France: Aix-en-Provence Semester

The Institute for American Universities in Aix-en-Provence

The Institute for American Universities is located in Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France. With a population of 130,000, Aix is one of the major university, legal, and cultural centers of France. Its lovely winding streets and sunny squares, lined with churches, cafes, and theatres, have captured the attention of many artists. Aix has easy access to Paris, Geneva, London, and other major European cities. The Institute for American Universities, chartered by the Board of Regents of The State University of New York, was founded in 1957 under the auspices of the Universitè d'Aix-Marseille, and is one of the oldest and largest education abroad programs of its type in Europe.

Course Offerings

Designed for all majors, IAU's Aix Center is renowned for its founding philosophy of making it possible for students with beginning French language skills to study in France.  The structure of its program, which combines French language study with a range of liberal arts courses taught in both English and French, has opened the doors of cross-cultural learning to thousands of students who would otherwise have been denied the opportunity to study abroad.  IAU requires all students without prior background in French to take at least two introductory French language courses per semester in addition to their courses conducted in English.  Intermediate-level French students complement at least one language course with liberal arts courses taught in English or French, while students with advanced French competency may elect to take all of their courses in French.

 The neighboring French university, the Universite d'Aix-Marseille I, provides additional enrichment opportunities.  Local university students participate with IAU students in a language partners program of mutual English and French improvement, and with the approval of IAU's academic dean, qualified IAU students may enroll in courses at the university.  From their first encounter, Anglophone and Francophone students help one another by sharing their expertise in their native tongues.  Students from the Aix Center may also take advantage of volunteer opportunities in local elementary schools.

At the Aix Center, 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 (busineses, comparative literature, economics, education, government, history, philosophy, political science, and psychology).  A current and complete list of course offerings is available online at www.iaufrance.org/aix.

 

Student Life

IAU students are encouraged to live with French hosts, and almost all do so.  This firsthand experience with another culture is an integral part of the education abroad experience because it facilitates language acquisition and successful adaptation to France.  Living in a carefully selected French home is an invaluable opportunity not found in many study abroad programs.  Naturally, all students must accept the constraints and responsibilities such arrangements entail.  Students share daily continental breakfasts and six dinners per week with their hosts; they manage their own lunches and the one dinner per week not taken in the French home.

Those IAU students who wish to live in independent lodgings for dietary or other reasons shold be aware that these are in limited supply and often can only be arranged upon the student's arrival in Aix or Avignon.  Students are ultimately responsible for locating their own lodgings, arranging the terms of the rental, and handling all related issues.  In addition, IAU 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.

Alumni Feedback

"This is a first-time eye-opening experience! I have made wonderful friends. I find the program exciting, the staff helpful, and I have learned a lot, especially about myself!"
- Alan Houot, Washington State University

"Last year I studied in a program in a French university. In Aix, there is a difference in organization, courses and activities. At the CCIS program at IAU, I feel very secure in knowing that if I ever have a problem, there will be several people willing and able to help. I feel that the courses themselves are challenging. Overall, a wonderful experience in a wonderful place. IAU staff are very helpful and patient. "
- Brian Crookes, University of Rhode Island

"I came to Aix. I spoke French. My ideas became realities and experience became my teacher. I am ready to never stop traveling!"
- Alexander Friend, Colorado State University

 

Duration

Fall: September 5 - December 19, 2009
Spring: January 23 - May 16, 2010

Fall Break - Sat. Oct. 25 - Sun. Nov. 2///Spring Break - Sat. April 11 - Sun. April 19

Application Deadline(s)

Summer: April 15
Fall: May 1
Spring: November 1

Eligibility Requirements

A 2.5 GPA is required, along with transcripts and one letter of recommendation, for admission into the program which is open to students of freshman through senior standing.

Costs

$8,916 (CCIS member)
$9,875 (non-member)

Truman requires a $300 deposit, deducted from total amount due upon acceptance to the program, but does not have an application fee.

Costs Included

Instructional costs abroad, health insurance, ccis and sponsor fees

Costs Not Included

Fixed Costs:  Books ($180), activity fee ($650), room and half board ($4,600) Please note that these are fixed costs and a $750 deposit is required at the time of your acceptance, payable directly to the Institute for American Universities; this amount will be deducted from your housing fee. 

Estimated Costs:  Airfare ($1,200), Personal and food costs ($2,500)

Please note that a $750 deposit is required at the time of your acceptance, payable directly to the Institute for American Universities; this amount will be deducted from your housing fee.

 

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Related Links

• Wikipedia - Aix-en-Provence

 

Submit Application Materials To:

Rosa Virginia Mendez, Study Abroad Advisor

Truman State University
Center for International Education Abroad
Kirk Building 114
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 785-4076
(660) 785-7473 (Fax)
rvmendez@truman.edu

- or -

Eva Fernandez

Interim Program Manager

Office of International Education
Miami Dade College
300 NE Second Avenue
Suite 1450
Miami, FL 33132
efernan1@mdc.edu
(305) 237-3008
(305) 237-7439 (Fax)

 

Leeza Fernand

Office of International Education
Miami Dade College
300 NE Second Avenue
Suite 1440
Miami, FL 33132
lfernan7@mdc.edu
(305) 237-3580
(305) 237-7439 (Fax)

How do I apply?

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading and printing the following forms. These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.

CCIS APPLICATION PACKAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.