“My study abroad experience in Cannes, France, was a transformative journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and professional growth. I learned about my strengths and passions, gained a deeper understanding of my cultural background, and developed new career aspirations.”

That was a common reaction from the cohort of 27 students who participated in the “UF in Cannes: Experience the Cannes Lions” study abroad program from June 7-24, 2024. The 27 students came from a variety of majors, including advertising, public relations, MPMT, graphic design and business.

Advertising Associate Professor Kasey Windels and Assistant Instructional Professor Elizabeth Calienes served as the faculty leaders and co-directors of the program and were joined by Advertising Lecturer Mariano German Coley and Public Relations Lecturer Christine Bucan.

The experience started with four weeks of classroom learning at the College about the advertising creative process and television commercial storytelling and production. Next, students and faculty traveled to Cannes, France, for 19 days.

The study abroad portion of the experience started with excursions that emphasized history, culture and production. Students visited historic locations such as the medieval villages of Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. They were immersed in culture, including visits to La Foundation Maeght to see sculptures by Georges Braque, Joan Miró, and Alberto Giacometti and to the Musée Picasso in Antibes. Finally, students visited Les Studios de la Victorine, a historic film studio, in which they learned from the Director of the Film Commission of the Côte d’Azur, Camille Feret, and from Film Producer Frédéric Bovis, CEO of KanZaman, a renowned international film production company. They also visited Campus ESRA Côte d’Azur, a private higher education institution, which offers a range of courses in film, television and media arts.

Next, students were able to attend the five-day Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the largest international festival for the branded communications industry. During the Festival, students attended talks, panels and workshops hosted by industry leaders. They heard from top CEOs, such as Mattel’s Ynon Kreiz, and top CMOs, such as Coca-Cola Company’s Manolo Arroyo. They learned about the strategies for top brands, including Heinz, Barbie and Liquid Death. They learned about trending topics, such as authenticity, artificial intelligence and creative effectiveness. The students also heard from comedian Kenan Thompson of Saturday Night Live, singer John Legend and author James Patterson.

Every night culminated with a two-hour award show, featuring the top creative work in over 20 areas, including print, outdoor, film, design, gaming, entertainment, public relations and health & wellness.

The study abroad experience wrapped up with a farewell catamaran cruise through the picturesque Bay of Cannes.

Students described the festival as “the most incredible environment,” where they learned from “amazing professionals in the industry and listened to inspiring talks every day.” The festival opened students’ mindsets to the myriad of possibilities for future careers. “Hearing so many people talk about their own paths made me realize just how flexible the creative field can be,” according to one participant.

Students shared that the program helped to foster their independence, as they traveled abroad without their families for the first time. It helped them build a sense of “self-awareness and flexibility,” as they navigated a new place with new norms and customs. Finally, the festival built their confidence and knowledge about what it takes to work within creative industries.

UF in Cannes is in its second year and planning already has begun for next summer. More information can be found on the UF International Center’s Study Abroad Program page

Posted: July 22, 2024
Category: College News, Profiles
Tagged as: Cannes, Elizabeth Calienes, Kasey Windels, Study Abroad