IAU Aix-en-Provence website
Advisor/Important notes:
- Hybrid/Group Programs offer students the ability to learn alongside other global study students from US institutions at international study centers. Some hybrid/group programs allow students to enroll in a couple of courses at local universities, but a majority of these programs are taught by local faculty and professionals through an affiliated study abroad provider at their program’s academic center. These programs frequently offer courses that relate to the program location including language and culture classes, and they tend to focus less on STEM courses. On a vast majority of hybrid/group programs, students live with host families/homestays, providing them a great connection to the local culture.
- Aix en Provence is a small hillside town, 10 miles from the beach, close to the airport. Small but very walkable. Southern France is not Paris (4 hours by train), but it is small and relaxed and many Parisians have a summer home here. Delicious foods—aioli is specifically from Provence. About 2.5 hours from the mountains.
- The program is divided into tracks— Business, Art, etc.—however, most students (with the exception of Art students) should just apply for the Humanities and Social Science program so they’ll have access to all the courses.
- Art students interested in specifically studio courses should apply to the Marchutz School of art—set curriculum and physically in a different location.
- Most majors work for this program.
- Students stay with host families (1-3 students per family).
- French majors/minors must meet with the French Department when planning a global study semester.
Who to contact:
- Carmen Ortiz (manages application and advising processes) - Carmen.Ortiz@iau.edu
- Contact a returned Gettysburg student
Program Highlights:
- Aix-en-Provence is a charming university town located in the southern region of France. The city of Aix (pronounced like the letter "X") provides traditional French culture in an intimate setting, while offering the appeal and elegance of a large metropolis. The historic town is known for its beloved painter, Paul Cézanne, who painted the surrounding rolling landscape, including Mont Sainte-Victoire. Local field studies during both semester and summer programs provide students with an enhanced awareness of Provençal culture while giving them a unique and unparalleled French experience. While abroad, students explore Aix and the surrounding regions through courses, field studies, and cultural activities. IAU’s campus in Aix is centrally located in the historic part of town just a few doors down from local French universities, shops, and cafes.
- Over the course of their time abroad, students can expect to participate in field study trips associated with specific classes, where faculty use the city of Aix-en-Provence as their classroom. These field studies include visits to museums, historical and cultural sites, and local businesses. Academic study tours may include Paris, Geneva, Arles, Isle sur la Sorgue, Fontaine de Vaucluse, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Marseille, and Nîmes. Some courses may include field studies to other parts of France, Europe, and North Africa.
- Students can also participate in a variety of activities and study tours that enrich the academic and cultural experience of the program, which may be day trips or weekend study tours to other cities or international destinations. Cultural activities include visits to world-famous locations, cooking classes and wine tastings, language exchanges with local students, and thematic walking tours to familiarize students with different areas of the city.