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About the Program
Study abroad in the south of France while participating in an American form of university education. Choose from a wide range of electives in subjects from business to communication, art history to psychology, education to humanities. Most elective courses are taught in English, allowing you to take full advantage of IAU College’s offerings. French language instruction is available at all levels of proficiency, from beginning to advanced. Semester students are required to take a French language course, while Summer students are encouraged, but not required, to enroll in a French language course.
Requirements
Overview
Aix-en-Provence
1/21/26 - 5/9/26
$21,995
15 - 16
Deadlines
10/1/25
11/1/25
Requirements
Eligibility
1 Year of College
2.5
All Levels
Some students may attend US colleges/universities already affiliated with this host institution and therefore will not be eligible to attend this CEA program. Please call CEA for further details regarding eligibility specifics.
Where You'll Study
IAU
Founded in Aix-en-Provence, France in 1957 under the auspices of l'Université d'Aix-Marseille and initially chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, Institute for Am...
IAU
Founded in Aix-en-Provence, France in 1957 under the auspices of l'Université d'Aix-Marseille and initially chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, Institute for American Universities (IAU) is one of Europe’s oldest and largest education abroad programs. IAU serves as the study abroad institute of The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM), a U.S. non-profit institution which provides American degree programs at its Aix-en-Provence campus.
IAU welcomes undergraduates from U.S. colleges and universities who wish to study abroad for a semester or summer term. Courses in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts are taught in French and English. Previous French language experience is not necessary. In the context of Provence's rich Mediterranean heritage, IAU delivers curriculum that guides students to cultural competency while fostering a life-long affinity for the culture, language, and people of France.
Since its inception, IAU has enrolled more than 30,000 students and worked with over 700 U.S. public and private colleges and universities, many of which are familiar with the high standards of IAU’s programs and which accept IAU’s recommendations for the direct transfer of academic credit to the home institution. A number of U.S. universities and colleges have signed direct affiliation agreements with IAU and provide for direct transfer of academic credit.
Credit Transfer Information
IAU curricula and class schedules follow a U.S. university model. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Transcript Information
Students receive an official transcript from IAU’s parent institution, ACM, complete with traditional American letter grades upon successful completion of the program. It is understood that some institutional policies require students to obtain their study abroad credit from accredited U.S. institutions. For these cases, IAU has an agreement with a U.S. school of record. Students are encouraged to work directly with their study abroad office or academic advisors to determine if they will accept an official IAU transcript or will require an official school of record transcript for credit transfer.
Accreditation
ACM-IAU is recognized as an institution of higher learning by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the French Ministry of the Interior, and the Rectorat of Aix-Marseille University.
Further, ACM, IAU’s parent institution, has been granted candidate for U.S. accreditation status by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Candidacy is not accreditation nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Candidacy is a formal affiliation with the New England Commission of Higher Education. It indicates that the institution has achieved initial recognition and is progressing toward accreditation.
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
- Language and elective courses are taught by international faculty.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams are administered.
- Attendance of classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- Small class sizes allow for personalized attention.
- You’ll attend class with other CEA CAPA participants and U.S. students.
Amenities
Student Lounge
Counseling Services
University Library
Computer Lab
Printing Facilities
Student ID
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Language Exchange with Local Students
Cultural Engagement
15
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
Beginning French speakers will enroll in 1 language course and 3 elective courses. Intermediate and advanced speakers will enroll in 1 language course and 4 elective courses. Language courses meet for 45-90 contact hours/3-6 credits; electives meet for 15-90 contact hours/1-3 credits per semester. You may earn up to a total of 15-16 credits (up to 225-270 contact hours).
Classes meet Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Before you leave for Aix, you'll submit an IAU course selection form and an IAU language questionnaire that estimates your language knowledge. An IAU advisor will evaluate your language questionnaire and transcript and either enroll you in courses or schedule a language placement exam that you'll take before your program starts. After you arrive on-site, French faculty will determine if you're the in correct language level; you'll have two weeks to add/drop if necessary.
It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for France. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Classes meet Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Before you leave for Aix, you'll submit an IAU course selection form and an IAU language questionnaire that estimates your language knowledge. An IAU advisor will evaluate your language questionnaire and transcript and either enroll you in courses or schedule a language placement exam that you'll take before your program starts. After you arrive on-site, French faculty will determine if you're the in correct language level; you'll have two weeks to add/drop if necessary.
It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for France. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Beginner Level Course Structure
Available Levels
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRE 101 Practical Elementary French I | 100 | Fr | 45 | 3 |
| FRE 102 Practical Elementary French II | 100 | Fr | 45 | 3 |
| FRE 151 Immersive Elementary French I then II | 100 | Fr | 90 | 6 |
| FRE 251 Immersive Elementary French II then Intermediate French I | 200 | Fr | 90 | 6 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENS/WGS 380 Applied Sustainable Viticulture | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARA 151 Elementary Modern Standard Arabic I or II | 100 | Ar | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARH/ART 201 Introduction to Art History: Prehistory to Modern Times | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ARH/ART 342 Artistic Encounters in the Mediterranean: Cross Cultural Perspectives in European Art | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ARH/ART 364 Contemporary Art: Visual Representations of the Mediterranean | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ART 108 Smartphone Photography & Videography * | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ART 114 Introduction to Printmaking: Theory & Practice | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ART 306 Drawing into Painting * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ART 382 Cezanne and Van Gogh | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ART/ARH 303 Modern Art: Rebels and Icons | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ART/ARH 373 Renaissance Art and Architecture | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| MSM/ARH 391 Museums Today: Mission and Challenges (Museology Seminar) | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART/BUS 327 Arts Administration: Cultural Management & Leadership | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUS 301 International Business Today and Tomorrow | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS 303 Intercultural Management | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS 304 Business Ethics in the Global Market | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS 307 What is French Luxury Today? | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS 314 The Global Fashion Industry in the Mediterranean | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS 323 Socially Responsible and Sustainable Fashion Management | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS 336 Sustainable Entrepreneurship | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS 338 Perfume Culture & Business: French History and Know-How in Action | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS/IRL 335 Strategic Communications and the Magic of Stories * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS/WGS 310 International Wine Business | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COM/IRL 316 Media and Conflict * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLT/WGS 307 Wine and Food Pairing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ENS/WGS 305 Chemistry and Biochemistry of Wine Production | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| MKT/WGS 302 Wine Marketing and Sensory Analysis * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS/WGS 270 Food Culture in Provence, France and the Mediterranean | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| HIS/WGS 340 The History and Culture of Wine in the Mediterranean | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| MED/SOC 352 Mediterranean Identities and Cultures through the Lens of Museums | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECO 301 International Economics and the European Union | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG/LIT 377 Creative Writing - Spirit of Place | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENS 200 Ecology of the Mediterranean | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ENS 201 Principles of Environmental Systems Science | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ENS/IRL 334 European Union Environmental Politics | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ENS/POL 309 Global Environmental Politics * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIN 300 Financial Management | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRE/LIN 379 Deep-Dive into the French Language: History, Acquisition and Teaching | 300 | Fr | 45 | 3 |
| LIT 325 The European Novel | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC/ARH 313 Powers and Identities in the Ancient Mediterranean | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| COM/HIS 314 France During the Occupation: 1939-1945 * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| HIS 303 France and Europe in the Cold War | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| HIS/POL 321 French Colonialism in the Middle East and North Africa | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| HIS/SOC 304 Muslim Presence in Europe * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUS/IRL 333 International Crisis Management * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| BUS/IRL 337 International Negotiations * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| IR 305 US Diplomacy in an Age of Change: Case Studies and Practical Exercises * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| IRL/MED 323 Migrations, Borders, Hospitality | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| IRL/POL 303 International Relations * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUS 305 Global Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTH 101 College Math: An Applied Approach | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART/MUS 245 Music and Sound of the Mediterranean | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI/POL 312 Ethics in Society * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| PHI/POL 319 Contemporary Political Philosophy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| PHI/REL 402 Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Religion * | 400 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRL/POL 308 Geopolitics of the Mediterranean Basin: Security in a Diverse Region | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| IRL/POL 318 Palestinian Israeli Conflict | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| IRL/POL 360 The International Law and Politics of Armed Conflict * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| POL 307 The European Union: Integration, Enlargement, Unity | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 304 Human Development in Cultural Contexts | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI/REL 301 The Problem of God | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| REL 311 Early Christianity in Europe | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUS/SOC 307 Opera, Women and Politics: How Music and Theatre Portray Femininity and Class | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 112 Ceramics I: Introduction to Ceramics | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
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Mirabeau Student Residence - Shared Studio
Available:
Semester
Summer
An ideal apartment choice for students living in France for the first time. The Residence Mirabeau complex is located in the center of town, in the historical Quartier Mazarin a 2-minute walk from the main street, the Cours Mirabeau and a 15-minute walk to CEA CAPA's partner schools in Aix. Residence Mirabeau is made up of forty studios on three floors. CEA CAPA manages a handful of studios - the other studios are occupied by French and international students studying in Aix. You will be sharing a studio with another CEA CAPA student.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in Aix-en-Provence: 10 minutes on foot
- IAU College: 10 minutes on foot
- Aix Marseille University: 15 minutes on foot
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 2 students per room
- 40 studios in building housing French and some international students
Unit Amenities
- Small kitchen
- Shared bathroom
- Partial bed linens included
- Internet Access
- In-building paying laundromat
- Fans Provided
Apartment - Shared Room
Available:
Semester
Summer
All CEA CAPA students studying in Aix-en-Provence have the option of living in apartments while abroad. Located in or near the city center, these apartments cater to the independent, do-it-yourself type students who want to experience Aix just as the locals do. Cook tasty French meals with your roommates in your kitchen, explore the personality of the neighborhood that surrounds you and make your new Provençal apartment a home.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in Aix-en-Provence: 10-40 minute walk or bus ride
- Aix Marseille University: 10-40 minute walk or bus ride
- IAU College: 10-40 minute walk or bus ride
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 2 students per room
- 3-5 students per apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared Full Kitchen
- Shared bathroom
- Partial bed linens included
- Internet Access
- Washer Only
- Fans provided
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Shared Apartment - Single Room
Available:
Semester
Summer
All CEA CAPA students studying in Aix-en-Provence have the option of living in apartments while abroad. Located in or near the city center, these apartments cater to the independent, do-it-yourself type students who want to experience Aix just as the locals do. Cook tasty French meals with your roommates in your kitchen, explore the personality of the neighborhood that surrounds you and make your new Provençal apartment a home. Students choosing this option will have a single room in a shared apartment with 1 to 4 other CEA CAPA students. (Single rooms are subject to availability and additional fees apply).
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in Aix-en-Provence: 10-40 minute walk or bus ride
- Aix Marseille University: 10-40 minute walk or bus ride
- IAU College: 10-40 minute walk or bus ride
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 1 student per room
- 2-4 students per apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared Full Kitchen
- Shared bathroom
- Partial bed linens included
- Internet Access
- Washer Only
- Fans provided
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Aparthotel - Shared Studio
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
An ideal housing choice for students living in France for the first time. The Aparthotel complex is located just outside the center of town, in the university district, within walking distance from the CEA CAPA Office and partner schools in Aix. The Aparthotel is made up of 172 studios and apartments on five floors. CEA CAPA manages a handful of studios - the other studios are occupied by students and tourists. You will be sharing a studio with another CEA CAPA student.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in Aix-en-Provence: 15 minutes on foot
- IAU College: 20 minutes on foot
- Aix Marseille University: 5 minutes on foot
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 2 students per room
- 172 studios in building housing French and international students and tourists
Unit Amenities
- Kitchenette Available
- Shared bathroom
- Bed linens and towels included
- Internet Access
- In-building paying laundromat
- A/C
- Gym
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Homestay
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Engage in Aix-en-Provence’s vibrant culture firsthand when you live in a homestay with a French family. For the culture-seeking type whose study abroad goals include improving French language skills and cultural understanding, homestays provide the opportunity to dive headfirst into the daily lives of Aix-en-Provence locals. (Additional Fees apply)
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in Aix-en-Provence: 10-40 minute walk or bus ride
- Aix Marseille University: 10-40 minute walk or bus ride
- IAU College: 10-40 minute walk or bus ride
Meals Included
- 2 meals per day – Breakfast & Dinner (M-F)
- Breakfast served on Weekends
Roommates
- 1 student per room
- 1-3 students per Homestay
Unit Amenities
- Limited Kitchen
- Shared-co-ed bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet Access
- Washer Only
- Central heating or space heaters
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Aix-en-Provence. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Cultural Engagement
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
January 21
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Marseille Provence airport on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing. |
|
January 22 - 23
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA CAPA Orientation will be held. |
|
January 25 - 26
|
Orientation
Mandatory IAU Orientation will be held. |
|
January 27
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at IAU on this day. |
|
March 02 - 13
|
Midterm Exams
Midterm exams will be held at IAU. |
|
March 14 - 22
|
School Break
IAU is closed for Spring Break. No classes will be held. |
|
April 06
|
Holiday
Easter Monday is a public holiday in France. No classes will be held. |
|
April 30
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at IAU. |
|
May 01
|
Holiday
Labor Day. No classes today. |
|
May 04 - 08
|
Final Exams
Final exams will be held at IAU. |
|
May 09
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.