Study or Earn Your Degree in Aix-en-Provence, France

Read 18 reviews

4.83 Rating

Leave a Review

Location

France
- Aix-en-Provence

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Short Term, Spring, Summer, Winter

Subject Areas

Anthropology Archaeology Art History Arts Business Communications Conflict Studies Creative Writing Culinary Arts Cultural Studies Economics Education English European Studies Finance Global Studies History Hospitality Humanities International Business International Relations Liberal Arts Linguistics Literature Marketing Media Relations Museum Studies Peace Studies Philosophy Photography Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Sciences Visual Arts +25

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, Work study, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding

View Other Details

Program Details

Program Type

Direct Enrollment

Degree Level

Bachelors Masters

Housing

Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Price Details

Program fees vary between program selection and duration. Please visit www.iau.edu for further details. Fees include tuition, housing, continental breakfast every day and six evening meals per week, activity fee, orientation, textbook rental, health, liability and repatriation insurance, excursions, and scheduled cultural activities. Additional student costs include round trip airfare, lunches, and personal expenses. Please note IAU offers a wide range of scholarships and grants to study abroad students year-round and financial aid for degree students.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Classes Some Meals Travel Insurance Wifi

What's Not Included

Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Some Meals Transportation

Last Updated: Apr 20, 2021

Last Reviewed: Jul 19, 2022

Wish List

52 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

IAU, with its flagship campus located in Aix-en-Provence, is an American institution of higher education that offers semester, summer, and year-long study abroad options, full bachelor degree options, and complete master degree options offered in both English and French. IAU prides itself on the diversity of its course offerings in both languages which enables students with varying levels of French language ability to gain access to an international education experience. The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM), the degree-granting branch of IAU, shares faculty, facilities, student support services, and infrastructure with IAU. The vast breadth of course offerings at IAU and ACM allows students to study disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, education, business and the arts. Academic year study abroad students also have the option to roll their courses into a bachelor's program.

https://iau.edu/programsearch

Visit Site

Apply Now

Video and Photos

View All Photos

Program Highlights

No previous college experience or language experience required
Internships for-credit
French homestays
Scholarship, grant, and work-study opportunities
Wellness and Diversity resources and support on-site

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.83 Rating

based on 18 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 83.33%
4 rating 16.67%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.05
Support 4.95
Fun 4.8
Housing 4.75
Safety 4.8

Showing 17 - 18 of 18 reviews

I studied abroad for a semester in Spring 2011 and for 3 weeks in Summer 2013 at IAU College, and I could not have had a better experience. Aix-en-Provence is a fairytale-esque city in the South of France with beautiful architecture, art, atmosphere and culture. My time with IAU has been fantastic, which is why I chose to come back. While I was studying abroad for a semester, I took four courses which ranged from French language to World War II history to Provencal culture to a painting and drawing class. The professors that I've had during both of my experiences have been some of the best professors that I had the pleasure of working with during my four undergraduate years. I also liked the format of my classes; every class I've taken at IAU has incorporated field trips to local places which help to emphasize class material. I think that if you're studying abroad, then it's best to use that time to its full advantage, and experiential learning such as this is a great way to do that! For example, in my France During the Occupation course, we traveled to a transit camp right outside of Marseille where we were able to see the exact buildings that we had discussed in class. Additionally, the professor was able to bring in a lecturer who had been involved with the French resistance, and we were able to hear his personal story directly from the source. Hearing this lecture was a once in a lifetime experience which I wouldn't have been able to get anywhere else. My French professor would take us to the local market and restaurants where we would have to speak with local Aixois to order food and learn about different items. I found this type of language learning much more effective than sitting in a classroom doing grammar exercises, because I was able to actually practice the language with native speakers and build my speaking confidence. My host experience was also really great, I chose to live with the same host mom when I came back to Aix for a second time. Although my walk to school was a little far (about 30 minutes each way on foot), I lived in a suburban neighborhood which was extremely safe and comfortable. My host mom was very friendly and would help me with my French homework as I was taking lower level language classes. Although its not at all required of the host families, she took me to a beach for the day when I came to study over the summer and treated me like part of her family which was truly lovely. My experiences with IAU College have been absolutely life changing, and I would recommend studying with IAU to anyone who is looking for a culturally immersive experience in a small city with rich history.

What would you improve about this program?

I wish that there had been more opportunities to interact with other French students. Although it is possible to meet them in the city on your own, because of the language and culture barriers, making those introductions can be tough so it would be nice if IAU sponsored events to help these students come together.

Read my full story

This past semester in Aix-en-Provence was one of my absolute favorite semesters of my college experience thus far. I lived with a host mom, who helped me improve my french by only speaking french with me throughout our day to day life. Then I jumped right into my first studio art class where I painted at the foot of Mount Sainte Victoire, Cezanne's beloved mountain. I made amazing friends and made Aix-en-Provence home. I highly recommend IAU, the Marchutz Program, and Aix-en-Provence.

What would you improve about this program?

I would host more events that connect IAU with the other French Universities in Aix.

Read my full story

Questions & Answers

How rigorous are the classes in Aix?

The rigor of IAU classes was comparable to my classes at my home university. I found IAU classes to be easier to follow though since the class size was smaller than my home institution (10-15 students per class typically) and I felt more comfortable asking questions and discussing the material with the professors. I also found that the IAU professors take more time to make sure every student full...

By Arianna Zabriskie on January 12, 2016

See all 3 answers

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.

View Entire Interview

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.

Gabriella Forster

2011 Alum

Elizabeth Timberlake

2016 Alum

Danielle Breen

2014 Alum

Lizzy Spock

2015 Alum

Christina Barry

2014 Alum

Mandie Botinelly

Maddison Paule

Katie Ford

Stephanie Caruso

Staff Interviews

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

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.

About 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...