Content Creator, Liya Mena, and Her "Magnifique" France Experience

I found out about this program through my friend Mia. She took French 101 with Professor Francis Oloko, from the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures. Professor Oloko runs the study abroad program and  is passionate about getting students involved in cultural immersion opportunities and he highly encourages his French students to participate. After hearing the strong recommendation, Mia shared all the details about the French Languages and Culture in Dijon program offered by the UB Education Abroad Office with me and inspired me to apply.

By immersing myself in the French way of life broadened my worldview but it also fueled my creativity as a filmmaker and marketer. I wanted to experience firsthand how language and culture influence artistic expression and I knew that living in France would give me that opportunity. It also aligns with my long-term goals of applying to graduate school for a master's in fine arts and working for international positions.

I felt incredibly honored and excited to be accepted into this program. It was a dream come true to study abroad in Europe for the first time. The experience exceeded my expectations. It was eye-opening, inspiring and deeply rewarding. I improved my French significantly, gained cultural insight and built unforgettable memories with people from around the world!

The most important thing I learned was the richness and nuance of French culture from its food and music to everyday customs and social etiquette. I gained a deeper appreciation for how culture shapes identity. A big life lesson I took away is the importance of slowing down and living in the moment. The French lifestyle taught me not to rush through life but to savor each moment. Whether it was sitting at a café or walking through a historic village, I learned to be present, enjoy simplicity and take joy in the little things.

I was a student at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France, through a program called CIEF. Students from around the world participated, including those from Spain, Peru, Japan and China. On the first day, we took a placement exam and were placed into levels: my friend Mia and I were placed together in A1. 

Each class had a small student-to-teacher ratio, which allowed for personalized instruction and stronger relationships with our classmates and teacher. We learned foundational French and once a week we went on excursions with Professor Oloko and Professor Stephan, a local from Dijon. We toured museums and cities like Beaune, learning about their history. 

In our final week, we had a cooking class where we learned to make Poulet Gaston Gérard and Tarte Tatin. We also gave presentations related to our trips. It was a deeply immersive and hands-on cultural learning experience.

This experience will greatly enhance my academic and creative work. The cultural exposure and language development will inform me of the way I approach storytelling in my film and marketing projects. It also fulfills breadth requirements at UB and adds an international dimension to my resume, which is invaluable as I prepare for grad school and a future career in the global media industry. I came out of this experience feeling inspired, more confident and deeply enriched.

My advice is to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in the opportunity. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes while speaking French because it’s part of the learning process. The more you immerse yourself in the culture, the more rewarding the experience will be. Be open-minded, participate actively and take time to reflect on your growth along the way.

This program helps build meaningful connections. You’ll connect with people from all over the world, learn from dedicated professors and discover new perspectives. The friendships, cultural awareness and personal growth you gain are truly priceless. It’s an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

I was drawn to UB because of its wide variety of academic programs and the flexibility to explore different paths. I entered UB undecided, and UB’s diverse offerings helped me discover my passion for media and storytelling. I was also influenced by my family, several of my aunts and uncles are UB alumni who had great experiences and spoke highly of the university.

UB stands out to me because of its large and inclusive community. The dual campuses offer different environments for learning and living, and the range of clubs, events and organizations ensures there’s something for everyone. It’s a university that encourages exploration, diversity and growth on both personal and academic levels.

I chose to major in Media Study because I’ve always had a passion for expressing ideas through visual storytelling. The program at UB is unique because it combines hands-on production with theoretical coursework, giving students a well-rounded understanding of media. I love having access to professional-grade equipment and being part of a creative community that supports innovation and experimentation.

As a first-generation college student with Hispanic immigrant parents, I understand the challenges of navigating higher education while carrying the hopes and dreams of your family. I’m also a part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which has been a major support system. Other first-gen students who also come from a low family income background can relate to the determination it takes to succeed and I hope my story encourages them to believe in their potential and take advantage of the resources available at UB.

What I love most about UB is the community. From multicultural events to student clubs and supportive faculty, there’s always a way to feel connected. To be a UB student means to be resilient, curious and committed to growth. It means being part of something bigger than yourself.

Be as involved as possible, because UB has so much to offer. Attend events, join clubs, explore internships and study abroad! Don’t be afraid to try new things. College goes by quickly and the more you engage, the more lasting memories and meaningful experiences you’ll have.

I’m currently the social media manager for the UB Boxing Club. I joined after attending a few meetings and instantly felt welcomed by the community. It’s a great way to stay active, meet new people and develop professional skills through managing the club’s online presence. The mix of discipline, teamwork and creativity makes it a fulfilling experience.

I want to use media to spark conversation and bring awareness to important social issues whether that’s through marketing campaigns or films that shed light on underrepresented stories, I aim to create content that connects with people and inspires positive change.