Needless to say, the city of Cannes is instantly recognized for its eponymous film festival. Today, our Cannes Resident Director Sandrine Passeron will explore many of the facets of this sunny city on the French Riviera has to offer that make it an excellent location for a Customized, Faculty-Led program with AIFS Abroad.
1. The Mediterranean climate.
In many ways, Cannes is still that French fishing village set on the sea, from the ancient Roman settlement Le Suquet, to Le Vieux Port (Old Port) to the foodie heaven Marché Forville.
2. Opportunities for immersion in the French culture.
Cannes is also a mid-size, modern city with a diverse, multi-cultural population. Its size makes it easy to get to know local people and interact with them. Visits to local businesses and community organizations give a first-hand look at contemporary Cannes.
3. The AIFS Study Center at The Campus International de Cannes.
The Campus International de Cannes was founded 1931 by the French poet Paul Valery on the principles of tolerance and harmony. With a focus on the teaching of French language and culture, the campus hosts students from all over the world. The location is a 15-minute walk from the center of Cannes, just across from the Plage du Midi.
4. French Courses with a Local Adjunct.
A great option for faculty looking to offer French Language and Culture courses, is a hybrid program offering a course instructed by you and more levels of French language offered by adjunct at the Campus International de Cannes. The small size of the classes, the experience of the professors teaching non-native speakers and the attention given to each student will allow your students to improve their French language skills greatly.
5. Varied accommodation options.
Students can live on campus in a very international atmosphere or with a local host family with whom they will practice their French and learn more about French culture. Meals plans are flexible. Breakfast is included in the homestay option with the possibility of including dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner combinations can be included at the College. Laundry facilities and Wi-Fi are provided in both options.
6. Regional excursions.
Cannes’ has a privileged location on the Mediterranean Sea with the Pre-Alps mountains nearby. Exploring Cote d’Azur cities such as Nice, Saint Tropez and Monaco, visiting mountain villages like Biot or hiking the Verdon canyon are all options for day excursions as well as Grasse and the International perfume museum, a boat trip to the Sainte Marguerite Island and its fortress or to Saint Honorat Island and its monastery. Additional excursions can include Provence with typical villages such as Cassis, Avignon or Arles.
7. Local cultural activities.
In Cannes we like to include a city tour, visit to La Castre museum, sports activities, visits to local businesses and organizations, galleries, volunteering and service-learning projects. Groups with a focus on learning French can enjoy language exchanges with local students.
8. Accessible art.
For years and years the French Riviera has attracted many famous painters and artists who lived in the area, so there are many wonderful museums to visit such as the Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, Chagall or Bonnard.
9. The Provençal cuisine.
French Cuisine is considered among the best in the world and each part of France has its own specialties. The food of Provence is particularly varied, colorful and tasty, and relies on three principal ingredients; tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. Dishes include ratatouille, cassoulet, and bouillabaisse.
10. Flexibility.
“Customized” programs are tailor-made. The location and logistics are meant to compliment the outcome objectives of the curriculum. The program is “your own”- it will meet the needs of your institution—you decide the program destination, length, time of year and courses.
For more information on AIFS Customized, Faculty-Led programs visit our website or email us at customizedfacultyled@aifs.com.
