Study Abroad in Cannes: Living Abroad

Special Programs
Cannes Film Festival

Spring semester students benefit from being in Cannes during its world-famous film festival which lasts for 2 weeks in May. Students typically receive a badge that allows them to attend screenings. For the past few years, AIFS students have been offered opportunities such as the following during the festival:

Volunteering with a U.S. production company which supplies crews for U.S. networks; volunteering with an International film sales company, providing them with administrative, office management and marketing support, or volunteering with a specific section of the festival working as hosts in a screening place.

Volunteering with the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmfAR) Every year “Cinema Against Aids” hosts an annual gala dinner during the Film Festival to raise money for AIDS research. This event is always attended by many well-known celebrities associated with the Film Festival, but also famous names from the world of fashion, music and business.

Exclusive dinner For a few years now AIFS has provided all volunteers for the most exclusive dinner during the Film Festival organized by the American Foundation for AIDS Research and hosted by celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor or Sharon Stone.

Interns are not paid but are provided with meals and treated as crew members. They work every day of the festival after morning classes. It is an excellent opportunity for those interested in careers in communications, public relations or the arts.

“Cannes cinephile” All students receive a badge “Cannes cinephile” which will entitle them to see all the films presented at the Film Festival in different movie theaters throughout the city.

Walk the red carpet AIFS tries very hard to get invitations for students to walk the famous red carpet.

Internship opportunities

The Collège can arrange placements in a wide range of public organizations and private companies depending on your academic major, interests and suitability. French proficiency at the 300 level is required. Typical internships include a minimum eight hours of work a week with local government and housing projects. Internships may also be with youth clubs, hospitals or the Cannes Festival Hall.

Language development

The staff at the Collège encourage students to use their French. In addition to language skills learned on campus, the Collège has two unique programs to help students extend their language skills outside of classes:

Échange-Langue Club
The club invites French people from Cannes who want to practice a foreign language to meet with students for conversational exchange. Participants spend six to eight hours a week together, conversing half the time in French and the other half in the students’ native languages. This partnership program is a fantastic way to make French friends and to integrate into French family life.

Accueil-plus
Shops specially selected by the Collège display Collège initials in their windows. They not only offer discounts to students but are places where staff will take time to chat in an open and relaxed atmosphere.