Studying abroad was my favorite experience from college, and I’m grateful for my time in France every day. Being abroad opened me up to so many possibilities—I made numerous friends from across the country that I still keep in touch with, I’ve traveled more in the U.S. and abroad, and I became more comfortable and grew more confident in myself.
While abroad, I was able to intern at the Cannes Film Festival, which was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was the chief intern for the production company we worked with, which allowed me to participate in a wide variety of events. I was fortunate enough to work on the red carpet during the premiere of the film “Mud”, watch the premiere for “The Paperboy”, attend a conference, and participate in trying to get two films distributed in the US and abroad, as well as handle many other small, but important, tasks.
Studying abroad helped cement my passion for the entertainment industry, and the internship at the Cannes Film Festival definitely helped my resume get noticed. I now work for Warner Brothers in New York City, and I definitely attribute part of my success so far to my time in France.
Stephanie Walls graduated from Quinnipiac University and is a CEA French Riviera spring '12 alumna.