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Programs : Brochure

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  • Locations: Aix-en-Provence, France
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Program Sponsor: Fairfield University 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, French Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior
Housing Options: Apartment (shared), Dormitory, Homestay Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Art History, Arts, Business, Economics, Finance, French, History, Management, Marketing, Philosophy, Psychology
Minimum GPA: 2.8
Program Description:

Aix-en-Provence


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. IAU College's (IAU) School for 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.

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 Fine Arts Drawing and Painting Program

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 IAU College, 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 School of Humanities and Social Sciences, 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 IAU College. 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 cost includes:

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