Location
  • France
    • Aix-en-Provence
    • Marseille
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, Work study, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Associates Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
Included: Personalized Pre-departure Advising; Tuition & Registration; Travel Medical Insurance; On-site Orientation; Housing; Volunteer Opportunities; On-site Staff Support; Excursions and Cultural Engagement; Host Institution Services & Amenities and more. Scholarships available.
What's Included
Some Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes
Jun 14, 2023
Feb 27, 2024
91 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Located just 19 miles north of Marseille, the country’s second-largest city and primary commercial port, Aix-en-Provence is a small, walkable city in the south of France with beautiful tree-lined boulevards, historical public squares, artisanal shops, cafés, churches, historic mansions, and over 20 fountains that reflect the city’s origin as Roman spa town. It's an ideal location for day trips to the Mediterranean coast, the French Alps, and Paris.

Our Aix program is designed for students at a high-intermediate or above French language proficiency. Although courses are offered in English and French, four semesters of French are required; intermediate students are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Interested? Click the “Visit Site” button to learn what’s waiting for you!

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

CEA CAPA provides, in conjunction with Diversity Abroad, Destination Guides which provide resources and tips for Black/African-American students, Latinx students, Asian American students, and all other students of color.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Through our personalized advising, CEA CAPA takes steps to understand the needs of a diversity of student identities like the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to diversity and identity training, CEA CAPA leadership engage in continuous department level project work to identify and revise policies and practices using the appropriate Justice, Equity, Diversity or Inclusion lens as a frame to reduce bias and barriers that impact students, faculty, and staff. CEA CAPA is intentional in elevating diverse student voices and providing a platform for a broad array of identities to share their experiences abroad. The CEA CAPA World Blog promotes stories and personal experiences from the perspectives of diverse student bloggers and vloggers.

Neurodivergent Support

CEA CAPA is willing and able to assist students with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Students are requested to disclose disabilities through the application health forms as part of their application and in discussion with their application advisor or program manager. The earlier CEA CAPA is made aware of learning or physical disabilities the better we can work with the student, institution, and overseas team to tailor an Individualized Education Program if necessary to support the student.

Impact

Sustainability

CEA CAPA makes a conscious effort to create study abroad experiences that leave a positive impact on host communities. Each location implements a variety of strategies to support the local community and promote sustainability. Examples include:

Use of recycling bins in Study Center locations and in CEA CAPA housing

Signage in CEA CAPA housing urging students to limit water and electricity usage

Students are often given reusable bags and water bottles upon arrival to limit single plastic use

Students are provided with instructions for acquiring transportation passes to promote use of public transportation rather than taxis

Program Highlights

  • Hands-on learning experiences that transform the world abroad into a classroom
  • Personalized Pre-Departure Advising, including visa and immigration support
  • Courses offered in English that fulfill major and general graduation requirements
  • Comprehensive on-site support, including 24/7 emergency phone
  • Career workshops, Internships Abroad, and Alumni Ambassador positions

Scholarships

CEA CAPA Scholarships and Financial Aid

CEA CAPA is committed to increasing access to study and interning abroad. We offer more than $2 million each year in scholarships, affiliations, and grant programs.

Value
$100 - $5,000

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating
based on 49 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.88%
  • 4 rating 6.12%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.35
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.8
  • Housing 4.85
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 49 reviews
Default avatar
Valeria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fall 2023 Study Abroad

I honestly loved studying abroad and recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it. Aix is a beautiful small french town that is a completely different scene that Paris. It gives that European town movie scene feeling. There were so many places to meet people and the people in Aix are very friendly - there are people from all over the Mediterranean. Academics wise, I enjoyed it, the teaching is more lecture based and you really get to know who is in your class and your teacher because you are conversing, rather than focusing on heavy exams. I had the opportunities to travel to other countries on the weekends as well as attend events that CEA hosted such as pottery class, cooking class, and a weekend in the French Rivieria. It was a great experience and I would definitely do it again.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Get to know the town ! even though it feels small there are so many things to do whether it is exhibitions being hosted or activities in surrounding areas.
Pros
  • Food
  • Walking/Enjoying the European town
  • Art (I saw pieces by Pablo Picasso, Mucha, Paul Cezanne, Granet)
Cons
  • Still $$ but not as bad as Paris
  • Distance if you live far
  • Nightlife
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Annika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best trip ever

CEA CAPA worked with my college to curate an experience that was unique to us and our semester schedule. I was in Aix for about a month, and each day was full of surprises, fun, adventure, and educational opportunities. The staff at CEA CAPA was especially helpful when our flights were canceled due to a nationwide strike, and they did everything in their power to make sure we were taken care of during our extra days in France. I am really grateful to them for the experience they gave me and the rest of my classmates.

Pros
  • Extremely beautiful city
  • Easy to use public transport
  • Amazing housing accomodations
Cons
  • Cobblestone roads, tripping hazard
26 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Annika! Thanks for sharing your feedback about Aix-en-Provence. It sounds like a summer filled with adventure and opportunity and I'm so happy you found support with CEA CAPA!

Default avatar
Roree
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA/CAPA Study Abroad Fall 2022 Aix-en-Provence

This program was absolutely amazing. I had the opportunity to travel almost every weekend, but I also loved the town enough that the affordability element was a plus! Easy access to regional and national transportation, a good mix of French and English (though many of the locals choose to speak English with students for their own ease), and a fantastic city! I always felt safe and supported, had an amazing team that allowed me to feel like I could do anything, and had step-by-step guidance to rock that paperwork. The school was amazing too. So many diverse class offerings (though light on the STEM, though when I was volunteering with the school, they said their STEM programs were growing!) in both French and English! The professors were brilliant, I was never bored, and the staff is so kind! I loved my roommates, the program was more affordable than my tuition, and Aix will always have a place in my heart.

Pros
  • Amazing Support Staff!
  • Easy Access to Transportation and Travel!
  • AMAZING School! (IAU)
Cons
  • Locals Often Choose to Speak English with Students
57 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Roree! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience from studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence! Having easy access to transportation and the ability to speak the local language definitely helps enhance the experience. I'm so glad you found the onsite staff and school helpful when challenging yourself with those international courses!

Default avatar
Rohanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying Abroad in Aix-en- Provence with CEA

Studying abroad with CEA this past summer in Southern France was by far the best experience of my life! I was able to experience a new culture, find new interests, make new connections and friends who can become lifelong friends. When deciding to study abroad, CEA was with me every step of the way. In fact, through the whole process the CEA teams (enrollment advisors and site specialists) were helpful, efficient and there to talk and answer any questions that I had. When I arrived in France, I was met at the airport by the on-site specialists and welcomed with open arms. Through their on site orientations, CEA did a great job of making me feel at home and helped me to get accustomed to the new country. This was truly a unique experience and I would recommend this program with anyone!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
The most important and strategic thing that I wish I had known was the importance of budgeting, spending smart and keeping track of the money that you spend. When you are in a new country, it is easy to get excited and a little carried away with your money. If you create a budget of how much money you would like to spend on food, shopping, travel, and miscellaneous, you can avoid overspending. Being prepared and organized with your money can make it easier to plan where you want to go and activities you want to do.
130 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Thank you for your review, Rohanna! We are so glad to hear you had a wonderful summer with CEA in Aix. “Studying abroad has helped to grow my cultural footprint” is music to our ears. Your advice to future students will serve as a guide when researching their own study abroad experiences. We hope you’ll stop by and say “bonjour” the next time you find yourself in France, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Default avatar
Mackenzie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Cultural Experience

Studying abroad in Aix is something I'll remember for the rest of my life. I made lifelong friends, and felt totally immersed in the culture for the 5 months I spent there. CEA was the most kind, helpful, and protecting in preparing me for France and while I was abroad. I would 100% recommend them to anyone looking to study abroad. France was a unique cultural difference, but it helped me to see the world in a new way. I got to travel while also fulfilling credits that will transfer back to my home university. The school buildings were nice and offered as many programs possible, including clubs and a cafe! While I had a few issues with my specific academic program, I still was glad I got to experience it. Aside from that, everything was perfect! Would do it again in a heartbeat!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
While school is super important, don't be prepared for it to be the same as the American school system. It's not bad, just different, and I think that got to me; hindering some of my experiences.
120 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Mackenzie, we so appreciate your kind words about CEA and are thrilled you had a positive experience in Aix with us! “Would do it again in a heartbeat” echoes the same sentiments as so many of our alumni. We’re always working to improve upon our programs, so feel free to reach out if you have any further feedback or suggestions for CEA! Thank you again and we wish you the best 😊

Default avatar
Ashleigh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience i'll ever have

My family and I were both nervous for me to study abroad. Being alone in an foreign place is scary the first time! CEA made everything so easy while preparing for my study abroad experience. They always answered my questions within 48 hours (no matter how small they were) and sent many personal reminder emails as the deadlines for forms got closer. When I got to Aix, there were many excursions included and the onsite staff was very helpful when I had no idea what I was doing. I participated in the Mobile Journalist (MOJO) program with CEA as well, taking photos, videos, and making blog posts throughout the semester. Choosing to be a mobile journalist was such a great idea for me because I had an excuse to go out and take pictures instead of studying :) and it allowed me to share my photography with a wider community. I would 100% recommend CEA to anyone hesitant about going abroad because of how helpful and knowledgeable the employees are.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have saved up more money for travelling. Especially while living in an apartment, there are many expenses that you do not account for. If I had come with more money, I would not have had to be so picky on where I went on the weekend, or how much food I could afford for the week.
131 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Thank you for your review, Ashleigh! We’re thrilled to hear you had a positive experience in Aix with CEA, and your thorough feedback + tips will serve as a guide for future students when researching their own study abroad destinations. We are so appreciative of your contributions as a CEA MOJO, too! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and be sure to stop by and say “Bonjour” the next time you find yourself in Aix!

Default avatar
Andrea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Andrea in Aix Review

I loved studying abroad in Aix. It's such a beautiful city with a strong history and breathtaking architecture. The center is very walkable and accessible. The Cours Mirabeau is the most iconic promenade street where a market takes place in the morning to mid-afternoon. In every corner, you can find amazing, ornate fountains of all shapes and sizes. A fun way to get acquainted with the city is to walk around and find as many fountains as you can! These fountains can then serve as rendez-vous places or points of reference so you don't get lost during the first few weeks.

What I loved the most about living in Aix was able to experience life in Provence. Through CEA excursions, I was able to discover many beautiful, small villages nearby that show the calm, rural life in various areas in Provence. One of my favorite experiences was visiting the village of Trets during their garlic festival. We were able to dance and interact with the locals, which really helped with language acquisition. These small villages are hidden wonders. Aix's wonderful program advisers have very detailed handouts explaining transportation to several of these villages, their history, and things to do and see. If they do no have a handout for a specific location, they will go out of their way to help you research.

Although I had a few issues with the host institution, as I will elaborate on later, I really enjoyed my language course because I was in such a diverse class, which gave me such a distinct experience. There were students from at least four different countries, from youth to middle-aged students who were all there to learn French for different reasons, not just to study abroad. It made me open my eyes and feel even more grateful for the amazing opportunity and choice to study abroad.

I felt at home with host family. By the end of the program, it was very hard to say goodbye.

What would you improve about this program?
I absolutely loved this program. The only thing that I would improve would be the host institution for CEA Aix-en-Provence, SUFLE.

The institution is bureaucratically inefficient. It took them about two months for our student ID cards to be given to us. This was a combination of last-minute communication regarding the 90 euro additional fee by the French government, the confusing website to pay the fee, and the constant broken state of the machine used to create the IDs. Since we received our ID cards so late, we were unable to register for sports or clubs, which made it more difficult to feel connected to the university, Aix-Marseille Université since SUFLE (the institute for students learning French) is a little isolated from the rest of campus and the majority of French students.

The language-placement tests were not standard. During the test, you are placed in a classroom in which other students are also being tested. The placement results rest entirely on the professor who happens to test you; I was even asked what level I would prefer to be placed in, which was really confusing for me, as I personally think that I shouldn't be the one choosing my level. When I wanted to switch levels, it was incredibly difficult to do so because the change had to happen between professors; the secretaries could not help you at all. You had to ask your professor to ask the professor in the level you wanted to switch into to see if they had space in their class.

You are not able to choose when your classes start or end; you are simply assigned to a level and a group within that level. The two classes you are able to choose, your electives, are very limited depending on the level you're placed in. The course description is very limited and does not accurately reflect the course itself. The difficulty level varies tremendously on the professors. I loved my primary language course, but my electives for techniques of writing was everything but techniques of writing; most of the class was improvised it seemed and there was no syllabi.

Overall, I loved the program, but there were aspects of the institution itself that were not ideal and for that reason I would not give the program a 10 even though everything else would qualify to give it a ten.
123 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I can't wait to go back!

Aix is a great city to live and study in, it's very safe with a lot to do. There's a spa, a mountain to hike, lots of hills to stay in shape, and endless restaurants for any craving you may be having. CEA provided amazing support to us students, and any issues we had were resolved immediately. They were available and made sure if they weren't for any reason that you still had help. Their office location is right in the center of town so it's easy to get to when need be. This program allowed me to become more confident in life, if I can handle a spiral city with a different language then I can do anything, and it was the best experience I've ever had. I got to see so many things with the program and experience the French culture in a new way. I highly recommend Aix and CEA!

125 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Jessica, we are so glad that you enjoyed your experience with both Aix-en-provence as well as CEA on your studying abroad adventure! Good luck with all your future endeavors and thanks again for choosing CEA Study Abroad.

Questions & Answers