Exploring the French Riviera as a CEA CAPA Student

Studying abroad with CEA CAPA has been one of the most meaningful and exciting experiences of my life! From the moment I arrived on the French Riviera, I knew I would be supported and encouraged throughout my journey by the staff here. They have shown us pieces of their culture and create spaces for connection.  

One of the most incredible parts of the program has been the excursions that CEA CAPA builds an itinerary for, and all you have to do is sign up and show up! Early on in the program, we traveled to nearby areas such as Nice, Èze, and Monaco! In Nice, we had the privilege of learning about history and monuments from a tour guide which is something I would not have had if I went separately from the excursion. Then, walking through the charming streets of Èze overlooking the Mediterranean and then experiencing the luxury and energy of Monaco all in one day felt surreal. It was convenient and quick to be bused from place to place. Each destination offered something completely different, and every moment was unforgettable for us.

In front of the Prince's Palace of Monaco, my friends and I enjoyed some gelato during the free time that CEA CAPA gave us to explore. We even caught the changing of the guards which was such a neat thing to witness. 

Another highlight was our trip to San Remo and Dolceacqua in Italy. Here, we wandered through town markets, learned about the history, and ate so much pasta. CEA CAPA organized a pasta taste-testing event so we could experience some of the local dishes. It was the perfect mix of cultural immersion and joy, sharing meals and laughter with friends! 

In Italy, we loved eating so much pasta, laughing, and having a beautiful view of the mountains. There was also a live band there playing the happiest Italian songs and we all started to sing along to “Bella Ciao!”  

CEA CAPA also creates meaningful opportunities for us to engage with French culture in hands-on ways. At a cheese-and-wine-tasting event at the CEA CAPA office located right in central Antibes, I learned how rich and diverse French cuisine is (and that the French really take their cheese seriously, for good reason too, it is delicious!). At another event, we sampled foods from regions across France, including salted butter from Brittany, aligot from Auvergne, escargot from Burgundy, figatellu from Corsica, and macarons from Île-de-France. It was lovely that the staff was able to collect all of this for us. 

It was fun to go to the CEA CAPA office where they had a bunch of food prepared for us and information to go along with it. It was very nicely organized! 

One of my favorite moments was the cooking workshop where we made tapenade, pois chichade, socca nicoise, and pan bagnat. It was such a fun experience, especially because I got to share it with friends. Learning through creating our own food made it more personal. 

This is the delicious pan bagnat sandwich I made. Since one of the CEA CAPA staff members has been eating these since she was a child, she showed us the tips and tricks on how to make it perfectly! 

Our weekend trip to Aix-en-Provence and Marseille brought together so many of my favorite moments. Even with the rain, the coach bus ride felt calm and cozy as we listened to music and watched the countryside go by. In Aix, we spent time shopping and exploring the streets together. Staying in a hotel as a group made the experience even more fun! 

Our stop at Château La Coste was especially inspiring. Again, we went on a guided tour of the art, architecture, and nature. Marseille stood out to me as well. It is a big city with an energy that felt different from Antibes, and I loved getting to experience that part of France thanks to CEA CAPA. 

Here is a beautiful bridge crossing over to a vineyard at Château La Coste, where we had the joy of experiencing a two-hour long tour.  

Beyond the travel, CEA CAPA created a supportive and engaging environment through workshops, wellness activities, and even a photo competition. The staff are genuinely kind and caring, and they made a real effort to ensure that everyone felt comfortable and supported throughout the program. 

What made this experience truly special was the people. My cohort is adventurous, fun, and always open to trying something new. Whether we were exploring a new city, trying new foods, or just hanging out together at the end of the day, these moments brought us closer. I have made friendships here that I know will last long after this program ends.