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
Oct 23, 2024
100 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

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.
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.
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

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

Program Reviews

4.92 Rating
based on 53 reviews
  • 5 rating 92.45%
  • 4 rating 7.55%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.35
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.8
  • Housing 4.85
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 53 reviews
Default avatar
Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Aix-en-Provence Review

Study abroad is intimidating. Settling into a new and foreign country by yourself seems scary. However, I my experience in Aix-en-Provence was unforgettably amazing. My program I went with, CEA CAPA, also paved a smooth way for my transition into Aix-en-Provence, organized my housing and classes which worked out great, and offered a volunteer opportunity to teach english that also had a great influence during my time abroad. I absolutely loved the city I lived in, the walks to and from my apartment that brightened by day, the bakeries and boutiques all within the city, the greenery and fresh produce and flowers in the markets, and the performers that would fill the streets with music. It left me with such a beautiful impression that I would never get tired of. Everyone I met was kind and helpful and complimented my french. I always felt safe, even walking alone at night. Transportation was also very easy, accessible and affordable which was helpful when I needed to go to the train station or airport or just a bus ride from the store to my apartment. Leaving at the end of the semester was harder than I thought it was going to be, but I am thankful that it was because it showed how meaningful and life changing that experience was and continues to be in my life.

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment studying abroad would probably be when my friends and I went on a ski trip to the french alps and we were learning for the first time how to ski. We took lessons with little kids and then were taken to the top of a mountain and had to ski down. We were constantly falling and tumbling and it was hilarious seeing legs fly up and my friends screaming. I must have looked ridiculous but it was so fun!
Pros
  • the cafe/restaurant culture of sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air
  • the frequent markets that make groceries very accessible and affordable
  • Crepe a-go-go is the best crepe place you will ever go to
Cons
  • on the more pricier cities in France
9 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sophia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Aix-en-Provence, France Review (2023)

I am very satisfied with this program. As a Language Major, I felt as though I got adequate practice in throughout my semester abroad. I was able to speak with many French speakers while living in Aix-en-Provence. Something I really loved about the location is that it is not a huge city, so you get to see familiar faces day to day. This made it easier to make new local friends. Something else I really liked about the location was that it was only a 25-minute bus ride away from the Marseille International Airport. This made it very easy and convenient to travel around France and other countries.
I studied abroad with a program called CEA CAPA, which was very helpful. The people who were stationed in Aix with us were very accessible and helpful at all times. One of them, Aisling, was very easy to reach and even answered some questions I had after I had left France. The other, Isabel, showed me where there was an affordable grocery store near me. Both of them made my experience easier and more welcoming.
Something else that CEA provided for us students was excursions. These were very educational and fun. One thing we did that I liked was visiting a perfume factory in Grasse, France. We learned how to make perfume, and what it means to be a nose, and at the end, we even got to create our own scents. This was a very cool experience and not something I would have thought to do on my own.

What was your funniest moment?
I had many funny moments with friends, especially on nights out. The nightlife is pretty good in Aix, as there are many international students from other European countries studying there. Because it is a smaller town, you may see the same groups of people on a night out, which makes for great stories with new friends. My roommate and I became close with a waiter at one of the cafés we would frequent, and we would always have a laugh with him.
Pros
  • Great food
  • Great people
  • Language practice opportunities
Cons
  • Can be expensive
  • Not super diverse
14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Grace
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spring 2024

I loved travelling to Aix, especially with CEA CAPA. I was excited to stay in a homestay and that experience could not have been any more perfect for me. Beside that, the classes were entertaining and helped me to explore the area and surrounding cities. The CEA CAPA team on-site was so helpful each step of the way with any homesickness, questions about currency exchange, and getting a phone plan. They took us to other cities and provided tours and amazing food along the way. I would definitely recommend this location and team to anyone asking

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was nervous at first to become a solo traveller for a few day or weekend trips. I knew that becoming independent was extremely important in such a new and exciting place. After getting over my fear of being alone, I was able to see things I could have never convinced someone to come to do
Pros
  • Beautiful sights
  • Affordable pastries
  • Friendly locals
Cons
  • Near dangerous city
17 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Logan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Aix

I loved my time in Aix-en-Provence studying with CEA CAPA staff and other students from around North America. I had so much support from CEA CAPA staff and got to make so many memories. CEA CAPA provided so many opportunities for excursions and local events such as cooking classes, comedy shows, etc. I am passionate about studying abroad now because of my time with CEA CAPA. I connected so much with the culture around me. I hope that I get a chance to go back to Aix-en-Provence in the future.

31 people found this review helpful.
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
58 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
71 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
107 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.
185 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!

Questions & Answers