Student Journals: AIFS in Cannes, France

Sarah Soldano
Emmanuel College
Collège International de Cannes, France

My experience studying abroad in Cannes, France in Spring 2009 was inoubliable: unforgettable. Having just returned home from these amazing four months, all I can do is think about how much I want to go back. Whether I do or I don't, there are so many images and memories forever ingrained in my memory. The echo of Mediterranean waves crashing outside my window and the corresponding view of the clear, azure sea. The comforting taste of a fresh French baguette at every meal. The sun coming through the window of my classroom and warming my neck every morning. The beautiful sound of the language. The feeling of sand between my toes. The view of the mountains from the beach. The faces of my new best friends from all over the world.

I have never learned, experienced, and enjoyed so much in such a short time. The French classes were fantastic. Intense: yes, but worth it? Completely. It felt so good to be making progress that I could feel! To be able to go downtown feeling comfortable with my French-speaking skills. To want to speak the language, to look forward to practicing it. And classes were fun, too! My experience with my French Theater class was a blast.

And I can’t believe I had so many opportunities to travel. From the AIFS excursions to London, Florence, Paris, Provence, and other local daytrips, to my personal European tour through Italy, Czech-Republic, Germany, and France, my voyages were densely packed. Though they were exhausting (in a good way), I feel like my perspective of the world has expanded tenfold.  I’ve caught the travel bug, now. Where to, next?

Finally, being in Cannes during the international film festival was absolutely amazing. Having the opportunity to actually see films, attend a red carpet event, volunteer at the amfAR soiree, and experience the bustling atmosphere during the festival is something I cannot completely describe, and even in my maternal language!

I guess the best way to describe it all is to say that in Cannes, la vie est belle. Life is beautiful.

Collège International de Cannes