Finding My Voice in French: From Classroom to Cannes

By Emily Adamo

I’ve always loved studying French. From my very first class, I fell in love with the language and never wanted to stop learning. My inner extrovert thrived in these classes, where I always had the opportunity to talk with my peers and actively engage in discussion. When it came time to decide what I wanted to study in college, continuing French felt like a natural choice, so I declared it as one of my majors. Even though I wasn’t sure how I would eventually use it, I knew I couldn’t give it up.

As February approaches, I find myself nearing the one-year mark since I left for Cannes, France, to spend four months studying and interning on the French Riviera. The summer before, I participated in UGA en France, UGA’s summer study away program, which solidified my desire to live abroad for a full semester. Those five weeks confirmed that I was ready for a longer, more intensive experience. As I looked through the study abroad portal, the AIFS Semester in Cannes, France stood out to me as my perfect fit.

After months of preparation—filling out paperwork, securing my visa, and building an extensive Excel packing list—it was time for my program to begin, and Campus International de Cannes became my new home. My mornings began with three hours of intensive French language classes, where my peers and I practiced grammar, conversations, listening and writing. We listened to francophone music and watched movies centered on French history and culture, which pushed us to both comprehend and discuss complex ideas in French.

In addition to my language class, I took two weekly seminars that allowed me to apply what I learned each morning to real conversation and discussion. My French Theatrical Expression class focused on pronunciation, training my mouth to form unfamiliar sounds and my ear to recognize subtle differences in tone and rhythm. In French Society, we discussed politics, cultural norms, and contemporary social issues, gaining insight into France beyond its reputation of delicate pastries and the Eiffel Tower.

Outside of the classroom, I spent my afternoons lounging on the beach behind campus and exploring the streets of Cannes. Our program director also organized cultural activities including wine and cheese tastings and excursions to nearby towns along the Riviera for our group. My favorite excursion by far was a day trip kayaking along the gatorade colored water of Les Gorges du Verdon, a river canyon often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe.”

The final month of my semester felt almost surreal. Cannes had transformed from a quiet, charming beach town into a bustling city as its population tripled in size for the world-renowned Film Festival. During this time, I interned with the Festival’s Immersive Competition and Market, where I supported creators, designers, and producers in presenting stories that resonate with audiences beyond the traditional screen. I helped equip media professionals with VR headsets, haptic gloves, vests, and armbands that allowed them to feel as much as they saw. The catch? The entire role was conducted in French and being bilingual was a requirement for the role.

Speaking my second language for most of the day could be a bit draining, but it pushed me to practice in a real, professional setting. The other French interns quickly became my friends and “teachers,” introducing me to expressions and cultural nuances that I never would have learned in a classroom. Outside of work, I explored the festival, catching film premieres and soaking in the chaos, glamour, and excitement of Cannes while it was completely alive.

By the end of the semester, I had reached a B2 level on the CEFR scale, an upper intermediate proficiency that gave me the confidence to navigate academic, professional and social settings in French. I look back on this experience fondly, knowing that it strengthened not only my language skills, but also my confidence and independence. I was able to explore new places and connect with people from around the world through a language that has always held a special place in my life.