Aix-en-Provence Course Offerings
THE FRENCH HONORS PROGRAM AT IAU
Application Deadlines: See this page
Language Requirement: Open only to students with an advanced level of French. Must have completed 4 semesters of college French or equivalent.
Additional Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5. For complete requirements, please see the Eligibility section on this page.
Possible U.S. Credits: 15-16 semester credits. Normal course load is 5 courses. Classes are taken with other American students.
Final Transcript: Issued by IAU (Institute for American Universities).
*Some classes carry additional fees which are not included with the ASA program fee, to cover course-specific materials or mandatory academic excursions. Details are below.
French Honors Program Highlights
The French Honors Program is an academic track within the IAU School of Humanities and Social Sciences, designed for advanced French students and French majors as an opportunity to live and study in a 100% French-speaking environment. This program offers students a full immersion experience:
Students sign a contract to only speak French and will be spoken to only in French by IAU faculty and staff.
Students will be placed in homestays where only French is spoken.
Exclusive receptions, cultural activities and excursions, all in French.
Lecture series in French on topics such as politics, journalism and cultural history.
French Language Partner Program where you are paired with a local French university student to practice your language skills.
Optional stage (internship) based on your academic background and career goals.
Course offerings
Semester students on the French Honors Program will take a mandatory French Honors seminar course plus 4 additional courses of their choosing taught in French at the 300- or 400-level (total 16 credits).
Students who do not wish to take all their classes in French may take 1 class in English. At least 13 credit hours per semester must be taken in French.
All students MUST have a total of 8 classes approved by their home institution, in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. That way, if a class is full or cancelled, or if 2 of the classes you want to take meet at the same time, you’ll already have back-up classes that you know your school will accept. When you pre-register for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list a total of 8 possible classes on your registration form, in order of preference.
All courses with course number FRE are taught in French. All other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. Classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis, so it is best to apply early!
CLICK HERE for semester Course Offerings - This course offerings list contains typical fall and spring course offerings; however, course offerings and field studies are continually subject to change.
CLICK HERE for Course Descriptions/Syllabi
Course FEES
SOME CLASSES CARRY ADDITIONAL FEES, WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THE ASA PROGRAM FEE:
An additional $315 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Studio Art, Sculpture, Ceramics
An additional $150 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Wine Studies, Food, Photography, Filmmaking
French Civilization in Provence: additional $150 fee for mandatory academic excursions
Exploring Impressionism: additional $775 fee for mandatory academic excursion (Paris, overnight)
Additional courses besides these may carry additional fees; if so, this will be indicated at the Course Offerings link above.
Internship Opportunities
Internship opportunities are available for students on the French Honors Program. For more information, please CLICK HERE!
Early Start Program
The Early Start Program begins one week before the semester starts and is designed to help students at any French level get the most out of their semester. Early Start is an opportunity for students to brush up on their French in a fun and relaxed environment. In addition, you’ll have an extra week to settle in and get adjusted to life in France. If you haven’t taken French in a while or are just feeling unsure about your language ability, the Early Start program will help you feel more comfortable. Students who participate in Early Start will earn 1 credit, consisting of 15 in-class hours.
For full details on the Early Start Program, please click here!
The French Honors Program at IAU
Application Deadlines: See this page
Language Requirement: Open only to students with an advanced level of French. Must have completed 4 semesters of college French or equivalent.
Additional Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5. For complete requirements, please see the Eligibility section on this page.
Possible U.S. Credits: 6-9 semester credits (2-3 courses). Classes are taken with other American students.
Final Transcript: Issued by IAU (Institute for American Universities).
*Some classes carry additional fees which are not included with the ASA program fee, to cover course-specific materials or mandatory academic excursions. Details are below.
French Honors Program Highlights
The French Honors Program is an academic track within the IAU School of Humanities and Social Sciences, designed for advanced French students and French majors as an opportunity to live and study in a 100% French-speaking environment. This program offers students a full immersion experience:
Students sign a contract to only speak French and will be spoken to only in French by IAU faculty and staff.
Students will be placed in homestays where only French is spoken.
Exclusive receptions, cultural activities and excursions, all in French.
Lecture series in French on topics such as politics, journalism and cultural history.
French Language Partner Program where you are paired with a local French university student to practice your language skills.
Course offerings
Summer French Honors students will take a mandatory French Honors seminar course plus 1-2 additional courses of their choosing taught in French at the 300- or 400-level (total 6-9 credits). All classes must be taken in French.
Students planning to take 2 classes MUST have a total of 4 classes approved by their home institution. Students planning to take 3 classes MUST have a total of 6 classes approved. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. When you pre-register for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list a total of 5-6 possible classes on your registration form, in order of preference.
All courses with course number FRE are taught in French. All other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. Classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis, so it is best to apply early!
CLICK HERE for Summer 2024 Course Offerings & Class Schedules!
CLICK HERE for Course Descriptions/Syllabi
Course offerings and schedules are subject to change.
Course FEEs
SOME CLASSES CARRY ADDITIONAL FEES, WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THE ASA PROGRAM FEE:
An additional $315 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Studio Art, Sculpture, Ceramics
An additional $150 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Wine Studies, Food, Photography, Filmmaking
French Civilization in Provence: additional $150 fee for mandatory academic excursions
Exploring Impressionism: additional $775 fee for mandatory academic excursion (Paris, overnight)
Additional courses besides these may carry additional fees; if so, this will be indicated at the Course Offerings link above.
AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FRANCE
Internships are available to students with an Advanced level of French (at least 4 semesters of college French or equivalent) and are worth 3 semester credits.
Semester internships are NOT stand-alone, but are done in tandem with semester coursework at IAU.
All internships are unpaid.
Adapting to a new culture involves not only learning the language and culture but also a better understanding of the work environment and how methods and habits may differ from your home setting. IAU provides access to unpaid internships available at local enterprises for Fall and Spring students. Interested students should have completed at least 4 semesters of college French and provide their résumé before the start of the semester.
Pre-Interviews for these positions will be conducted within the first week of the semester. Most internships will allow for a 10-day trial period, after which the commitment cannot be broken. The internships listed below are the regular positions we offer students. We are constantly in the process of recruiting new positions so requests for particular internships are accepted. Students can expect to receive 3 credits for a semester internship.
EXAMPLE PLACEMENTS
Ainsi de Suite
Theatre troupe organizing and engaged in numerous international tours (Ethiopia, U.S., Cyprus, Israel)
Position: Communication
Job Description: Enhancing image of the theatre and its website, help setting up performances, attend theatre classes as well as play rehearsals
Aix City Local News
A weekly newspaper covering national issues with a focus on Aix and the surrounding region.
Position: Journalism
Job Description: Learn about the editorial process, attend editorial meetings, write short articles in French and in English for online and paper publication
Atelier Cézanne
Cézanne’s home transformed into a memorial and museum as well as a cultural space.
Position: Tourism
Job Description: Participate in the workshop’s activities, visitor reception, train as a guide for visitors
Boulangerie des Platanes
This is a typical bakery selling various types of breads and pastries as well as products for French style fast-food service.
Position: Salesperson
Job Description: Sale of products in the shop, learn the management of a typical French bakery, interact with clientele
British American Institute
Private language school for adults, children and professionals. The school specializes in French and English classes and organizing language learning abroad.
Position: Pedagogical Administration (2 positions available)
Job Description: Check and verify organization of courses (numerous tasks), reception, teaching conversation courses
France Advisory Properties
A start-up broker in prestige and investment real estate.
Position: Sales/Marketing
Job Description: Aid with marketing materials, develop and implement sales marketing strategy in prestige and investment real estate, correspond directly with clients (sale relations, phoning, site visits, participation in negotiations, etc.), foreign language ability beyond French is an advantage with international clients
Inlingua
Private language school, member of a global organization of 350 schools worldwide. The school focuses largely on adult education in a professional environment (25 languages).
Position: Marketing
Job Description: Initiation to sales and marketing, accompany marketing director to assist and take part in creating contracts with company clients, test and assess new participants and place them in appropriate courses, reception, teaching a language course
Law Offices
Organization is underway. Two positions will be available.
Librairie le Blason
Bookstore specializing in Provençal culture. Regularly hosts expositions, events, book signings and lectures.
Position: Sales/Communication
Job Description: Helping in the store, website maintenance, preparation for events, expositions, book signings
So Art
Events communications agency. Company helps clients with conception, production and promotion of its events such as seminars, conventions, teambuilding, company parties and any operations dealing with public relations.
Position: Management/Marketing/Communication
Job Description: Researching partners and artists, contacting potential clients, logistical support for events, client feedback
Théâtre du Ruban Vert
A multicultural space composed of a theatre-workshop with theatre classes, an art and photography gallery, an acting company, theatrical and musical programming and events (expos, shows, parties).
Position: Marketing
Job Description: Initiation of sales and marketing, accompany marketing director to help and take part in creating contracts with company clients, test and assess new participants and place them in appropriate courses, reception, teaching a language course
Yevents
A travel agency specializing in business tourism and leisure activities for businesses. The company organizes trips and events in order to strengthen contacts between business collaborations and customers and/or partners in the form of seminars, theme outings, weekends and sojourns.
Position: Marketing, Webmaster or Sales/Communication
Job Description: Marketing – creating brochures, finding new products, creating supplier dossiers. Webmaster – managing and developing the website, creating mailings for clients, graphic design. Sales/Communication – developing the sales network, product offers to clients, gathering client information, targeting range of products
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR INTERNSHIP
An internship is an opportunity to gain some experience in the field in which you wish to have a career. It is also a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your classes and gain networking contacts. That said, you need to be open-minded about the type of work you’ll be doing. For example, you may be assigned entry level work, such as making photocopies, filing, etc. However, if you “prove yourself” by producing quality work and showing your commitment to the job, the level of work assigned to you may improve. You will very likely need to earn the trust of your supervisor first, which may take a little time.
Pre-Interviews for internships will be conducted within the first week of the semester. Most internships will allow for a 10-day trial period, after which the commitment cannot be broken.
Throughout the semester the following will be required of you:
-Pre-interview in first week
-Three written reports in French throughout the semester (2-3 pages)
-One final report in French at end of the semester (5-6 pages)
applying for an internship
In addition to your ASA program application, students will be required to submit a CV (résumé) in Word format. After we receive your résumé, you may be asked to revise it before it is sent to potential placements.
Once you arrive in Aix-en-Provence, a “pre-interview” will be scheduled for you with the IAU internship placement team. The purpose of this “pre-interview” will be to get an idea of what would be a suitable placement as well as to work on designing a project that you will follow.
Once a possible placement has been located for you, you may be asked to appear for an interview. As with any job interview, there is no guarantee that you will be hired. However, in the past we have been able to find placements for the vast majority of applicants. If after your first interview you are not hired, we will continue searching for another placement for you.
To have the best possible chance of being hired, take the interview seriously – you are interviewing for a job. Dress appropriately and be on time. You will need to interview well, as it will ultimately determine whether or not you are hired. Do your research about the company prior to the interview and have a brief list of questions or things you would like to know about the company, if asked.
If hired, please be aware that the company is making a significant investment of their time and resources. Likewise, by accepting an internship, you are making a commitment to that organization, which should be taken seriously. You will be expected to complete your internship in full, from start to finish, and put forth your best effort while working there. Don’t worry – our on-site orientation after you arrive in Aix-en-Provence will help you understand what is expected of you. As long as you follow the advice given during orientation, you should have a successful internship experience!
The Marchutz School of Fine Arts at IAU
The Marchutz School of Fine Arts at IAU
Application Deadlines: See this page
Language Requirement: Open to students with any level of French and art experience.
Additional Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5. For complete requirements, please see the Eligibility section on this page.
Possible U.S. Credits: 15-16 semester credits. Normal course load is 5 courses. Classes are taken with other American students.
Final Transcript: Issued by IAU (Institute for American Universities).
*Some classes carry additional fees which are not included with the ASA program fee, to cover course-specific materials or mandatory academic excursions. Details are below.
What Makes Marchutz Special?
The Marchutz School of Fine Arts is open to students with any level of French and any level of art experience.
Through this unique program, studio art production is combined with study in the liberal arts disciplines. Your art studies will include spontaneous perceptual painting and drawing, intensive critical dialogue, extensive museum visits, and a community of students and artists at all levels.
Located on the “Route de Cézanne,” the school’s location on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence has many advantages. Among them are its light-filled space, the studio’s proximity to the famed Chateaunoir and Saint Victoire, and most importantly, its calm and contemplative atmosphere, conducive to sustained, artistic concentration.
The goal of the Marchutz art program is to help you develop a holistic approach to the study of art and art making. It will enhance your capacity to see and your awareness of the relationship between perception and imagination. You will form an integrative relationship between knowledge and intuition, perception and concept, and self-expression and global awareness.
You will draw and paint – every day, if possible, working from models, children, musicians, and dancers. You will interrelate figure drawing, portraiture, landscape, and still-life with interpretive copies of master works, memory work, and sketchbook journals. Study in museums and reading/writing assignments explore the correspondences between natural and artistic forms, and finally, group and individual critiques are essential to each student’s process.
Excursions
Excursions and museum visits are an integral part of the Marchutz program and are included with your program fees. Students visit small towns and villages of Provence, which in the past have included St. Remy, Arles, Luberon Valley villages of Bonnieux and Lacoste. In addition, semester students typically go on a longer painting trip to Paris, Giverny, or Venice.
course offerings
Students attending The Marchutz School of Fine Arts for a semester take a minimum of 15 credits, including the following:
Art Criticism & Aesthetics Seminar (mandatory core class, taught in English)
Drawing (mandatory core class, taught in English)
Painting (mandatory core class, taught in English)
One elective of your choosing
One French language class (taught at The IAU School of Humanities and Social Sciences)
All courses with course number FRE are taught in French. All other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted.
Students must have at least 2 electives approved by their home institution, in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. When you pre-register for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list a total of 2 possible electives on your registration form, in order of preference. Please note: a French placement exam will determine your appropriate French class placement.
CLICK HERE for semester Course Offerings - This course offerings list contains typical fall and spring course offerings; however, course offerings and field studies are continually subject to change
CLICK HERE for Course Descriptions/Syllabi
COURSE FEES
SOME CLASSES CARRY ADDITIONAL FEES, WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THE ASA PROGRAM FEE:
An additional $150 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Wine Studies, Food, Photography, Filmmaking
An additional $100 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Sculpture, Ceramics
French Civilization in Provence: additional $150 fee for mandatory academic excursions
Exploring Impressionism: additional $775 fee for mandatory academic excursion (Paris, overnight)
Additional courses besides these may carry additional fees; if so, this will be indicated at the Course Offerings link above.
Early Start Program
The Early Start Program begins one week before the semester starts and is designed to help students at any French level get the most out of their semester. Early Start is an opportunity for students to brush up on their French in a fun and relaxed environment. In addition, you’ll have an extra week to settle in and get adjusted to life in France. If you haven’t taken French in a while or are just feeling unsure about your language ability, the Early Start program will help you feel more comfortable. Students who participate in Early Start will earn 1 credit, consisting of 15 in-class hours.
For full details on the Early Start Program, please click here!
The Marchutz School of Fine Arts at IAU
Application Deadlines: See this page
Language Requirement: Open to all levels of French and art experience.
Additional Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5. For complete requirements, please see the Eligibility section on this page.
Possible U.S. Credits: 6-9 semester credits (2-3 courses). Classes are taken with other American students.
Final Transcript: Issued by IAU (Institute for American Universities).
*Some classes carry additional fees which are not included with the ASA program fee, to cover course-specific materials or mandatory academic excursions. Details are below.
What Makes Marchutz Special?
The Marchutz School of Fine Arts is open to students with any level of French and any level of art experience.
Through this unique program, studio art production is combined with study in the liberal arts disciplines. Your art studies will include spontaneous perceptual painting and drawing, intensive critical dialogue, extensive museum visits, and a community of students and artists at all levels.
Located on the “Route de Cézanne,” the school’s location on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence has many advantages. Among them are its light-filled space, the studio’s proximity to the famed Chateaunoir and Saint Victoire, and most importantly, its calm and contemplative atmosphere, conducive to sustained, artistic concentration.
The goal of the Marchutz art program is to help you develop a holistic approach to the study of art and art making. It will enhance your capacity to see and your awareness of the relationship between perception and imagination. You will form an integrative relationship between knowledge and intuition, perception and concept, and self-expression and global awareness.
You will draw and paint – every day, if possible, working from models, children, musicians, and dancers. You will interrelate figure drawing, portraiture, landscape, and still-life with interpretive copies of master works, memory work, and sketchbook journals. Study in museums and reading/writing assignments explore the correspondences between natural and artistic forms, and finally, group and individual critiques are essential to each student’s process.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Summer students at Marchutz will take 2 mandatory art classes taught in English: Art Criticism & Aesthetics, as well as Painting & Drawing. In addition to that, you can also take an optional third class (elective) of your choosing. (Pricing varies depending on how many credits you take.) Although you may take French language as your third class, it is not mandatory to take French on this program. Students who opt for the 9-credit Marchutz summer program should have 3 elective classes approved by their home institution, in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts.
All courses with course number FRE are taught in French. All other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. Classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis, so it is best to apply early!
CLICK HERE for Summer 2024 Course Offerings & Class Schedules!
CLICK HERE for Course Descriptions/Syllabi
Course offerings and schedules are subject to change.
COURSE FEES
SOME CLASSES CARRY ADDITIONAL FEES, WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THE ASA PROGRAM FEE:
An additional $100 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Sculpture, Ceramics
An additional $150 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Wine Studies, Food, Photography, Filmmaking
French Civilization in Provence: additional $150 fee for mandatory academic excursions
Exploring Impressionism: additional $775 fee for mandatory academic excursion (Paris, overnight)
Additional courses besides these may carry additional fees; if so, this will be indicated at the Course Offerings link above.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences at IAU
Application Deadlines: See this page
Language Requirement: Open to all levels of French.
Additional Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5. For complete requirements, please see the Eligibility section on this page.
Possible U.S. Credits: 15-16 semester credits per semester. Normal course load is 5 courses. Classes are taken with other American students.
Final Transcript: Issued by IAU (Institute for American Universities).
*Some classes carry additional fees which are not included with the ASA program fee, to cover course-specific materials or mandatory academic excursions. Details are below.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Semester students at The School of Humanities and Social Sciences take 5, 3-credit courses of their choosing, and at least one of these must be a French language course. Students who have never taken French before must enroll in FRE 101-102 (6 credits).
All students MUST have a total of 8 classes approved by their home institution, in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. When you pre-register for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list a total of 8 possible classes on your registration form, in order of preference.
All courses with course number FRE are taught in French. All other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. Classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis, so it is best to apply early!
CLICK HERE for semester Course Offerings - This course offerings list contains typical fall and spring course offerings; however, course offerings and field studies are continually subject to change
CLICK HERE for Course Descriptions/Syllabi
COURSE FEES
SOME CLASSES CARRY ADDITIONAL FEES, WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THE ASA PROGRAM FEE:
An additional $315 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Studio Art, Sculpture, Ceramics
An additional $150 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Wine Studies, Food, Photography, Filmmaking
French Civilization in Provence: additional $150 fee for mandatory academic excursions
Exploring Impressionism: additional $775 fee for mandatory academic excursion (Paris, overnight)
Additional courses besides these may carry additional fees; if so, this will be indicated at the Course Offerings link above.
Internship opportunities are available for semester students with an advanced level of French. Must have completed 4 semesters of college French or equivalent. For more information, please CLICK HERE!
Early Start Program
The Early Start Program begins one week before the semester starts and is designed to help students at any French level get the most out of their semester. Early Start is an opportunity for students to brush up on their French in a fun and relaxed environment. In addition, you’ll have an extra week to settle in and get adjusted to life in France. If you haven’t taken French in a while or are just feeling unsure about your language ability, the Early Start program will help you feel more comfortable. Students who participate in Early Start will earn 1 credit, consisting of 15 in-class hours.
For full details on the Early Start Program, please click here!
THE SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES AT IAU
Application Deadlines: See this page
Language Requirement: Open to all levels of French.
Additional Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5. For complete requirements, please see the Eligibility section on this page.
Possible U.S. Credits: 3 semester credits (1 course) for Summer B or C. 6-9 semester credits (2-3 courses) for Summer A. Classes are taken with other American students.
Final Transcript: Issued by IAU (Institute for American Universities).
*Some classes carry additional fees which are not included with the ASA program fee, to cover course-specific materials or mandatory academic excursions. Details are below.
COURSE OFFERINGS
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers 3 different summer sessions. Session A is the 6-week session; Session B is a 3-week session taking place during the first 3 weeks of Session A, and Session C is a 3-week session taking place during the last 3 weeks of Session A. Some courses run the full 6-week Session A; others meet for just the first 3 weeks (Session B) or the last 3 weeks (Session C). Students attending Session A can take classes from ANY of the 3 summer sessions, as long as they remain enrolled in classes for the full 6 weeks.
Students attending a 3-week session (Session B or C) will take 1 course. Students attending the 6-week session (Session A) will take 2-3 courses. Session A pricing varies depending on how many credits you take.
On the Class Schedule linked below, you will see that classes are marked either Session A, Session B, or Session C. Students attending Session A (6 weeks) can combine classes from Session A, B, or C, as long as the days and times do not conflict and as long as they remain enrolled in classes for the full 6 weeks.
It is not mandatory to take a French Language class.
In case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts, students planning to take 1 class MUST have a total of 4 classes approved by their home institution. Students planning to take 2 classes MUST have a total of 5 classes approved. Students planning to take 3 classes MUST have a total of 6 classes approved. When you pre-register for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list double the number of classes you actually plan to take, again, in case of cancellations or schedule conflicts.
All courses with course number FRE are taught in French. All other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. Classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis, so it is best to apply early!
CLICK HERE for Summer 2024 Course Offerings & Class Schedules!
CLICK HERE for Course Descriptions/Syllabi
Course offerings and schedules are subject to change.
COURSE FEES
SOME CLASSES CARRY ADDITIONAL FEES, WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THE ASA PROGRAM FEE:
An additional $315 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Studio Art, Sculpture, Ceramics
An additional $150 materials fee will be charged for each course taken in the following disciplines: Wine Studies, Food, Photography, Filmmaking
French Civilization in Provence: additional $150 fee for mandatory academic excursions
Exploring Impressionism: additional $775 fee for mandatory academic excursion (Paris, overnight)
Additional courses besides these may carry additional fees; if so, this will be indicated at the Course Offerings link above.
The Early Start Semester program at IAU in Aix-en-Provence, France, is the perfect opportunity for students to brush up on their French in a fun and relaxed environment before the Semester begins! In addition, you’ll have an extra week to settle in and get adjusted to life in France. If you haven’t taken French in a while or are just feeling unsure about your language ability, the Early Start Semester would be perfect for you. Students who participate in the Early Start Semester will earn 1 additional French credit, consisting of 15 in-class hours.
Early Start Highlights!
Jump-start the language immersion process in a fun and relaxed setting
Have extra time to ease into French culture and get to know the city of Aix-en-Provence
Move into your homestay a week early
Earn one course credit
Gain confidence in your language skills and feel more comfortable communicating with locals
Small class sizes with lots of personal attention in an interactive, hands-on class environment
Learn to navigate the city of Aix-en-Provence through local excursions
French culture lectures so you can get the most out of your semester
Learn about important culture differences, such as body language, etiquette, do’s and don’ts, French homestay expectations, stereotypes and misunderstandings
Meet local French and foreign students through IAU
Learn where to buy the best croissant in town
Become a French insider!
If you are already accepted to the ASA Aix-en-Provence Regular Start Semester program and are interested in adding the Early Start option, simply speak with ASA to see if we can switch you over!
For complete Course Offerings for the ASA Aix-en-Provence program, please click here and then find your term.
Language Requirement: Open to students with an advanced level of French (4 semesters of college French or equivalent)
Additional Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5. For complete requirements, please see the Eligibility section on this page.
Possible U.S. Credits: 6 semester credits.
Final Transcript: Issued by IAU (Institute for American Universities).
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Students can select from the following 2 options:
Full-Time Internship Program – This program is 8 weeks long and students will undertake a 6-credit (full-time) internship consisting of roughly 32-35 hours per week.
Part-Time Internship + 1 Course – This program is 8 weeks long and students will undertake a 3-credit (part-time) internship of roughly 20-22 hours per week as well as one, 3-credit course. Internships hours will be scheduled around course times.
Students should get a total of 2-3 courses approved (to allow for backups) but ultimately will take 1 course worth 3 U.S. semester credits.
Students can choose from Summer A, B, or C from this course list. Keep in mind that the session you choose your course from is when the course will take place during your session. Click here for Course descriptions / Syllabi. Some courses carry Course Fees that are not included with your program fee. For estimations of course fees, please see this link.
All internships are unpaid.
Your internship will not only help you learn the language and culture, but it will also provide you with a better understanding of the work environment and how methods and habits may differ from your home setting. IAU provides access to unpaid internships available at local enterprises.
We are constantly in the process of recruiting new positions so requests for particular internships are accepted.
EXAMPLE PLACEMENTS
Ainsi de Suite
Theatre troupe organizing and engaged in numerous international tours (Ethiopia, U.S., Cyprus, Israel)
Position: Communication
Job Description: Enhancing image of the theatre and its website, help setting up performances, attend theatre classes as well as play rehearsals
Aix City Local News
A weekly newspaper covering national issues with a focus on Aix and the surrounding region.
Position: Journalism
Job Description: Learn about the editorial process, attend editorial meetings, write short articles in French and in English for online and paper publication
Atelier Cézanne
Cézanne’s home transformed into a memorial and museum as well as a cultural space.
Position: Tourism
Job Description: Participate in the workshop’s activities, visitor reception, train as a guide for visitors
Boulangerie des Platanes
This is a typical bakery selling various types of breads and pastries as well as products for French style fast-food service.
Position: Salesperson
Job Description: Sale of products in the shop, learn the management of a typical French bakery, interact with clientele
British American Institute
Private language school for adults, children and professionals. The school specializes in French and English classes and organizing language learning abroad.
Position: Pedagogical Administration (2 positions available)
Job Description: Check and verify organization of courses (numerous tasks), reception, teaching conversation courses
France Advisory Properties
A start-up broker in prestige and investment real estate.
Position: Sales/Marketing
Job Description: Aid with marketing materials, develop and implement sales marketing strategy in prestige and investment real estate, correspond directly with clients (sale relations, phoning, site visits, participation in negotiations, etc.), foreign language ability beyond French is an advantage with international clients
Inlingua
Private language school, member of a global organization of 350 schools worldwide. The school focuses largely on adult education in a professional environment (25 languages).
Position: Marketing
Job Description: Initiation to sales and marketing, accompany marketing director to assist and take part in creating contracts with company clients, test and assess new participants and place them in appropriate courses, reception, teaching a language course
Law Offices
Organization is underway. Two positions will be available.
Librairie le Blason
Bookstore specializing in Provençal culture. Regularly hosts expositions, events, book signings and lectures.
Position: Sales/Communication
Job Description: Helping in the store, website maintenance, preparation for events, expositions, book signings
So Art
Events communications agency. Company helps clients with conception, production and promotion of its events such as seminars, conventions, teambuilding, company parties and any operations dealing with public relations.
Position: Management/Marketing/Communication
Job Description: Researching partners and artists, contacting potential clients, logistical support for events, client feedback
Théâtre du Ruban Vert
A multicultural space composed of a theatre-workshop with theatre classes, an art and photography gallery, an acting company, theatrical and musical programming and events (expos, shows, parties).
Position: Marketing
Job Description: Initiation of sales and marketing, accompany marketing director to help and take part in creating contracts with company clients, test and assess new participants and place them in appropriate courses, reception, teaching a language course
Yevents
A travel agency specializing in business tourism and leisure activities for businesses. The company organizes trips and events in order to strengthen contacts between business collaborations and customers and/or partners in the form of seminars, theme outings, weekends and sojourns.
Position: Marketing, Webmaster or Sales/Communication
Job Description: Marketing – creating brochures, finding new products, creating supplier dossiers. Webmaster – managing and developing the website, creating mailings for clients, graphic design. Sales/Communication – developing the sales network, product offers to clients, gathering client information, targeting range of products
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR INTERNSHIP
An internship is an opportunity to gain some experience in the field in which you wish to have a career. It is also a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your classes and gain networking contacts. That said, you need to be open-minded about the type of work you’ll be doing. For example, you may be assigned entry level work, such as making photocopies, filing, etc. However, if you “prove yourself” by producing quality work and showing your commitment to the job, the level of work assigned to you may improve. You will very likely need to earn the trust of your supervisor first, which may take a little time.
Throughout the summer the following will be required of you:
-Written reports in French
-One final report in French
Please be aware that the company is making a significant investment of their time and resources. Likewise, by accepting an internship, you are making a commitment to that organization, which should be taken seriously. You will be expected to complete your internship in full, from start to finish, and put forth your best effort while working there. Don’t worry – our on-site orientation after you arrive in Aix-en-Provence will help you understand what is expected of you. As long as you follow the advice given during orientation, you should have a successful internship experience!