Study Abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France

A Timeless French Escape
Nestled in the heart of southern France, just minutes from the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Aix-en-Provence is the definition of charm. This elegant university town invites you to experience authentic French culture in an intimate, walkable setting—where cobblestone streets, sunlit cafés, and centuries-old fountains create a postcard-perfect backdrop for daily life.

 

Surrounded by the rolling hills and lavender fields of Provence, Aix offers a lifestyle that’s as rich in beauty as it is in tradition. The region is renowned for its world-class cuisine, where every meal is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients—from ripe figs to Provençal herbs and seafood straight from the coast. With 300 days of sunshine a year, the pace is slower, the smiles wider, and the joie de vivre unmistakable.

 

Steeped in history, Aix-en-Provence was founded by the Romans in 123 BC and has remained a center of learning and culture for centuries. Today, it blends old-world elegance with vibrant student energy—making it the ideal place to study abroad. This city is also famously the hometown of impressionist master Paul Cézanne, whose love for the local landscape still echoes through the hills of Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

 

In the summer, Aix comes alive with music. The city hosts two acclaimed international festivals that transform its outdoor venues into stages for world-class performances in classical, jazz, and contemporary music. As the sun sets and music floats through the warm Provençal air, it’s easy to see why so many fall in love with this magical place.

 

Whether you’re studying Cézanne’s brushstrokes, exploring sun-drenched vineyards, or sipping espresso under the trees, Aix-en-Provence offers an unforgettable blend of culture, creativity, and beauty.

 

  • Eligibility

    Minimum GPA 2.50 (Students with GPA between 2.20-2.49 will be considered on a case-by-case basis for the Humanities and Art programs). Language Requirement: None. Open to students with any level of French. See program details for full Eligibility requirements. 

  • Housing

    For the semester terms, French Homestay placements are the primary form of housing. For the summer terms, students may be placed in a Student Residence Apartment if a homestay is not available.

  • Excursions

    Overnight trips and day excursions to nearby destinations. Destinations include Le Luberon, Moustiers Sainte Marie & Lac de Sainte Croix, Giverny / Venice.

  • Internships

    Internships are available in a wide variety of fields for summer and semester students with an advanced level of French. 

     
Aix-en-Provence Building
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Programs at This Location

Explore our academic programs available in Aix-en-Provence.
School of Humanities & Social Sciences at IAU College

School of Humanities & Social Sciences at IAU College

Summer, Spring, Fall

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French Honors Program at IAU College

French Honors Program at IAU College

Spring, Summer, Fall

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Internships at IAU College - Semester

Internships at IAU College - Semester

Spring, Summer, Fall

Learn More
The Core Art Program at IAU College

The Core Art Program at IAU College

Spring, Summer, Fall

Learn More
Internships at IAU College - Summer

Internships at IAU College - Summer

Spring, Summer, Fall

Learn More
ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Your Home Away from Home

After being accepted to the program, students will be asked to complete a housing form where they can rank their housing preference and list any medical or dietary needs. Student preferences in housing placements will be considered, but we cannot guarantee that all stated preferences can be met. It is important that students remain flexible and open-minded about their housing placement.

 

French Homestay

Traditional Homestay with Meals - Students living in a shared homestay offering daily interactions with family and meals. The host offers daily breakfast, 5 dinners per week, and 1 load of laundry per week. Rooms are double or single occupancy. We cannot guarantee a single room. Bathrooms are shared. Homestays generally host 1-3 students at a time. Each living situation is unique.

Student Residence Apartment

Students live with other students in furnished apartments especially designed for student living. Some apartments are in apartment buildings with other university students studying in Aix-en-Provence. No meals are provided, but students have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen within their apartment. Bedrooms are typically double or triple occupancy. Bathrooms are shared with other students within the apartment. Bed linens and towels are included. Students will have access to coin operated shared laundry facilities or be within walking distance to laundromat. The student residence apartments are located throughout the city and are within convenient access to grocery stores, shops, restaurants, and pharmacies.

Housing FAQs

Yes, if there are no major differences in your and your friend's dietary needs and allergies, we can usually accommodate same-gender roommate requests. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!
Rooms may be single, double or triple occupancy.
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. If there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
If it is a problem with the homestay and not a language or cultural misunderstanding, ASA will move you to a different homestay right away. We have on-site staff in every city who are there to help students with any issues they encounter while abroad, and who check in periodically with students throughout their stay to ensure all is well.
No, but there’s no need to worry! Living in a homestay is the best way for you to learn French, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will improve. Also, don’t forget that they've hosted international students before, so they understand that you are there to learn their language and want to help you.
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins. Please consider bringing a small gift for your host, such as a candle, kitchen towel, chocolates, etc.
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
Most housing is located a 15-35 minute walk from school. Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.
  • All semester programs include 2 day excursions.
  • The Core Art Program Fall semester program includes 2 additional overnight excursions.
  • The Core Art Program Spring semester program includes 1 additional overnight excursion.
  • 6-week summer programs include 2 day excursions.
  • 3-week summer programs include 1 day excursion.
  • The Core Art Program summer program includes 3 total day excursions.
  • Destinations may vary by term.

Le Luberon

Le Luberon

Day Trip

Renowned for its natural beauty, Le Luberon is a typical Provençal countryside featuring quaint hilltop villages, stone houses, vineyards, olive groves, and fields of lavender and sunflowers. In the village of Lourmarin, a Renaissance chateau that was once a fortress now hosts concerts and art exhibitions in this very fashionable town.
Moustiers Sainte Marie & Lac de Sainte Croix

Moustiers Sainte Marie & Lac de Sainte Croix

Day Trip

Moustiers Sainte Marie is a medieval village where you can explore the picturesque streets and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view from a 12th century chapel. We’ll also visit the Lac de Saint Croix, a lake known for its beaches and water sports.
Giverny/Venice (Core Art Program Only)

Giverny/Venice (Core Art Program Only)

Overnight

The Core Art Program includes one unforgettable, multi-day painting trip every semester. Fall semester students typically enjoy a trip to Giverny, where they will paint and draw in Monet’s garden. Spring students typically visit Venice, where they will paint and draw along the famous canals and lagoon.

Experiences

Immerse yourself in local culture and community activities.

Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad. Here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you can have abroad with ASA!

 
Lavendar Fields

Lavendar Fields

Take a stroll through the lavender fields surrounding Aix-en-Provence
Open Air Markets

Open Air Markets

Shop at an open air market fresh fruit, veggies, flowers, cheese, honey, and much more
Arles

Arles

Explore the Roman amphitheater in Arles
Promenade de la Torse

Promenade de la Torse

Have an impromptu picnic at Promenade de la Torse
Mont Sainte-Victoire

Mont Sainte-Victoire

Hike Mont Sainte-Victoire
Handmade Soap

Handmade Soap

Provence is famous for natural handmade soaps - breathe in the scents and select your favorite
Crepes Galore

Crepes Galore

Devour freshly made crepes in endless flavor variations both sweet and savory
French Cuisine

French Cuisine

Become an expert on French cheeses (fromage!) Enjoy a buttery croissant and a coffee between classes at a local Patisserie.

Accessibility & Inclusion

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

 

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

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