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Eager to step into the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in France? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad participant Charli from Elizabeth City State University, who spent a May Term studying abroad in the seaside city of Cannes!
Discover how Charli’s study abroad experience with AIFS Abroad helped her explore Europe and advance her French language skills!
Choosing a Program Destination & Term
AIFS Abroad offers incredible programs around the world, making it easy to choose an international destination and culture you’re interested in. If you’re having trouble deciding on a location or program, no worries! Our team can help you pick a program that’s suited to your academic needs and personal preferences. Here’s why Charli chose Cannes:
“I chose Cannes because it was warm, affordable, and perfect for someone with a busy schedule like mine. I’d recommend this program to students who want a meaningful cultural experience but have limited time or are looking for a budget-friendly option. The city was beautiful and easy to navigate, which made everything more manageable.”
If you’ve got some downtime between the end of finals and the beginning of your summer plans, May Term is an excellent option, as Charli explains:
“I chose the May term because it aligned perfectly with my academic calendar—I was able to go right after classes ended and return just in time to begin internships. The timing made it stress-free, and Cannes in May was lively but not too crowded, giving me the best of both local life and seasonal events.”
Academics Abroad
Studying abroad offers you the chance to benefit from an international academic experience, where you can learn from teachers and talk to other students who have different backgrounds and perspectives. Hear Charli describe her study abroad experience in Cannes:
“I attended the Collège International de Cannes, which was such a fulfilling experience. It was amazing to be surrounded by students from all over the world and to learn in a space so rich with cultural diversity… [it] made class discussions more dynamic and globally informed.”
While language learning is not required for most programs, studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to build foreign language skills, as Charli did:
“I studied French for a month before arriving, which helped. Immersing myself in the language while in France definitely accelerated my learning.”
Below, Charli explains two of her favorite moments from her classes in Cannes:
“A highlight was our field trip to the morning market in Cannes, where we had to speak French to buy items. We also watched Ratatouille in French, which added a fun and immersive twist to learning the language.”
Trips & Excursions
Did you know AIFS Abroad includes cultural activities, trips, and excursions in our programs fees? While every program offers different trips and activities, all of them are designed to enrich your experience and deepen your cultural understanding. Plus, they’re a great opportunity to bond with other AIFS Abroad participants! Listen to Charli describe her AIFS Abroad trips and excursions in Cannes:
“One of the most memorable AIFS-sponsored excursions was the boat trip to the Lérins Islands—Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat. Each island had its own distinct atmosphere and story to tell. On Île Saint-Honorat, we visited the monastery where monks still live and make their own wine and olive oil. It was peaceful, serene, and steeped in history. On Île Sainte-Marguerite, we toured the Fort Royal where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned. The views of the coastline from both islands were stunning, and learning the cultural and historical significance made the experience even more enriching. These excursions were not only educational but also a breath of fresh air—literally. They were the kind of moments that made me stop and say, ‘Wow, I really get to be here.’”
Not only can you travel with AIFS Abroad, but during your free time, you’re welcome to set off on your own, as Charli did:
“In addition to the AIFS-sponsored excursions, I invested in trips to nearby regions like Monaco, Grasse, and northern Italy. Visiting the perfume capital of Grasse was incredible—I even got to mix my own scent. Monaco felt like stepping into another world with its glamorous marina and cliffside views. And Italy was just a short train ride away, making spontaneous international day trips totally doable. These additional trips gave me a broader sense of European culture and made me feel more independent and confident in my travel abilities.”
Making Friends Abroad
Whether you study abroad alone or with a friend is totally up to you. Remember that if you go alone, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make new friends, as Charli did:
“I made a great friend, Nora, and we still write letters to each other. My best advice is to be yourself—connections will come naturally.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
There are countless reasons students choose AIFS Abroad, from our wide range of program options to our valuable inclusions such as housing and on-site support staff. Here’s why Charli chose us for her May Term abroad, and what she thought of her decision:
“I chose to go with AIFS because it was recommended through my university. After learning more about the program options and support systems, I felt confident it was the right choice. AIFS stood out for its clear communication, affordability, and strong partnership with my school. I also heard great things about the program’s structure and how well students are supported both before and during their time abroad. That reassurance made all the difference when taking such a big step.
My on-site [Program Director], Aude, was amazing. She was always available and genuinely cared about helping us succeed and feel supported. I never felt like I was alone or left without a tether.”
Charli’s Study Abroad Advice
For any current or future study abroad students, Charli offers you the following advice:
“It’s okay to be scared. In fact, being afraid just means you’re doing something brave. Studying abroad will challenge you in ways you don’t expect, but that’s exactly how you grow. Say yes to new experiences, even if you’re nervous. Talk to strangers, ask questions, and let yourself feel everything. It’s okay to make mistakes, that’s part of learning. And most importantly, enjoy every second. You’ll miss it the moment you’re home.”
Are you a student ready to take the leap and study abroad like Charli did in Cannes with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. All our programs come with many beneficial inclusions, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.