Take advantage of the unique flavor the French Riviera 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.
Cannes Film Festival Internship (Spring Semester Only)
Once spring semester is underway, CEA students will have the unique opportunity to apply for an internship at the internationally-renowned Cannes Film Festival, which is held for 12 days in the middle of May. Successful applicants will work with a California-based production company assisting field crews in shootings, logging, duplicating, editing and arranging interviews with celebrities and invitations to functions. A film or communications background is preferred, but students from other disciplines will be considered. Applications will be accepted once students are onsite. Please note, internship placements are highly competitive. Check out a video from last year’s participants.
Provençale Cuisine
Students will meet with a well-respected local chef to learn the secrets of the French Riviera’s renowned local specialties. Traditional dishes prepared will include "ratatouille": pan-fried vegetables with tomato sauce - "farcis niçois": stuffed oven-baked vegetables - "pissaladière": onion pie garnished with anchovies and olives - "bagna cauda": raw vegetables served with anchovy sauce - "socca": chick pea flour pancakes - "beignets de fleurs de courgette": zucchini flowers fried in batter - "stockfisch": salted cod stew - "aïoli": vegetables served with cod and garlic mayonnaise. Additional time will be spent discussing techniques, equipment and ingredients and exploring local markets. At the end of your Provencal Cuisine Course, you will be able to prepare a gourmet dinner for friends!
Wine Appreciation
You will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of wine in the presence of a local wine expert (sommelier) through tasting, wine and food pairings, and vineyard visits in the Var region of France, which produces delicious Cotes de Provence wines. When you return to the US, impress your friends with your new wine appreciation knowledge!
Language Exchange
CEA staff can arrange for students to meet a French language exchange partner to practice French in a real life context. Most partners are regular French university students who are studying English or other languages. Language partners can also help CEA students experience the French Riviera and its culture, giving tips on how to get around and where to find the sights and activities of interest. This program is a great way of meeting other young people and enhancing speaking skills.
Student Clubs & Associations
Whether you enjoy sports, protecting the environment, photography or business development, CERAM-EAI has a student club for you. Choose from over 25 different clubs and associations on campus. Joining a student club gives you the opportunity to meet both French students and other international students as well as have fun or learn a new skill.
