Study Abroad | Cannes

Housing

Campus REsidence Hall

Houses both French and other international students.

• Double or triple dorm room
• Communal kitchen facilities
• Single rooms and en-suite rooms are available for an additional fee. Contact Program Advisor for details
• Breakfast and lunch Monday through Sunday in campus cafeteria

Homestay

A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture of France. Some students find this aspect of the program the most rewarding. All families are carefully selected and have to meet strict requirements and standards in order to host students.

• Double room
• Shared bathroom
• Single rooms are available for an additional fee
• Daily breakfast in homestay
• Lunch Monday through Sunday in campus cafeteria

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Cannes

During the mid-semester break students are responsible for their own housing and meals. This is generally considered an opportunity to travel but you can choose to stay on campus or homestay and pay on-site for the additional nights and meals.

City Facts

Culture

Cannes is renowned worldwide for the beauty of its setting and the magnificence of its festivals.  

Geography

With a population of 70,000 people, Cannes provides all of the conveniences of cosmopolitan living. Situated on the shores of the Bay of La Napoule, it is well located for travel on the French Riviera.

Climate

The mild climate of the Côte d’Azur is also ideal for those who enjoy outdoor life.

Site Staff

AIFS in Cannes Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Sandrine Passeron

Bonjour! I am a native of Cannes, and became the AIFS Program Director here in 1999. I studied abroad for a year in England, a year in Spain and a third year in Scotland, encountering new adventures and challenges every day. It really changed me as a person and altered my perception of the world.

Along with traveling I enjoy discovering new cultures. I speak French, English, Spanish and conversational Italian. I have a Masters degree in Tourism Management and have worked in Greece, Norway, Tunisia and Ireland.

Whether it’s your first time abroad or your tenth time, every minute is sure to be a great experience. I look forward to helping you adjust to the new environment and sharing my culture with you. A très bientôt à Cannes!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Cultural Activities

In addition to day trips and excursions, a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of French life. Typical activities, tours and visits include:

• Cannes city tour
• Cistercian monastery, founded in the 4th century on St. Honorat Island
• Wine and cheese tasting
• Grape picking in the fall
• Theater tickets to the opera, ballet and musicals
• Excursions to Nice, Gorges du Verdon

You may be asked to pay a small supplementary fee for some activities and events.

Cannes’ sunny climate is ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming and sailing. You can also participate in team sports including basketball, soccer and volleyball. Spring semester students can ski at Isola, a 2-hour drive away.

You can also take a landscape drawing course for an additional fee to be paid on campus.

Volunteering and Non-Credit Internship Opportunities

AIFS can arrange volunteer activities and non-credit internship placements across a variety of fields and a wide range of organizations. Recent placements have included: 

• T.V. production companies
• Tutoring elementary school children
• Assisting in a local hospice