Institute for American Universities (IAU): The School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Aix-en-Provence, France
- Location(s): Aix-en-Provence, France
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Intensive Language
Institute for American Universities (IAU)
Request Info
(For American Students)
Institute for American Universities (IAU) has been providing high quality study abroad opportunities for U.S. college and university students for over 52 years. It remains one of the oldest and largest education abroad sites in Europe as it provid... read more
All Reviews
how to navigate in different cultures and travel like a pro A student - SUNY - Fashion Institute of Technology View Entire Review
I learned what it was like to be a foreigner and to have to rely on other people for help. It was an incredibly humbling experience and I learned a lot about the host culture as well as my own American culture through the experience. A student - Covenant College View Entire Review
I learned how to adapt to another culture and live on my own in a country where English is not the native language or spoken by all of the citizenry. It was definitely worth it. A student - Rollins College View Entire Review
Other than practical information I gained a better sense of self and independence. I became a more well-rounded person as a result of my exposure to a different perspective. Elijah Nielsen - Truman State University View Entire Review
I definitely learned to open up, that it is not always bad to be vulnerable. Maria Hincapie - Adelphi University View Entire Review
Celine - SUNY - College at Oneonta View Entire Review
I learned how to be independent, how to slow down and appreciate my surroundings, and how to navigate a new culture. It was the best experience of my life and I would go back right now if I could. Rose Guth - University of San Diego View Entire Review
Absolutely! Arianna Zabriskie - Colorado State University View Entire Review
What I gained is not measure in grades. I gained memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. I also learned about a culture that is rich, diverse and very old. A student View Entire Review
The overall program was amazing, I'd do it all over again but I'd be smarter with my money. Don't buy much when you first get there just because you're excited, you have plenty of time to buy souvenirs before you leave. What I like about the program was that we were encouraged to travel. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I gained a better understanding of the French way of life and became much more comfortable with my French. Studying in Aix was one of the best experiences of my life, because I was able to experience several different cultures (French, Spanish, and British) and gained a lot of confidence in my French. I also made friends I hope ... Clara D - Truman State University View Entire Review

It is really hard to say. But it was hard leaving because this place became my new home, and saw things from a different perspective. I truly fell in love with the program and the region. Brillant A - University of Denver View Entire Review
Go with the flow and enjoy every moment while you're there - it goes by so much faster than you realize! I appreciate French culture norms a lot more than I did before. Without a doubt so worthwhile - why NOT study abroad??! A student - University of Denver View Entire Review
How much your life can change and how many things you can experience if you just leave your comfort zone A student - Brookdale Community College View Entire Review
I learned I can travel by myself (definitely recommend). Rachael - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Global skills Emily Scott - University of South Carolina - Columbia View Entire Review
I learned how to live and travel independently while relying on my instincts and language skills to communicate with people. Ameena Makhdoomi - Hobart and William Smith Colleges View Entire Review

I learned some French, which I didn't know before, I learned more about French culture, and I learned how to travel. Samantha Croney - Washington State University View Entire Review
I learned to see the world through non-American eyes and it was extremely eye opening for me. It was definitely the most worthwhile experience I've ever had. There's nothing about my college career that I loved more than my experience at IAU. Manar - Baylor University View Entire Review
I learned to be more courageous and to take risks. I took myself out of my comfort zone at least once a day and I absolutely loved it! I would recommend studying abroad to everyone. I can't help looking back at my pictures and smiling due to the amazing experience I had while abroad. Andrea - Truman State University View Entire Review
I learned about myself, the culture, and what I was studying. It has been my best semester so far and it was absolutely worthwile. katie m - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I learned a bit of French and a bit about French culture. Aix and I guess France as a whole is a first-world Western place like the US but the way of life is so different it might as well be on another planet. Experiences in the classroom and around town certainly shaped my career and life ambitions. But bring those Euros... she... Kevin Y - Cornell University View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile and definitely the best and most rewarding experience of my life so far. I gained so much from my time in Aix with my host family, the people at IAU, and everything that Aix has to offer as a city. Christina B - Fairfield University View Entire Review
I thoroughly enjoyed my abroad experience with IAU. Aix is a great city for students - lively yet safe, and the people are very excited to share their culture. I felt supported by the university but not coddled. There are many opportunities to travel and learn through the university, but you still have the time and freedom to ex... Susanna L - Otterbein University View Entire Review
I learned about culture and to adapt to new and amazing things. Elise S - Bryant University View Entire Review
About
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences, located in the beautiful old section of Aix-en-Provence, once a medieval village, is the only study abroad center in the region that offers classes in both French and English. The Aix Center prides itself on the diversity of its course offerings in both languages, which enables students with strong French language ability and those with not so strong language ability to gain access to a study abroad experience. The multiple course offerings allow students to fulfill many of their general education requirements and complete major and minor requirements linked to areas in the humanities, social sciences, education, and the arts. Students find courses in subject areas such as psychology, political science, comparative literature, art history, studio art, business, economics, philosophy, education, history, archaeology, civilization, theatre, government and French language from beginning to advanced levels. In addition, students who have an advanced level of French proficiency (at least the equivalent of 4 college semesters of the French language) are eligible to take and transfer credits from the University of Aix-Marseille.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadIntensive Language
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
- Academic Year
- January Term
Instruction Language(s):
- French
- English
Language Requirement(s):
- French
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- French Language, Literature
- Creative Writing
- Literature
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution
- Cultural Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Fine Arts, Studio Arts
- Business
- History
- Art History, Criticism and Conservation
Minimum GPA:
2.5Year Founded:
1957Website
Take me there!Statistics
Direct Enrollment/Exchange Scholarships
IAU offers two merit-based scholarships per semester and one per summer to students majoring in political science, international relations or global studies. Students applying for this scholarship should have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Selected recipients receive up to $2,000 each semester. Summer recipients receive up to $1,000.
Up to $2,000
IAU offers a $1,000 grant in honor of Dr. Herbert Maza, co-founder and first President of IAU, to qualified students who enroll for an academic year (two full semesters). The $1,000 scholarship will be applied against the student’s spring semester invoice. Depending on the billing arrangement IAU has with the student’s home institution, IAU will either credit the student’s spring semester invoice or provide the student with a check for $1,000 on-site. All students who spend a semester in Aix and maintain a 3.0 IAU GPA after their first semester will automatically qualify to receive the grant.
Up to $1,000
This is a merit-based scholarship available to students with outstanding academic achievement. Students applying for this scholarship should have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Selected recipients receive up to $2,500 each semester. Summer recipients receive up to $1,500.
Up to $2,500
IAU College’s Presidential Scholarship is awarded to students with exceptional academic ability who also have demonstrated outstanding out-of-classroom and co-curricular involvement and leadership. Students applying for this scholarship should have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Selected recipients receive up to $5,000 each semester. Summer recipients receive up to $2,500.
Up to $5,000
In honor of Amos Booth, esteemed teacher, director, and second President of IAU College, IAU offers a merit-based scholarship to eligible semester students who have been accepted into the French Honors Program. Students applying for this scholarship should have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Selected recipients receive up to $1,500 each semester. Summer recipients receive up to $500.
Up to $1,500
IAU College’s Diversity Scholarship recognizes the academic achievement and potential of students who, through sharing their varied cultural perspectives, will enhance the education of all IAU students and the excellence of IAU College. Open to students who have been traditionally under-represented on study abroad programs. This group includes, but is not limited to, students identifying by a certain race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability, age, national origin or ancestry, ethnic origin or veteran status. It would also include first generation college students, students from low income families, and students with a history of overcoming adversity. Selected recipients receive up to $2,000 each semester. Summer recipients receive up to $1,000.
Up to $2,000