Aix-en-Provence, located in the south of France, is known for its picturesque vistas, delightful Mediterranean climate, and rich sense of history. An easy-going yet chic place where the city and university meet, Aix-en-Provence has been a center of study for French students since its first university was founded in the 15th century. Today, more than forty thousand students live and study in the city. IAU College School of Humanities and Social Sciences is located in the heart of this academic community in the oldest part of town, next to the Institut d'Etudes Politiques and opposite the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur.
Not only is Provence noted for its spectacular landscapes and climate, it is renowned for its world-famous cuisine, wines, and autonomous culture. Locals embrace living the good life, strolling its many pedestrian-only neighborhoods and perusing the bountiful outdoor markets. Provence’s beautiful vistas have famously drawn artists here for generations including Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Matisse.
The Campus
IAU College campus buildings are scattered across the charming city of Aix-en-Provence. The Humanities and Social Sciences building and School of Business & International Relations are located in the beautiful old section of Aix-en-Provence. Facilities are completely state-of-the-art while still holding all the old charms of southern France. All buildings are equipped with Wi-Fi with the most modern technology.
IAU College Fine Arts courses are housed in the Marchutz School of Fine Arts' studio. Situated on the outskirts of Aix on the renowned 'Route de Cézanne,' the school's location in Aix-en-Provence has many advantages, among them its light-filled space, the studio's proximity to the famed Chateaunoir and Sainte Victoire and most importantly, its calm and contemplative atmosphere conducive to sustained, artistic concentration. The studio itself was designed by architect Fernand Pouillon.
Orientation
Upon arrival, all students will participate in a comprehensive orientation program to help familiarize them with their local surroundings, discuss health and safety as well as acquaint them with university and program resources. Students are introduced to one another, to IAU and to Aix-en-Provence. They meet with the Housing and Academic Directors and with the staff. During this period, the academic policies of IAU are explained and information is given about housing, cross-cultural adaptation, safety and security, and banking options. New students are briefed on social and recreational activities such as sports, ski trips, local gyms, and excursions. French "partenaires linguistiques" show students around the city, answer questions about life in France, and introduce their new American friends to "les jeunes Aixois”.
Academics
Students will attend classes at IAU College, which offers a variety of courses. The study abroad programs at IAU College provide students with an international education that inspires intercultural awareness and prepares them for responsible roles in the global community. It is through these study abroad programs that students are able to gain an understanding of European and Mediterranean history, languages, cultures, and contemporary issues.
Students are required to take a French language course and 4 additional content courses taught in English, for a total of up to 15 credits. Students have the opportunity to replace one of their courses with a for-credit internship (see below for more details).
A database of all courses approved by Fairfield University department chairs can be found here:
Database of Approved Courses
Fairfield University, a Jesuit institution, is a fully accredited university and member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Recognized by the Italian government as an institution of higher learning in Italy, Fairfield University is also a member of AACUPI, the Association of American College and University Programs in Italy. All students will receive a Fairfield University transcript with letter grades.
Internships
Fairfield University students may take part in an International Internship in many of our locations abroad. This unique opportunity will allow the student to develop international business skills for the working world. The Internship gives students:
- a chance to experience how business is conducted first-hand in another country,
- an understanding of a new culture and society,
- and in some cases, is an opportunity to improve one's ability to speak a foreign language.
The primary goal of an intern will be to continually seek to learn new skills and develop themselves as both individuals and as professional employees. For more information about an internship while studying abroad contact your academic advisor.
Internship opportunities are available to all students for 3 credits. This opportunity provides practical work experience and insight into the French workplace in a variety of professional fields.
After a student has been approved to study abroad with IAU, students will work with the IAU Internship Coordinator to prepare a resume in French, practice interviewing standards and techniques and to prepare for placement in a French enterprise. The internships listed
here are examples of typical internship placement opportunities where IAU semester students have been placed in the past.
Service/Community Engagement
Local excursions during both semester and summer programs provide students with an enhanced awareness of Provençal culture while giving them a unique and unparalleled French experience. Many students chose to enhance their experience in Aix by volunteering in the local community. Find out more
here.
Housing
Students live in comfortable, furnished homestays in and around the center of Aix, within a 15-30 minute walk to school. Students will live in an apartment or house with a French host. All hosts are carefully vetted and chosen by IAU, and have hosted American students in the past.
Living in a French home is considered the best form of housing because it provides an immediate introduction to life in this new place. It is an incomparable opportunity for those who seek knowledge that is neither superficial nor second hand. It provides an introduction into the community and is a great incentive to learning the language. With very few exceptions, IAU alumni feel that living in a French home is far preferable to living independently.
Students have a private bedroom (shared bath) and will be provided breakfast daily and six dinners per week. Homestays are equipped with bedding and Wi-Fi access is provided. Each host will generally provide one machine load of wash per week.
For more information please visit the IAU College
website.
Student Services
IAU offers its students in Aix-en-Provence, France, dozens of opportunities to explore and maximize their time abroad. From cultural and linguistic immersion opportunities to athletic sports, lecture series to soirées with students from the local French universities, IAU has something to meet the needs and interests of its diverse student body. Click
here to learn more.
Visa
United States citizens studying abroad in France for more than 90 days are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival in country. Students are responsible for obtaining all necessary documentation and for scheduling visa appointments.The visa process for France is a multi-step application and should be started as soon as students have been provided with their acceptance letters from IAU. For the application process and more information, please click
here.
Application Procedures
In order to participate in this program, each student must complete the following steps (preferably in this order):
- Attend information session (required)
- Meet with academic advisor
- Meet with study abroad advisor
- Apply
- Attend accepted students’ meeting (required)
- Meet with academic advisor again
- Attend course approval clinics
- Attend pre-departure meeting (required)
After the initial application has been processed by the Study Abroad Office, students will receive an e-mail regarding their application status and instructions on the next steps.
Application Deadlines
Fall/ Year: December 15
Spring: May 1
Admission
This program is open to all sophomore, junior, or senior students who are in good academic and social standing at their home institution and who can certify a grade point average of at least a 2.8 as well as meet the remaining
Fairfield University Study Abroad approval requirements. This program is competitive and applicants are expected to exhibit a high level of maturity, independence, and seriousness of purpose.
Program Fees
All students will be charged Fairfield University tuition, room and ? board. For questions regarding billing, please contact the Fairfield University Bursar’s Office.
Semester program cost includes
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Tuition
-
Housing
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Airport pick-up and transfer
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Comprehensive orientation
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Onsite student support with 24-hour emergency assistance
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Cultural excursion
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Insurance, including full medical coverage and medical emergency evacuation
Program Cancellation
Students are required to submit a non-refundable $1,000 deposit for their program after committing to going abroad for a semester or summer, and are subject to a cancellation fee if they withdraw from the program after the deposit deadline. The deposit is part of the students overall tuition and will be reflected on their invoice.The Deposit Deadline is as follows:
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Fall/Year: March 1
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Spring: October 1
The amount of the cancellation fee will be determined by the Fairfield University Office of Study Abroad after a review is conducted of the non-refundable expenses that have already been incurred. These direct non-refundable expenses will begin to incur as soon as commitment is made to the study abroad program; they may include tuition, housing, and orientation fees. The cancellation fee may be as high as $12,000 or more.
Please see additional program cancellation policy information.
Insurance
All participating students are automatically enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) health insurance for the duration of their study abroad program. This insurance is included in the program fee, and there is no additional cost to the student. This coverage should not replace your primary insurance.
Fairfield University requires that all travel done independently from the program be registered with CISI for emergency purposes. Independent travel can be registered by logging into individual CISI accounts. Students will be able to log-in once insurance cards are issued (within a month of departure).
To view detailed information regarding the Fairfield University Office of Study Abroad program agreement with CISI, please see the following CISI
website.
If you have additional questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact our office.
The Trustees of the University reserve the right to change tuition rates and make additional changes whenever necessary.
