"Life in the French Riviera is by far the best in Europe!" Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The university I attended was very small and only one campus. I loved the small environment and the fact that it was mostly French students. Because of this, I made alot of French friends, instead of just mingling with other Americans. The work load was not extensive but the school itself was like nothing I have ever been to. Words really cannot describe this crazy campus but definitely worth every penny. The school funds a student run organization on the sole basis to plan weekly parties: definitely worth it.

On-site administration of your program

Our program director was the reason this study abroad program was so memorable and amazing for me. Kristin Kerr was everything one could ask for in a director and so much more. She got to know every single one of the students there personally, made herself extremely available if we had any problems, and organized incredible day trips for CEA. She was so helpful with getting us adjusted to our new, French lives and made me feel at ease in the Antibes enviroment. I lost my passport abroad and dealt with tremendous issues to get it back in time for my departure. She personally drove to the Fedex building, on her own time, to get me my over-nighted birth certificate so I could leave the country by the time of my flight home. Friendly, accomodating and great human being. Give that woman a raise!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

large apartment and wonerful location. I loved the fact that all CEA students lived within walking distance to each other. It made it so much easier to get adjusted to European life. Only complaint would be that four 21 year old girls lived next to an elderly woman and an apartment designed for families. This made it difficult on weekends since we did get noise complaints. This was a very insignificant fact however when compared to everything else. Great place to live!

It's France...is food quality really something I need to comment on?

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Nightlife in Antibes is rather small during the week but picks up on weekends. Cannes is only a short train ride away and is where all the real partying can be found. The French students at Skema were so friendly and Americans were always invited to attend their parties. I am still in touch with a few French friends I have made. Weather is gorgeous all the time and the riviera is absolutely breath taking. Beaches are everywhere (five minutes walk from Antibes where we stayed) and the locals are great. Ignore stereotypes; The French are wonderful people overal and are very welcoming to foreigners! Went on ski trip as well with the school to the Alps. France has the beach and the mountains all in one, there isn't a question that southern France is the place to be.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Always felt safe at night walking home since Antibes was so small. There were no instances of anything unsafe happening. Students always had our program directors number available and she would be there in a second if anything happened. I went to the doctors over there twice, once for a crazy unknown illness I had. They were wonderful, English speaking and very, very friendly to CEA students. No problems at all!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• The location: Southern France is breathtaking
• The school: not just another American school, got submersed in the French culture
• The culture: Bread, wine, locals, everything!

• Honestly, I can not think of one thing