classes with different nationalities gave a much better perspective on learning the French language, and the classes were challenging but engaging. Living day-to-day at the College was great; I especially enjoyed living right next to the beach, where we would often spend our afternoons in the sun and evenings hanging out with friends, as well as my specific Art History and French Civilization classes. It was my first experience taking French classes that were subject-specific, as opposed to just general language classes, and it was a great way to learn that really interested me.
The trips - to London, Paris, and around Provence - were extremely well organized and I always enjoyed the activities we did, as well as appreciated the free time and choice we were given. It was a nice contrast from a trip I took in high school: although things are planned for you, you are given the freedom to come and go as you like. I usually chose to stay with the group as the things we saw, such as the ampitheatre in Nimes, a winery in Provence, and a Cabaret in Paris, were always fun and great opportunities. It was perfect that these trips were included in the package and we didn't need to pay extra.
Staying in Cannes also had the benefit of the Film Festival in May, and we had unique opportunities through our program to go to film screenings, walk the red carpet, and help out at a gala event all through AIFS, and for free.
All in all it was a unique, well-organized, exciting experience that I will always cherish.
100%Overall
Rating
The AIFS Cannes, France program had everything: challenging courses for every level with great teachers, beautiful and exotic scenery, safe environment for everyone to enjoy themselves, opportunities to gain work or internship experience and travel throughout Europe and even Northern Africa at affordable prices, etc. It was definitely one of the greatest experiences in my life.
100%Overall
Rating
I absolutely loved studying abroad in Cannes - it is one of the highlights of my college experience. The people at the College are incredibly helpful and willing to do almost anything to make your experience the best it can be. The university housing is very nice - the dorms are clean and neat with more than adequate space. The classes, while challenging, are great. They require effort, but are not overwhelming. I had the most amazing study abroad experience I could have asked for, and made friends I still keep today. It was fun, eye-opening, and made me stretch myself and learn in ways I never before thought possible.
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Alumni Interviews
Interview with Meredith Cooney, AIFS alumna in France
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with AIFS at College International de Cannes?
Meredith: I chose to study abroad in Cannes because I had previously been to Nice and I fell in love with that area of the world. Also, the opportunity to intern during the Cannes Film Festival was a huge draw for me. Additionally, the excursions and trips they had planned for us were all areas I really hoped to visit, so that was a factor I considered.
GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Meredith: For me it was all about the people - the fellow students in my program, the AIFS staff, the staff at the College, and especially the town of Cannes. We were the only study abroad group in the city, so we really became attached to it, and local businesses would recognize us and were happy when we stopped in to eat or grab something. I didn't feel like a visiting student who was going to be leaving soon, I felt like a real part of the community.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Meredith: Cannes impacted my future in only positive ways, including my ability to connect with others and approach challenging situations with an open mind. Professionally I've been able to talk about my internship experience during many interviews, and it always gets a laugh when I tell them, "If I can help plan and execute a last-minute press conference for Tommy Lee Jones in a city where I have to speak a foreign language to get anything done, I can certainly accomplish anything you need in English!"
Further Info
About AIFS Study Abroad
Founded in 1964, AIFS prides itself as an industry leader in providing summer, semester, and academic year study abroad programs. AIFS sends nearly 5,000 undergraduates every month to study abroad in one of 23 AIFS international campuses.
Programs are available in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, as well as multi-country programs. AIFS offers Gap Year programs, along with internships and volunteer opportunities abroad. With locations throughout the world, AIFS College Study Abroad is able to offers high-quality, college-level courses in subject areas as diverse as Islamic Studies, French Cinema, business and engineering.
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The teachers all know exactly what they're doing when it comes to teaching French. They tailor to your needs and I ended up learning and retaining more French than I had in the previous four years. It's also great that other international students come to study French as well, so you get a better understanding of other cultures as well. The other courses offered are structured differently than American schools and I didn't really get out of it what I hoped to. The city is beautiful and it's wonderful walking everywhere. It's nice just to walk around and stop by cafe or gelato shop. The beach is literally right across the street which makes a fantastic reading spot when the sun is out. The atmosphere was just so relaxing that I felt I could focus more on my studies.