Program Details
At the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the principal areas of study are French language and culture (introductory through advanced levels of language, civilization, and literature); art and archaeology, including art history and studio art; and
- Location:
- Aix-En-Provence, France
- Program Type:
- Study Abroad
- Degree Level:
- Undergraduate
- Term:
- Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester
Program Overview
- Program Description:
- IAU offers manyprogram options to students: Designed for all majors and levels of French, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences is renowned for its founding philosophy of making it possible for students with beginning French language skills to study in France; the Marchutz School of Fine Arts is a studio art program with an interdisciplinary and holistic approach for students of all levels which takes advantage of the beautiful landscapes and light of Provence; the French Honors Program is designed for upper level French students. IAU also offers J-Term and summer programs in Barcelona, Spain.
At the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the principal areas of study are French language and culture (introductory through advanced levels of language, civilization, and literature); art and archaeology, including art history and studio art; and European/international studies and social sciences (business, comparative literature, economics, education, government, history, philosophy, political science, and psychology). The Marchutz School combines studio work and liberal arts courses with an intensive art criticism seminar and excursions to European museums and cities, including Paris, Giverny, and Venice.
Included in the program is the homestay. Students share daily continental breakfasts and six dinners per week with their hosts. Excursions are also a part of each program. Each center offers its own regional excursions, and students are strongly encouraged to participate. These excursions provide excellent opportunities to see and learn more about other places in the south of France.
- Setting Description:
- One of the most beautiful and varied regions of France, Provence has a marvelously diverse topography with valleys, mountains, canyons, legendary beaches, and the salt marshes of the Camargue, where horse breeding is still a thriving industry. Rich in artistic heritage, Aix-en-Provence is renowned its their medieval, Renaissance, and 17th and 18th century architecture. Cave paintings in Cassis, Romanesque abbeys in the Vaucluse, and the influence of Cezanne in Aix, Van Gogh in Arles, Camus in Lourmarin, and Cocteau on the Cote d'Azur are just a few treasures of the region's cultural heritage.
- Cost:
- Fall 2015 and Spring 2016: $16,915 Summer 2015 (3 weeks/3 credits): $4,250 Summer 2015 (6 weeks/6 credits): $7,275 Summer 2015 (6 weeks/ 9 credits): $8,390
Program Reviews
Overall Rating
Based on 2 Reviews
- A Personal Accomplishment06/27/16
I could go on and on about how amazing of a trip this was for me. In a snapshot though, the program taught me a lot about myself and what I thought I couldn't accomplish, I could. They brought us on field trips on Sundays, created events for us to meet
other French students and introduced me to new best friends and a loving host family. Aix-en-Provence is a great location in that it is close to a lot of small towns in Provence but also close to Marseille which was an easy bus trip to get to the airport for the other bigger excursions. Yes, the town is small, but I didn't find it too small. There was always a new store to pop your head into and the local bakers on the routes you tend to take got to know you which made it feel like home. Some negatives though, as it would not be fair to give this a 10/10. I thought they could have done a better job on the first arrival weekend, coordinating with the host parents. Some of the professors did not teach very well and they were serious classes I was taking so I felt a little behind with the rest of my friends back in the States. Also, it's very english orientated so if you want the full immersion, I wouldn't attend this. However, it was perfect for me because I got to speak French everywhere else (house, shops, trips, etc.) and knew I had one place to go back to where I could be comfortable in my language. Also, don't expect too much on the food from host parents. They have a budget, they stick to it. I would have liked the ability to have some space in the kitchen for my own food to make lunches since Aix is pretty pricey. The administration staff were fantastic. They really wanted to make you feel at home. Overall, I would go back in a flash and if you're debating between this program and another, stop debating and TAKE THIS ONE!
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Semester in Aix-en-Provence05/20/16
IAU is a good study abroad experience if you're looking for an English-heavy study abroad. The town, Aix-en-Provence, is a good place to spend a semester, but it's really quite small and expensive. My host mom made it a wonderful experience, and it
was fun to have a group of Americans to befriend, but it felt like more of a semester off of school with other Americans than a "Study Abroad" experience. Really really good professors, but low academic standards. And not much school-sponsored trips, as compared to my friends who did other study abroad programs. It's kind of cold there, but it is very pretty, and it's really easy to get around France/Europe from Aix. Definitely a fun place to go if you're looking for a fun, bar-hopping semester.
read moreBottom Line:No, I would not recommend this to a friend