Take advantage of the unique flavor Paris has to offer. CEA offers a variety of
local immersion activities to match your interests. Whether you enjoy music
concerts, clubs, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges or something
entirely different, our resident staff can help you get involved in the local
culture. Here are just some examples.
Language Exchange
Students can practice French with Parisians looking to improve their English language skills and eager to help others learn French. CEA hosts a variety of activities designed to help students meet French people their own age, having combed the city to recruit French students and young people who are interested in meeting newcomers and sharing language and culture. Ice-breaker games animated by CEA staff at an evening get-together dedicated to language exchange will help kick off the program with new French friends. Weekend activities include bike riding and rollerblading through Paris, tree climbing, and picnics where CEA students can get to know their French friends—they may even become friends for life!
Cheese Tasting
CEA organizes an evening activity to help initiate students to the world of French cheese. With hundreds of cheeses to choose from at the market or grocery store, many students don't know where to start. A variety of cheeses from the different regions of France is selected, representing cow, goat and sheep varieties. Carefully selected wines accompany the cheeses as students learn about the importance of a good match and the role of cheese at a French meal, the methods of storing and serving cheese, and how best to select and enjoy the many different varieties. CEA also encourages students to continue to explore French cheeses in cooking by providing weekly recipes which highlight different uses for cheese in French cooking.
Crepe Night
Everyone loves crepes, but how many people have mastered the art of making them? Here is an opportunity to learn a skill that will be useful for years to come. CEA sponsors a crepe making and tasting evening where students first observe the secrets for making a perfect batter. Students will walk through the recipe learn how to stuff sweet and savory crepes. Then crepe-making experts will give them tips on how it is done. Students can try their hands at flipping crepes, and if that is too ambitious, they can at least enjoy as many crepes as they desire!
Visit the Mosque of Paris
Diversity is celebrated at CEA's evening at the Paris Mosque. The festivities start with a historical tour of the magnificent Mosque and its remarkable mosaic walls and gardens. A specialist of Islam will talk about the symbolic significance of the decoration as well as discuss how the rituals of this religion have influenced the architecture of the Mosque. Following this informative visit, students will enjoy an authentic couscous dinner followed by pastries and mint tea at the popular restaurant on site. If they are feeling the need for a pampering, students may opt to try the Hammam (spa) onsite renowned throughout the city for its relaxing qualities.
Other Activities
Fall - "Nuit Blanche", a night where city stays up all night dancing to music in the streets.
Summer - "Fete de la Musique", a celebration on summer solstice every year, with music concerts till dawn.
Summer - The Paris Jazz Festival
