CEA is Awesome

Today, I would like to talk about how awesome CEA is and our CEA directors in Aix-en-Provence.

The CEA program is absolutely wonderful. They have allowed me to discover new cities that, without their help, I would have no idea to go there. For example, we went to Eze and we were able to see a beautiful city in France that is on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Without CEA, I would never have been able to visit this beautiful city. CEA also has given me the chance to experience new things. For example, in Eze, we were able to go into a perfume factory and learn about the making of perfume. A very cool new experience! Lastly, CEA has helped me learn more about the culture I’m living in. CEA hosts wine tasting, cheese tasting, specialties in our region tasting and classes to learn about the culture. I’m very thankful for the CEA program for introducing me to new cities, new experiences and a new culture.

I’m so thankful for our two directors Vivienne and Nancy. Of course the CEA program is amazing just by itself but these two women make it absolutely beautiful! They are literally the best! They both are very knowledgeable of Aix and France so they always have great ideas for traveling. They both have experienced studying abroad so they know what it’s like. They both love their job and are extremely friendly and care about each student. I feel I can go and talk to them about anything. If I ever have a question about anything, I go ask them. (They’re better and faster than Google!) I asked Vivienne, some questions and here are her responses.

Our two beautiful directors

1.) What is your favorite part of being a CEA director?

Vivienne: “Being able to help someone in a foreign country to integrate into everyday life and make it stress free & easy. When I was a student in Aix, I had a very hard time adapting and had no one to help and was often homesick. I don’t want this to happen to our students.”

2.) What do you love most about France?

Vivienne: “For me it’s more what do I love about Aix. I love the outdoors in this area. The quality of life, the people, the food and the wine, everything basically!”

3.) Do you have any advice to share with future students?

Vivienne: “Come with an open mind and leave your pre-conceptions behind. Live every day to it’s fullest and say, “Yes” when someone proposes you something. Don’t stay at home in front of your computer. Get out there and live it.”

Nancy and Vivienne won being the best directors last semester (: