About the City

At the crossroads of the Alps and the Mediterranean lies the French Riviera, locally known as the Côte d’Azur. Over the centuries, artists, authors, musicians, and royalty, from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Elton John and Queen Victoria, have made this scenic Mediterranean destination their (vacation) home. Today, students from around the world join high-profile residents in the French Riviera, making it an ideal place to gain cross-cultural communication experience while honing French language skills. Take courses at the CEA CAPA Center in the heart of Antibes, or join courses at SKEMA Business School in nearby Sophia Antipolis, Europe's first technology hub and home to over 2,500 companies. Whichever program you choose it will be sure enrich your experience in this beautiful, vibrant destination.

Student Testimonials

"As a student studying abroad in a continent I had never been before, I had such an amazing experience. From start to finish, CEA CAPA helped so much with my adjustment into a new country (and a new continent). From social programs with fellow study a..."

Jake Veillette

Marist College

GoOverseas

Fall 2023, France

"I studied abroad with CEA CAPA in France. It was an amazing experience and I'm forever grateful. Everything about the French Riviera is nice, the weather, the people, and the overall atmosphere. The school I attended was SKEMA Business School. The ac..."

Riley Pruser

Illinois State University

GoOverseas

Fall 2023, France

"Oh my goodness -- this experience was so transformative. From my arrival in France to my departure the CEA CAPA staff was incredible. They were supportive, encouraging, informative, thorough, and fun! Antibes, my home there, was dreamy, quaint, and s..."

Juliana Mantz

GoOverseas

Spring 2023, France

"I had an absolutely incredible experience living in the picturesque town of Antibes in the French Riviera. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning Mediterranean views, charming cobblestone streets, and the relaxed yet vibrant atmo..."

Molly Ball

Cedarville University

GoAbroad

Spring 2023, France

"I had a great time studying abroad in the French Riviera with CEA CAPA. I had great people with me in an amazing place. While studying I also got to do an internship at the Cannes Film Festival. I am even going to return this year to work at the same..."

Paul Carney

University of California-Riverside

GoAbroad

Spring 2022, France

Programs in French Riviera (2)

Show All French Riviera Programs

Where You'll Study

CEA CAPA Antibes Center

The CEA CAPA Antibes Center was established in 2024 in the heart of the city to provide new and expanded opportunities for students to earn credit in the French Riviera. CEA CAPA Antibes courses are designed to meet U.S. degree requirements and help students stay on track for graduation -- especially in STEM and Business fields -- while gaining a chance to learn French Language and Culture.

Center Academics

Student Lounge
Student Lounge
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
Digital Resources from UNH Library
Digital Resources from UNH Library
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
CEA CAPA Antibes Center
Student Lounge
Student Lounge
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
Digital Resources from UNH Library
Digital Resources from UNH Library
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Our Partner Institutions

What Students are Saying about France

Learning Through Presence and Community in Grenoble, France
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Learning Through Presence and Community in Grenoble, France

A glimpse into the diverse communities that enrich Grenoble.

Studying Abroad on a Budget in Aix-en-Provence
Read More

Studying Abroad on a Budget in Aix-en-Provence

Tips for budgeting while studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France.

My Study Abroad Home Away From Home: What I Love About the CEA CAPA Paris Study Center
Read More

My Study Abroad Home Away From Home: What I Love About the CEA CAPA Paris Study Center

CEA CAPA Content Creator Deanna Minotakis takes us inside the CEA CAPA Paris Study Center to show what students love about it. Learn more.

View more blog posts

Excursions

Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.

Where You'll Stay

We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.

Global Housing Standards Icon
Global Housing Standards
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.

Alumni Ambassadors

Mia Tavarone

Mia Tavarone

Grand Valley State University
Emma Telepo

Emma Telepo

Michigan State University
Ashlee Epouhe

Ashlee Epouhe

University of Pittsburgh
Charlotte Allen (She/Her/Hers)

Charlotte Allen (She/Her/Hers)

Colorado School of Mines
Olivia Keller

Olivia Keller

University of Tennessee
Jordan Reynolds

Jordan Reynolds

University of Oklahoma
Teran Scott (She/Her)

Teran Scott (She/Her)

University of South Carolina Columbia
Alyssa Robertson (she/her)

Alyssa Robertson (she/her)

University of San Diego
Siena Salyer

Siena Salyer

University of Massachusetts
Morgan Wehrle

Morgan Wehrle

Auburn University
Stella Smith

Stella Smith

Anderson University

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $1,250 when you apply with code* by June 30, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Academic Life & Courses

CEA CAPA offers courses in international business, marketing, fashion, communication, and French language. Classes are taught at the CEA CAPA Center in Antibes or SKEMA, an international business school in Sophia Antipolis.
Yes, most courses are taught in English. French language courses are also available for all proficiency levels.
Yes. Credit transfer depends on each student’s home university and its academic policies. Students are responsible for confirming credit approval with their home institution before studying abroad, as transferability is determined by the home university, not by CEA CAPA. 

Housing & Daily Life

Students typically live in shared apartments located in or near Antibes or other towns along the Riviera, within walking distance or a short commute to class.
Yes. All CEA CAPA French Riviera housing options include WiFi and access to a washing machine. Dryers are not common abroad, so students should plan to hang dry their clothes, which is the standard practice in Europe.
Students use trains and buses to travel between towns. Local transportation is affordable, reliable, and scenic.

Language & Culture

No. Many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. Learning basic French is encouraged and enhances your experience.
The Riviera blends French elegance with Mediterranean lifestyle. Expect a relaxed pace, strong café culture, and appreciation for fashion, food, and the arts.
Yes. CEA CAPA organizes events, excursions, and cultural activities to help students connect with the local community and international peers.
Greet people with “Bonjour” when entering and “Merci, au revoir” when leaving. Be polite, speak softly, and wait to be seated at restaurants. Tipping is appreciated but not expected; rounding up is common.

Travel & Exploration

Popular trips include Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and day trips to Italy. Trains make it easy to explore the region and even across Europe.
CEA CAPA excursions may include guided visits to local markets, hilltop villages, and coastal towns like Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Expect mild winters and hot, sunny summers. The Mediterranean climate makes the Riviera enjoyable year-round.

Budget & Affordability

The region can be pricey in tourist zones, but students can manage on a budget by cooking meals and using student discounts for travel and entertainment.
Yes. All apartments include kitchen facilities. Many students cook meals at home or shop at local markets.
U.S. students generally cannot work due to visa restrictions, but CEA CAPA offers internship opportunities that enhance your academic and career goals.

Health, Safety & Support

Yes, the area is considered safe. CEA CAPA provides safety training, 24/7 emergency support, and tips for staying aware in public spaces.
CEA CAPA offers onsite staff, wellness support, cultural adjustment resources, and academic advising throughout your program.
CEA CAPA staff assist students in accessing English-speaking healthcare providers while abroad. Program-provided insurance covers most routine and urgent medical services.

Application, Visas & Logistics

Students in CEA CAPA programs in France lasting longer than 90 days may require a student visa. CEA CAPA provides guidance and the necessary documentation to support the French visa application process.
Students are encouraged to apply 6–9 months in advance to secure placement and allow sufficient time for housing arrangements and visa processing if applicable.
Students must provide a valid passport, program acceptance letter, proof of insurance, and student visa documents when applying for a study abroad visa. CEA CAPA assists students with interpreting the TLS checklist to ensure all requirements are completed.

French Riviera Onsite Staff

Ella Kefi

Ella Kefi

Program Director
Mélanie Levast

Mélanie Levast

Program and Student Services Coordinator