IAU

IAU

Why choose IAU?

Institute for American Universities (IAU), an American style education institution located in France, Spain, Italy, and Morocco, offers semester, summer, January term academic year study abroad and full degree-granting options. IAU has study options in over 15 countries with a wide range of disciplines to choose from. Students can select courses taught in English or can opt for the language immersive option. IAU has been providing study abroad opportunities for U.S. college and university students for over 65 years. IAU offers homestays, field studies (excursions), for-credit internships, and site-specific learning!

Website
iau.edu
Founded
1957

Reviews

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Claire
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IAU Was An Amazing Experience

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Basil
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My 1.5 Semesters at IAU Aix

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If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would definitely go to more school events and take advantage of all the things they offered. I missed out on quite a bit the first semester, but I went to things for the part of the second semester that I was able to stay for.
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Ariel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

12 Weeks in Barcelona - IAU

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What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Many speak Catalan but try and speak Spanish over English!
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Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IAU Barcelona summer internship

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What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
After meeting local college students in the apartments we stayed at, we were invited to one of their favorite restaurants. They introduced me to snails, or escargot. I was not huge fan, but it definitely added to my cultural experiences!
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Allison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Say "Yes"

Jump out of your comfort box and go abroad to Aix-en provence France. The school is amazing and offers you lots of resources. I recommend taking French and getting to know your professors. The community is beautiful and very easy to get around. I found the french residents to be very kind. I live with a host family, who took care of me and gave me love away from home. My overall trip was incredible. I felt safe and very free to do what I wanted. I highly recommend going on the bus tours that the school plans for you. IAU will not disappoint you take the leap and go!

What would you improve about this program?
It was perfect!
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 6 of 6

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose Aix-en Provence because of the location and culture. I was excited to live with a loving host family who would teach me the language and tell me stories. The school, community, and residents surpassed all my expectations. This is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Studying abroad introduces you to students/faculty who have similar interests as you, allows you to expand your learning, and opens your mind to new cultures.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

IAU was very accommodating with living situation, classes, and knowledge to thrive away from home. I was lucky to have built a relationship with the IAU staff. They showed interest in me and cared for me as a student. IAU offered me a scholarship that helped me budget my experiences. Before leaving the USA, IAU sent all of the necessary information for arriving safely.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would advise you to take Beginner French language as a class. This will help you experience the culture and people better. Don't worry about seeing the world all at one time; enjoy what France has to offer. Lastly, get to know the students/faculty; learn to network across the global. Most importantly, have fun!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Each day, I spent about 2 to 5 hours studying and going to class, then I would explore the streets of Aix. Some days, I would meet with students for gelato or coffee before going home for dinner with my host family. I loved sitting down at a table at the same time everyday to eat and be with my host family. This is where you make genuine connections and learn about the French culture.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was having problems with the airlines, which I did experience. At the beginning, I was close to missing a flight, which resulted in losing my luggage. Traveling got easier with experience. I was also concerned about having personal items stolen, but that never happened as long as you are responsible.

What is your advice to prospective students?

Believe in yourself, be positive, and have an open mind. Studying abroad gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my career dreams. I hope one day to return for my Master’s degree. Don't worry about the small things when you are there, relax and enjoy your time in a new environment.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Arianna Zabriskie

Job Title
Student Advisor
Arianna is a 2013 graduate from Colorado State University with a passion for travel and education. She is the current student advisor at IAU College and also an alumna of IAU College from 2013.

female headshot

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory would be my first visit to Rome. I was in awe of the culture and loved the cuisine. This trip was after I graduated college when I was teaching English in Paris, France. I took a weekend trip with some other American English teachers I met in Paris. We stumbled upon this random restaurant where we met locals who showed us all around Rome after lunch and even took us out to dinner that evening. I will never forget how hospitable and kind the Italians are!

Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?

I would say the most underrated destination is Cagliari, Sardinia (Italy). This gem is on an island west of the Italian main land. Take a drive along the southern coast of Sardinia and I promise you will not believe your eyes. The most overrated is Madrid, Spain. I found this city to be a very fast moving city and very Americanized. I personally prefer the village feel in Europe.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

A successful company is made up of two qualities. One is curiosity and remaining curious about the needs of students, staff and employees. The second is being a "yes" person to make these accommodations happen. At IAU, we pride ourselves in our flexibility and how often we get to say "yes" to the needs of our students, staff and employees.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Yes! I learn something new every single day. I work with a very supportive team that challenge me in the best ways each day. It has been an amazing growth experience so far!

What unique qualities does your company possess?

We are unique because we are flexible in our programs and our options for students in general. We love to ask our selves how we can make the student experience that much better.

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of your current team.

I have felt so much pride in IAU when I attended our first alumni reunion. It was incredible to meet alumni from the 60's who described similar experiences and memories that I had attending IAU in 2013. IAU is timeless.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

The best story I have heard so far was of a student's first experience at the Marchutz School of Fine Arts. They said they felt "home" for the first time. They said they couldn't believe how at home they felt in a town so far away from everything they knew but they did. They said it was love at first site when they stepped foot at the Marchutz studio.

Professional Associations

The Forum on Education Abroad Logo
NAFSA Logo