Francesca Bruni ‘22 (Civil and Environmental Engineering) studied at SKEMA Business School with CEA, near the town of Antibes on the French Riviera in Spring 2020, the second semester of her sophomore year. Thanks to the English language courses in engineering at SKEMA, Francesa was able to complete all her required curriculum for the semester and stay on track for graduation. 

Francesca noted several differences between studying at UMass and her semester abroad with CEA. “SKEMA is located in Sophia Antipolis, a technology park situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. As CEA students, we were housed in apartments and homes across the old town of Antibes. From Antibes it is about a 25 minute bus ride to SKEMA to get to class each day. While this might not be something you are used to at UMass, it is definitely worth the ride. SKEMA gives study abroad students like yourself the opportunity to learn with French students and students and faculty from across Europe as every class is taught in English. The opportunity to learn directly with students from different backgrounds allows you to connect with them outside of school as well. This includes traveling with your international friends as well as exploring the town of Antibes and surrounding towns together after school. 

Antibes has some incredible views, and there is always so much to do and discover in the town! Grab a fresh sandwich from one of the local shops on your way home from class and relax at the Plage De La Gravette, a local beach just 5 minutes from your home. Hike along the Cap d’Antibes and around “Billionaires Bay.” Antibes also has a great nightlife, and your friends from SKEMA will want to meet you for an “after work,” or an organized event at different venues. Juan-les-Pins is just a walk away, and Cannes is a 10 minute train ride away. Antibes is also a great base for weekend trips around Europe, via the train to Milan or flights from Nice.”