Fairfield University: Aix-en-Provence - Semester or Year Program

ABOUT AIX, AND PROVENCE Aix-en-Provence, located in the south of France, is known for its picturesque vistas, Mediterranean climate, and sense of history. The city boasts a timeless charm yet remains modern with its many university-attending students who populate the city and add to the rich variety of people, cultures, and traditions. Provence has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was known in ancient times as part of Narbonensis, inhabited by Ligurians and later Celts. The coastal strip was settled by Greeks and Phoenicians from around 600 BC onwards, with Marseille becoming one of the great trading cities of the Mediterranean. It was progressively settled by the Romans from the 2nd century BC, eventually becoming a province of the Roman Empire. This gave it its name, from the Latin provincia, as Provence was one of the first and most romanised provinces. A university town, Aix-en-Provence has been a center of study for French students since its first university was founded there in the 15th century. More than forty thousand students live and study in the city. The Institute for American Universities' (IAU) Aix Center 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. Provence is noted for its landscapes and climate, its cuisine, its wines, and its perfumes. The major perfume-making region of Grasse is located near Nice. World-famous Provençal cuisine is characterized by the use of vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, herbs such as thyme, and olive oil. The Provence region is also known for its wines, particularly rosés produced under the Côtes de Provence appellation such as Syrahs and Grenaches. COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM: IAU is known for its focus in business, language, and culture courses, among many others! Archaeology, Art History, Communication, French Language (conversation and composition), Finance,History, International Business, Literature, Management, Marketing, Philosophy, Manchutz School of Art THE PROGRAM Fairfield University, a Jesuit institution, is a fully accredited university and member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Students attending our programs will receive a Fairfield University transcript. Most students participating in the Fairfield program will attend classes at the Institute for American Universities (IAU), which is located in the historic city center. Students take three to six credits in French (depending on placement level) and up to four additional courses (presented in English) from among IAU's social sciences, humanities and business offerings to round out their curriculum. Additionally, students with intermediate French or higher can strengthen their language skills by taking selected courses in the humanities and social sciences taught in French for American students. 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 (comparative literature, economics, education, government, history, philosophy, political science, and psychology). In addition, through its AACSB-accredited Charles F. Dolan School of Business, Fairfield offers courses in the business disciplines such as management, marketing and finance as well as business ethics and business French. Qualified students with a high degree of proficiency in the French language may elect to take one course with French students at one of France's leading universities, Université d'Aix-Marseille. The precursor of today's Aix campus was founded in 1603 by the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits) with courses in theology, law, and medicine. The renovated Chapelle des Pénitents Bleus serves as the headquarters of the Aix Center. Located in the heart of the old city of Aix, the chapel houses classrooms; a library with a permanent collection, electronic databases, and reading rooms; a student lounge, and administrative offices. Classes are also held in the presbytery next to the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur as well as in a nearby townhouse directly facing the magnificent 13th century façade of the cathedral. The townhouse also contains IAU's central administration. Wireless high-speed Internet access is available in and near the chapel and the townhouse. HOUSING Students can choose to live with roommates or housemates or choose to live on their own in a homestay. Students live in comfortable, furnished homestays in and around the center of Aix, within a 15-30 minute walk to school. Students will have a private bedroom (shared bath) in an apartment or house with a French host. IAU's hosts come from a cross section of society; all are carefully chosen and many have hosted American students for several years. When living in French homes, students are on a demi-pension "plan." This includes daily breakfast and six dinners per week. Bed linen, pillow, and blankets are provided, but not towels, and the room is cleaned weekly. Apartments and independent living opportunities can also be arranged at an additional cost; inquire well in advance of the program start date as these options are limited. PROGRAM COSTS INCLUDE: 15-18 Fairfield University undergraduate credits with grades Housing in homestays or shared apartments (may carry additional charge) in and around the historic center of Aix Comprehensive orientation program Business familiarization visits to companies in Paris and Marseille Onsite student support with 24-hour emergency coverage Cultural activities Access to Fairfield University library resources online Visa assistance for qualified students depending on French consulate regulations Insurance, including full medical coverage and medical emergency evacuation