French Studies in the Arts, Language, Culture, Sports and Recreation

“Ask the traveled inhabitant of any nation, in what country on earth would you rather live? Certainly in my own…which would be your second choice? France.” Thomas Jefferson

There’s a reason why Aix-en-Provence is known as le petit Paris au soleil. Cobblestone streets lined with cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries recall a micro-version of France’s bustling capital. After a few short weeks in Aix, you will feel right at home among the many students and artists who flock there each summer for its arts festivals, delicious food, and central location in the heart of Provence.

If you are interested in improving your French language skills while gaining exposure to the daily life of a local French student then it is hard to think of a better summer opportunity than our Aix-en-Provence residential immersion program. Living in an apartment-style residence just a two minute walk from the city’s historic center means you never miss a beat when it comes to daily cultural activities and events. Things like shopping for produce alongside locals in the open-air markets to enjoying lunch with friends in Aix’s charming plazas after class will help you to feel part of the local student culture. Add to this pre-planned group activities, outings, and day trips each weekend and what you have here is la win-win-win-WIN situation.

Residential Life

Learning to co-habitate with your peers and manage a daily schedule are two of the most important factors in determining your ability to become a responsible young adult. To this end, the residential living aspect of the Aix program is parfait. Our modern residence is located just steps from the lively Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s main street, assuring you an exciting and efficient daily schedule. Similar to a university dorm’s apartment suites, you will share an apartment containing bedrooms, a kitchenette, living room and a bathroom shared with 2-4 Abbey Road students. Daily tasks as simple as learning to coordinate the morning shower schedule to making sure there is enough yogurt in the fridge for everyone to grab a bite before class are really important steps in preparing you for the transition to college. While helping you gain independence is a central goal to this living experience, safety is always our top priority. You will sleep safe-and-sound knowing your program staff members live in the same building as you and are available 24 hours a day.

Daily Schedule

Aix is so incredible, a month-long stay is sure to fly by. To make the most of your experience abroad each week is designed to combine learning and activities with travel and leisure. Our French language classes meet each morning, Monday through Friday, while weekday afternoons alternate between your pre-selected elective class and group activities and excursions. Every weekend you and your new friends will tour the region during day trips planned and chaperoned by the program staff. From conversation classes and concerts to casual afternoons beachside in Cassis we make sure your month is bursting with sites to see, lessons to learn, and things to do!

Day Trips

Aix is centrally located between some of the most beautiful inland sites unique to Provence and several incredible coastal towns and cities; the phrase “the best of both worlds” comes to mind here. Each week you will take several day trips to get a good taste of the region. From navigating the markets in Marseille’s urban center to exploring the Roman coliseum in Arles you’ll be awed and, we hope, inspired by these weekly excursions.

Optional Travel Extension – Paris

Ah, Paris! The city of lights! Delicious food, fantastic art, amazing architecture, the list goes on and on. A four-day visit to Paris is the perfect way to complete an Abbey Road adventure in France. Our exciting itinerary includes both guided visits to museums and historical sites and time for you to discover the city’s famous neighborhoods. Sure we will show you the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, among others, but you will also be free (within our safety guidelines) to enjoy the city’s famous café scene and shopping districts with your good friends in tow. Who knows, you just might even take a dinner cruise on the river Seine!