Aix is a university town with a large student population. It is also a major cultural center of the Provence region, with concerts, festivals, museums and a lively café life for students to explore and enjoy. Although it has ancient roots, today Aix is a modern town with a diverse population. Provence, one of the most celebrated regions in France, is renowned for its Mediterranean cuisine, its mild climate and its natural beauty that inspired painters like Cezanne and Van Gogh.
The Colleges have an affiliate relationship with the Institute for American Universities (IAU) based in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. IAU was founded in 1957 under the auspices of the Université d’ Aix-Marseille and has served more than 700 North American colleges and universities. The objective of the program in Aix is to provide students with an introduction to the language and culture of France. In Aix, students take French language courses but may take their elective courses in English. Through home stays and cultural activities, students will be immersed in a way of life that will challenge them to broaden their perspectives while developing their linguistic and cross-cultural skills.
Students are required to take two language courses according to their level of proficiency: these will count as one language credit. Students will also take three electives in subject areas such as: studio art and art history (through the affiliated Marchutz School of Painting and Drawing), business and economics, history, political science, archeology, philosophy or psychology, for a total of four credits for the semester. (Note that students at the Aix Center who wish to take a course at the Marchutz School or at the local University of Provence Aix-Marseille may do so for an additional fee.) The following list gives some examples of electives typically available:
International Relations
Introduction to International Business
Contemporary French Civilization
Provençal Civilization
European History: 1918 to the Present
Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations
Cezanne and Van Gogh
Survey of Western Art: Renaissance to the 21st Century
International Management
Ecological Economics
Comparative Education Practicum
Francophone Literature
Society & the Human Condition in Modern European Novels
Literature and the Language of Music
French Politics and Government
Human Development in Cultural Contexts
International Law and Organization
Drawing
Painting
Art Criticism Seminar
History of Art: 19th and 20th Centuries
For more detailed information on curriculum and the Institute, students should review the IAU catalogue, Study Abroad in the South of France, available online.
This program is especially suitable for students who are pursuing an academic area of interest in the humanities or social sciences but who also wish to improve their French language skills. Please note that students may combine coursework completed at IAU with on-campus coursework to potentially earn a minor through the French and Francophone Studies Department. However, for French majors or students with advanced French language skills, we recommend the Rennes program, as it offers a full linguistic immersion experience.
Students will live with host families, the best way to experience French daily life first-hand. Families are carefully chosen by the local housing coordinator who will make every effort to match students with families based upon their expressed preferences. Students will be provided with breakfast daily and dinner six days a week by their host families and can take lunch near the Institute in bistros or cafes.
Two to three excursions are included in the program, allowing opportunities for students to expand their understanding of the region. Aix students are typically offered one or two day trips and an overnight trip to Nice during the fall and spring semesters. Previous excursions have included trips to Nice/Cannes, Le Luberon, Les Baux, the Fontaine de Vaucluse and St. Remy.
Students will be charged standard HWS tuition and room fees, a 2/3 board fee, and a $550 administrative fee. This will cover credit for a four-credit semester, course-related excursions, and home stay with partial board. Students should bring the remaining 1/3 board to cover meals not included (about $850). Additional expenses not covered include airfare, books, visa and personal expenses (laundry, entertainment, ground transportation and independent travel). We estimate airfare for this program at $900-$1000 from the East Coast, books/other course materials at $225, and visa-related expenses at approximately $210 (note that students are required to apply for their visa in person in New York City and will need to return there to pick up the visa—please budget accordingly, as these trips are not included in the $210 visa estimate.) It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of personal expenses because student spending habits differ considerably. We would suggest a minimum of $1,500 above and beyond meal expenses. However, students on a tight budget should be able to manage with less. If you are concerned about finances, we strongly encourage you to talk to the CGE staff who can offer information and advice based on your specific situation.
This program is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors in good academic and social standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. While prior French language experience is preferred, all students admitted to the Aix-en-Provence program MUST take at least one semester of French language at HWS prior to enrolling abroad. Due to the challenging nature of study abroad, student academic and disciplinary records will be carefully screened.
NOTE: This information is subject to change. Please see the CGE for more information.
