News & Updates - Nice News and Updates, ASA Study Abroad, Language Immersion Summer Programs, High School Students

News & Updates - Nice

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Last Day in Nice

It is hard to believe that it is already the last day of the program. Our time in Nice seemed to pass by in the blink of an eye!
Today, students are preparing for their return home, buying last minute souvenirs and gifts, or working on their tans at the beach.
Tonight, the group will have farewell dinner together at a restaurant in Nice, and then return to the lycée for a special awards ceremonies.
Students will be departing throughout the day tomorrow. ASA wishes our students safe travels and hopes that everyone enjoys the remainder of the summer! Thank you!

Project Runway winners!

Project Runway models

Project Runway

Students at Parc Phoenix

More Soccer!

Soccer Tournament

Last Week in Nice

The last week in Nice is in full swing, and time is flying. Students are taking advantage of final activities such as museum visits, parasailing, yoga, kickboxing, jewelry making, bowling, and billiards.
On Monday night, the entire group went to the annual Nice Jazz Festival, where they enjoyed the music of Susan Tedeschi, Madeline Peyroux, the Christian Vander Quartet, Joe Bonamassa, and B.B. King!
Wednesday was a particularly exciting day for ASA. Many students visited the beautiful Parc Phoenix or the Matisse Museum. Later on, the lycée hosted a soccer tournament and the “ASA World Cup Finals” will be held tonight! For dinner, the cafeteria staff prepared a variety of savory and sweet crêpes. Then, students practiced their own crêpe-making skills. It proved to be a messy success!
After the meal, ASA held our very own version of Project Runway. Students creatively dressed their RAs with everything from garbage bags to city maps. After an hour of hair teasing, face painting, and primping, the staff put on a dazzling fashion show. After a nail biting tie breaker, and much deliberation, the panel of judges, made up of senior staff members and teachers, chose a winner. The group celebrated their victory with an after-curfew trip to the ice cream shop!

Monte Carlo

Aquarium in Monaco

Fragonard perfumery

Maeght Foundation

Scuba diving

Third Weekend in Nice

ASA Nice had a busy weekend! To celebrate a wonderful week of hard work in class and participation in activities, the entire group dressed up and went dancing at a local “discothèque.”
On Saturday morning, a small group of students went scuba diving, which others received a guided tour of the MAMAC museum, given by our very own Michel Remy. After lunch, the group headed to Vence, where we visited the Chapelle du Rosaire (Chapel of the Rosary), often referred to as the Matisse Chapel, as it was built and decorated under his master plan. We then headed to the nearby town of Saint Paul de Vence, where many students explored the beautiful “perched village” filled with artists’ galleries. The village is surrounded by medieval ramparts and offers a breathtaking view. Another group visited the Maeght Foundation, a unique site that contains one of the most important collections in Europe, with paintings, sculptures, drawing and graphic works from the 20th century. Saturday evening, RA groups went out to dinner in Nice.
Sunday was another eventful day for ASA Nice. First, we went to Eze, a small village situated high above the sea. Dating from the 14th century, the village winds up the hill through narrow streets lined with shops and galleries. Students had the option of taking a tour of the Fragonard perfumery or walking to the highest point in Eze to see the tropical plants and cacti of the Jardin Exotique.
We then continued on to Monaco, a principality that occupies a space equal to or even smaller than that of Central Park in New York City. When we arrived, we visited the Musée Océanographique, an aquarium and museum of which Jacques Cousteau was once a director. Afterwards, students took optional excursions to the Palais Princier, the Monte Carlo, or the classic car museum, a private car collection of the deceased Prince Rainer III.
After a few hours in Monaco, we headed to Menton, a charming coastal town located on the French-Italian border. There, students chose restaurants, and had dinner in small groups.

Casino Night

Bastille Day sparklers

Citadelle in Saint Tropez

Ile Sainte Marguerite: Man in the Iron Mask Museum

Week 2

All is well here in Nice and yet another week is coming to an end. Its no wonder that time seems to fly by as students continue to stay busy with classes, activities and excursions.
Students are keeping up the good work in both their morning language classes and afternoon electives. Yesterday, in fact, the Art History class took a field trip to the Chagall Museum, where their teacher, Michel Rémy, guided them through the unique gallery.
This week, students took full advantage of our seaside location by tubing, parasailing, scuba diving, playing beach volleyball, or simply relaxing on the beach with friends. Furthermore, in order to burn off any extra energy, students participated in staff-taught modern dance workshops, yoga sessions, and kickboxing aerobics.
On Tuesday, all of France celebrated Bastille Day. After classes, spirited students painted French flags on their faces and the lycée staff prepared another lovely barbecue. Later on, students watched fireworks explode over the Mediterranean Sea!
The following day, students took an afternoon excursion to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a nearby village which is home to some of the most exclusive residences on the Riviera. The group toured the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a Renaissance-style palace with nine beautiful themed gardens. Another group of students did a beginner's scuba diving session at the Port of Nice. On Wednesday night, ASA students turned out en masse at the Rialto Cinema for the opening night of the latest Harry Potter movie.
Last night, ASA students tried their luck at Casino Night here at the lycée, playing poker, blackjack and roulette. At the end of the event, students bid on prizes, with the winners receiving gift certificates to their favorite snack shops in the old town of Nice.
This weekend will be no exception to our busy and exciting schedule. On Saturday, the group will visit the villages of Vence and St. Paul de Vence, and then return to Nice to dine out with their RA groups. In Vence, our resident art historian, Michel Rémy, will give a guided tour of Henri Matisse's Chapelle du Rosaire. On Sunday, we will travel to Eze village, stopping to visit the Fragonard perfumery, and then to head to Monaco to visit Jacques Cousteau's museum and aquarium, the Princes' Palace, and the Casino of Monte Carlo. The group will have dinner in the town of Menton on the Italian border before heading back to Nice for the night.

Second Weekend in Nice

ASA Nice has wrapped up another successful weekend in France! On Saturday, students visited Cannes, a Riviera city, known for its many festival, particularly, the annual Internation Film Festival. When we arrived, the entire group took a short boat ride to the Ile Sainte Marguerite, a lush island with a rich history. In fact, all students visited the Forte Sainte-Marguerite, where the Man in the Iron Mask was said to have been imprisoned in the late 1600’s. After returning from the island, students had a choice of optional excursions to the Musée de la Castre or to the Malmaision, which counted towards our ongoing RA participation challenge! Others chose to shop on the trendy rue d’Antibes or relax on the white sandy beaches. That evening, before returning to the lyée, c students dined with their RA groups.
On Sunday, ASA traveled to St. Tropez, located on the beautiful French Riviera in an area known for its luxury and elegance. Students took a boat ride across the bay during which they had a guided commentary of the stars homes of St. Tropez. After that, students partook in a variety of activities. Some visited the Citadelle, a fort which offers a beautiful 360 degree view of the area. Others went to see the “Portraits of Africa” photo exhibit, or studied paintings by local artisits in the Salle Jean Despas. Many students also took the opportunity to sample “tropeziennes”, a delicious local pastry. Later on in the afternoon, all students visited the Musée de l’Annonciade, a 16th century chapel-turned-museum, which offers a wonderful collection of works from many avant-garde painters, including Matisse, Seurat, Braque, Bonnard, and Dufy. After the museum visit, we returned to Nice, where most students went out to dinner in the Vieille Ville.
ASA Nice is excited for the upcoming week! Among many activities, students will be parasailing, tubing, playing beach volley, scuba diving, cookie tasting, visiting a variety of interesting museums, and much more! Stay tuned for a midweek update!

ASA Nice has officially reached the midpoint of the first week and all continues to be well! Students are settling into their busy schedules and taking advantage of everything the lycée has to offer.
Both morning and elective classes have been keeping the students busy with language acquisition. Students occupy their free time with a variety of activities. Yesterday afternoon, a group of young ladies had tea and dessert at the impressive Negresco hotel, located on the Promenade des Anglais. Another group took a stroll up to the Chateau, which offers amazing views of the sea and city, cascading waterfalls, and rich greenery.
Today, after morning classes, over half of ASA Nice visited Villefranche-Sur-Mer, a quaint nearby village of vaulted medieval passages, red tiled roofs, and a picturesque beach. They were also given a guided visit of Chapel Saint-Pierre, which was decorated by the famous French artist and writer, Jean Cocteau. Afterwards, students snorkeled or relaxed by the sea.
After an eventful day, students had an extra special treat, as the lycée staff prepared an authentic niçois dinner!

Playing pool at the Acropolis

At the Lycée, dressed up for tea at the Negresco

Parasailing

Parasailing near the Negresco Hotel

Antibes

Michel Remy speaking to students at the Picasso Museum, Antibes

Bowling at the Acropolis

Weekend Excursions and More...

ASA Nice is pleased to share that our opening weekend in France was a definite success! On Saturday, the students headed to Antibes, where they enjoyed a private tour of the Picasso museum, given by our very own Academic Director, Michel Remy. That evening, the group dined in the nearby village of Juan les Pins, once a favorite summer spot among literary figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald.

On Sunday, the students rafted on the Var River with the help of an experienced group of guides. They were quite a sight, geared up in wet suits, life vests and bright yellow helmets!

After our various adventures over the weekend, the group officially started the first full week of ASA Nice. Having previously taken language placement tests, students met their teachers today and seemed excited and enthusiastic about studying with native French speakers.

This afternoon, students were given the opportunity to unwind in a variety of exciting activities, such as parasailing off the shores of the Mediterranean, candy tasting near the city port, or strolling to the scenic chateau.

This evening, most students explored personal interests in their elective courses. While some prepared an exquisite niçois meal, others engaged in French conversation, studied the history of French art or created new works of their very own!

Monday ended with billiards and bowling at the Acropolis center. Currently, the winners of the orientation scavenger hunt are celebrating with a pizza party!

ASA Nice will be sure to update during the week to share the happenings at the lycée!

Bienvenue à Nice!!

ASA Nice is happy to share that all students have arrived safely! Today, the students had an orientation session during which they received more specific details about their summer in France! After the brief meetings, the students were given a town tour. To test their memories, they then participated in a scavenger hunt during which they explored the old town and discovered and photographed a variety of businesses, historical landmarks, and other attractions. The winning team will be receiving a pizza party at the lycée next Monday night!
Tonight, ASA Nice celebrated an early Independence Day with a “3rd of July” barbeque. The lycée kitchen staff went above and beyond to create an authentic American celebration for the students, complete with hotdogs and hamburgers!
Tomorrow students will be visiting the Picasso Museum in Antibes and having dinner with their R.A. groups in Juan les Pins. Sunday, students will be rafting and having a picnic lunch on the Var River.
We look forward to keeping you updated on our summer in Nice!!

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.

Magnet Material
You should have also received Before you go/Predeparture travel information 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 that was posted to MyASA. 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!

We are looking forward to meeting you in a few weeks in Nice!

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!

ASA: Academic Study Associates 2008 Programs

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