CEA Cultural Engagement Activities in Paris

One of the things I loved the most about studying abroad in Paris with CEA was the Cultural Engagement Activities! These were generally evening activities in Paris that we were able to attend after our classes. I got to do and see things that I probably wouldn’t have been able to do if it wasn’t for the CEA program! Below are a handful of my favorite CEA excursions: 

France v. Germany Soccer Game 

One of my most memorable moments from studying abroad was seeing the French soccer team (who just won the 2018 World Cup!!!) beat Germany at the Stade de France! CEA took all of us from the program on a bus to watch the game at the stadium, which is located just north of Paris. We got to paint our faces with the French flag and cheer on the team just alongside Parisian soccer fanatics! Allez les Bleus ! 

Sortie Dance 

During this excursion, we saw a dance show by the famous Israeli contemporary Batsheva Dance Company at the Opera Garnier. It was an incredible experience to be able to see the interior of the Opera Garnier, covered with various types of marble and golden statues and designs. Being in the audience was like being in The Phantom of the Opera - Gaston Leroux was actually inspired by Charles Garnier’s Opera when he wrote the novel! Above the famous chandelier is a beautiful fresco done by Marc Chagall, a Russian-born artist who lived in Paris and was part of the Surrealist and Expressionist movements. 

Art Deco and Art Nouveau in the 15th Arrondissement

While Paris is known for its incredible Haussmann buildings, the 15th Arrondissement actually houses beautiful Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings designed by famous architects of the time period. This excursion was actually one of the requirements for my History of Architecture class. We went around the 15th arrondissement and learned about the different architecture styles around us. Hector Guimard, who is most known for his iconic entrances to the Parisian metro, designed Castel Beranger, a building made out of various materials, shapes, and architectural styles, mainly focusing on Art Nouveau. We then got to see Le Corbusier’s Maison La Roche, the pinnacle of his five principles of architecture, as well as the surrounding Art Deco houses. This was a great way to apply what we were learning in the architecture class and actually get the chance to see it in person!