News & Updates - Nice
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First Week
So we've had a busy first week sur la cote d'azur. The students are now pretty much acclimated and adjusted to their course schedules and activities. I've divided up this first post with highlights from our first week. Sorry about not having photos yet; I've been having some problems uploading them using Blogger, but I hope to have it sorted out soon. Here's the week in review:
On Monday, students arrived and we had optional excursions in the afternoon for practical errands such as getting money and finding a means of communication home. Some of the students went with RAs for a beach run to help situate them in Nice. The Lycee Massena is an ideal location for the program: easy access to the city and cultural amenities, and close to the beach. It’s about as central as you can get. After the group flight arrived in the evening, students had their first RA group meeting and we did staff introductions.
Tuesday was mostly taken up with orientation activities. Student learned about residence life, activities and excursions, our main rules, safety, cultural tidbits about shop/restaurant etiquette, our banking system, academics, etc. After lunch, we had a town tour with the RAs to see places of interest such as the place Massena, the Cour Saleya, Nice Etoile, the Rue Massena/rue de France, and other practical areas such as the post office, tabac for phone cards, cell phone stores, laundry, etc. After that, we had a treasure hunt where students had to answer questions about different areas in Nice. At each station, an RA met students with the next clues. The winners received free Fenocchio ice cream and fans for their rooms. In the evening we had other optional excursions and activities planned by the RAs
On Wednesday students took their placement exam in the morning and we had excursions for ISIC card photos and shopping trips for students who finished early. In the afternoon we went Parasailing, which is one of our more popular excursions. But probably my favorite was the trip to Villefranche sur mer to see the Cocteau chapel and go snorkeling around the calanques. The Cocteau chapel was the realization of more than ten years of work from local ceramicists, artisans, and stonecutters. The result is a real jewel of modern art. The students then went snorkeling along the rocks and beach in Villefranche. In the afternoon we also had the first meeting for our Yoga group, led by Yoga master Katie Takayamagi. Other activities in the evening included a showing of the movie Persopolis, a visit to the Cours Saleya and ice cream, and soccer in Lycee. On a side note, Wednesday was also the day that Brangelina showed up by helicopter to Nice’s Lenval hospital. Our academic director actually saw Brad Pitt briefly on his way to the Lycee (surrounded by fans and Paparazzi). We’re thinking of doing a Brangelina excursion next week to perhaps catch a glimpse of one of the stars.
On Thursday students started their classes and getting their first taste of French academics, both in the morning and afternoon. Optional excursions Thursday included visits to the MAMAC (contemporary art museum with collections from Richard Long, Eric Bourret, and Neven Allanic) and a visit to the château and Palais Lascaris, a noble palace built in the middle of the 17th century that has been restored and is now a museum. Also in the afternoon were some rousing games of petanque. Students learned how to “tire” et “pointe” as well as some of the essential strategy for this popular game in the south of France. In the evening, a large contingent of students went bowling, and an equally large contingent went to a movie at the Rialto. One of our RAs, Chris Flores, also had a French music night with translated lyrics from his favorite contemporary French songs.
Today, for the fourth of July, we have been very busy. Students had their classes as usual, then in the afternoon, a group of students visited the Confiserie Florian to learn about French candy making. The guided visit included a sampling at the end and a gift tin of hard candy that our students quickly devoured. You can learn more about the Confiserie from their website at:
http://www.confiserieflorian.com/. Other activities in the afternoon included rollerblading, Yoga, and (my favorite) a visit to the Russian Orthodox church, a little bit of Moscow transplated to western Nice. For this evening, our cooking staff has put together a special 4th of July party with a barbecue where students can cook their own meat, then a karaoke party and the movie Independance Day. Later on, we're setting off our own modest 4th of July fireworks, and we’ll be taking a break from our “French only” policy. It is, after all the 4th of July, and a day to let ourselves relax and be American one last time.
For this weekend, we’re going to be visiting St. Paul de Vence, home of the Maeght Foundation and a myriad of local artists and artisans. We’ll also visit the Matisse Chapel, Vence, and have a soiree gastronome in Nice, and our popular ASA game night. On Sunday, it will be our day to go rafting at Puget-Theniers. We’ll also visit the medieval town of Entrevaux and have an evening of dancing and French music at the lycee. Optional excursions this weekend include two concerts at the chateau above Vieux Nice. See you next week!
On Monday, students arrived and we had optional excursions in the afternoon for practical errands such as getting money and finding a means of communication home. Some of the students went with RAs for a beach run to help situate them in Nice. The Lycee Massena is an ideal location for the program: easy access to the city and cultural amenities, and close to the beach. It’s about as central as you can get. After the group flight arrived in the evening, students had their first RA group meeting and we did staff introductions.
Tuesday was mostly taken up with orientation activities. Student learned about residence life, activities and excursions, our main rules, safety, cultural tidbits about shop/restaurant etiquette, our banking system, academics, etc. After lunch, we had a town tour with the RAs to see places of interest such as the place Massena, the Cour Saleya, Nice Etoile, the Rue Massena/rue de France, and other practical areas such as the post office, tabac for phone cards, cell phone stores, laundry, etc. After that, we had a treasure hunt where students had to answer questions about different areas in Nice. At each station, an RA met students with the next clues. The winners received free Fenocchio ice cream and fans for their rooms. In the evening we had other optional excursions and activities planned by the RAs
On Wednesday students took their placement exam in the morning and we had excursions for ISIC card photos and shopping trips for students who finished early. In the afternoon we went Parasailing, which is one of our more popular excursions. But probably my favorite was the trip to Villefranche sur mer to see the Cocteau chapel and go snorkeling around the calanques. The Cocteau chapel was the realization of more than ten years of work from local ceramicists, artisans, and stonecutters. The result is a real jewel of modern art. The students then went snorkeling along the rocks and beach in Villefranche. In the afternoon we also had the first meeting for our Yoga group, led by Yoga master Katie Takayamagi. Other activities in the evening included a showing of the movie Persopolis, a visit to the Cours Saleya and ice cream, and soccer in Lycee. On a side note, Wednesday was also the day that Brangelina showed up by helicopter to Nice’s Lenval hospital. Our academic director actually saw Brad Pitt briefly on his way to the Lycee (surrounded by fans and Paparazzi). We’re thinking of doing a Brangelina excursion next week to perhaps catch a glimpse of one of the stars.
On Thursday students started their classes and getting their first taste of French academics, both in the morning and afternoon. Optional excursions Thursday included visits to the MAMAC (contemporary art museum with collections from Richard Long, Eric Bourret, and Neven Allanic) and a visit to the château and Palais Lascaris, a noble palace built in the middle of the 17th century that has been restored and is now a museum. Also in the afternoon were some rousing games of petanque. Students learned how to “tire” et “pointe” as well as some of the essential strategy for this popular game in the south of France. In the evening, a large contingent of students went bowling, and an equally large contingent went to a movie at the Rialto. One of our RAs, Chris Flores, also had a French music night with translated lyrics from his favorite contemporary French songs.
Today, for the fourth of July, we have been very busy. Students had their classes as usual, then in the afternoon, a group of students visited the Confiserie Florian to learn about French candy making. The guided visit included a sampling at the end and a gift tin of hard candy that our students quickly devoured. You can learn more about the Confiserie from their website at:
http://www.confiserieflorian.com/. Other activities in the afternoon included rollerblading, Yoga, and (my favorite) a visit to the Russian Orthodox church, a little bit of Moscow transplated to western Nice. For this evening, our cooking staff has put together a special 4th of July party with a barbecue where students can cook their own meat, then a karaoke party and the movie Independance Day. Later on, we're setting off our own modest 4th of July fireworks, and we’ll be taking a break from our “French only” policy. It is, after all the 4th of July, and a day to let ourselves relax and be American one last time.
For this weekend, we’re going to be visiting St. Paul de Vence, home of the Maeght Foundation and a myriad of local artists and artisans. We’ll also visit the Matisse Chapel, Vence, and have a soiree gastronome in Nice, and our popular ASA game night. On Sunday, it will be our day to go rafting at Puget-Theniers. We’ll also visit the medieval town of Entrevaux and have an evening of dancing and French music at the lycee. Optional excursions this weekend include two concerts at the chateau above Vieux Nice. See you next week!
posted by ASA Summer Programs at
Saturday, July 05, 2008
A few reminders
Dear ASA Nice students and parents,
As we are getting very close to the program start date, we wanted to touch base on a few important items.
All Forms Due
We have now past the due date for all forms. I have sent out reminders today to those who are still missing forms. All students must submit their forms to the NY office as soon as possible: Rules & Regulations, Housing Form, Medical Form, Passport Copy. If you have not yet submitted your ISIC photo, please bring it with you to the program. If you are faxing any forms this week, please also bring a hard copy of those forms with you to the program.
Tshirts
By now, you should have received an ASA t-shirt and luggage tags in the mail. It is very important that you wear your ASA t-shirt when you travel to the program so our staff will be able to easily identify and help you when you arrive. Please note that we are not able to exchange t-shirts for a different size. Shirts were ordered according to sizes given and unfortunately we do not have extras for swapping. If there was a mistake on our end, please bring your t-shirt to the airport / program and we’ll see what we can do.
Magnet Material
You should have also received Before you go/Predeparture travel information, along with airport maps, in the mail by now. Please review this information to prepare you for travel day. Parents, be sure to print out the sheet with summer contact information and stick it on your fridge for easy reference during the summer!
Handbook and Packing List
Be sure to review your Orientation Handbook / Packing List. The Handbook contains important information about the program and guidance as you prepare for the summer. Please read it through promptly, as it holds the answers to many questions, including some you haven’t thought to ask! Please note that you can download the handbook through your MyASA account if you need an extra copy.
We are looking forward to meeting you in a few weeks in Nice!
As we are getting very close to the program start date, we wanted to touch base on a few important items.
All Forms Due
We have now past the due date for all forms. I have sent out reminders today to those who are still missing forms. All students must submit their forms to the NY office as soon as possible: Rules & Regulations, Housing Form, Medical Form, Passport Copy. If you have not yet submitted your ISIC photo, please bring it with you to the program. If you are faxing any forms this week, please also bring a hard copy of those forms with you to the program.
Tshirts
By now, you should have received an ASA t-shirt and luggage tags in the mail. It is very important that you wear your ASA t-shirt when you travel to the program so our staff will be able to easily identify and help you when you arrive. Please note that we are not able to exchange t-shirts for a different size. Shirts were ordered according to sizes given and unfortunately we do not have extras for swapping. If there was a mistake on our end, please bring your t-shirt to the airport / program and we’ll see what we can do.
Magnet Material
You should have also received Before you go/Predeparture travel information, along with airport maps, in the mail by now. Please review this information to prepare you for travel day. Parents, be sure to print out the sheet with summer contact information and stick it on your fridge for easy reference during the summer!
Handbook and Packing List
Be sure to review your Orientation Handbook / Packing List. The Handbook contains important information about the program and guidance as you prepare for the summer. Please read it through promptly, as it holds the answers to many questions, including some you haven’t thought to ask! Please note that you can download the handbook through your MyASA account if you need an extra copy.
We are looking forward to meeting you in a few weeks in Nice!
posted by ASA Summer Programs at
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Get ready for Nice!
Welcome to ASA News & Updates! As you finish off the school year, ASA will keep you posted with important information through this feature to prepare you for your time in France. Once you arrive at program, staff onsite in Nice will post updates to the site regularly, reporting back to those at home on all of our travel and cultural adventures, including photos.
Please make sure you subscribe to 'News & Updates' now so as not to miss any pre-program details. Encourage family and friends to subscribe as well so that they can see all that you're up to in France this summer.
Also make sure to complete all of the ASA forms that are due before departure. If you are not sure what is missing from your file, please log on to your MyASA account, where you’ll be able to check the status and download any necessary forms.
Thank you, and look out for the next update!
Please make sure you subscribe to 'News & Updates' now so as not to miss any pre-program details. Encourage family and friends to subscribe as well so that they can see all that you're up to in France this summer.
Also make sure to complete all of the ASA forms that are due before departure. If you are not sure what is missing from your file, please log on to your MyASA account, where you’ll be able to check the status and download any necessary forms.
Thank you, and look out for the next update!
posted by ASA Summer Programs at
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
