UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI'S CANNES LIONS STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE
COURSE DATES: Monday June 15 – Sunday, June 28, 2026
FESTIVAL DATES : Monday, June 22- Friday, June 26
What is the Cannes Lion Experience?
The Cannes Lions Experience is a course developed around the biggest event in the advertising and creative industry as a whole. The best in the industry are there from advertising agencies to filmmakers it’s a great opportunity to meet and learn from the best of the best. Consider this the Olympics of Advertising.
Who should come?
Anyone pursuing a career in the creative field. Whether you are majoring in Advertising, PR, Marketing, Design, Social Influence / Media, Creative Tech, Film, Music can benefit from this course. There are tons of talks and workshops you can go to where you may learn a new skill or insight.
Meet industry professionals
Throughout the week it is highly possible to have one-on-one talks with industry professionals. Each year we leverage our industry network to bring unique conversations to the class that cannot be found at the festival
So much more than a networking event.
Networking is a huge plus and highly encouraged but the truth is, there are over 150 hours of encouraging, inspirational, mind blowing talks happening throughout the week. It is more likely you will find yourself saying, “there are 15 talks I want to go to today but I only have time for 8”. Luckily you can catch up on all the talks you missed after Cannes Lions has finished, so don’t beat yourself up. The networking comes with the meet ups organized by the professors, and you getting out and about in between all the amazing talks happening daily.
What are these “Talks” I keep hearing about?
If you are familiar with Tedtalks they are similar to that structure. An industry expert is on stage for about an hour covering a specific topic. These are people in advertising, marketing, filmmaking, as well as music industry professionals, entrepreneurs, inventors, and celebrities; the list goes on and on. These talks will truly inspire you to go back home, work on your portfolio and start creating your next big idea - or simply give you the hunger to launch your career as soon as humanly possible.
Where do we go on the
French Cultural Excursions?
We couldn't let you come to Cannes and not experience the beauty of the French Riviera. Our time may be limited together, but we fill it to the brim! Students can expect to see neighboring cities like Antibes, Nice, and Monaco on our 2026 trip, among some other fun surprises along the way!
We can't say for sure, but we may or may not spend the day out on the water as we settle in to our new surroundings.
Why Cannes?
This is the place where you learn what the industry has been doing and more importantly where it's headed. It is a place where we all want to be and even established professionals wish one day to go. It is a great talking point in any interview, something that is sure to impress.
Is it worth the expense?
Ask any student who has traveled in years past. The answer is yes. Not one, but many students have claimed the same thing... "I learned more in the 12 days, than I have in my 4 years of college." This is no joke of a course. The days start early and end late. There's little time for sit down meals, or sleep for that matter. Don't let the number of days fool you.
To get a full sense of the magnitude
of this festival, be sure to visit the
festival site at