Options for Study
Aix offers study abroad programs for an academic year, a semester, or a summer term. The Aix Center classes are in English or in French. The curriculum is broad, offering archeology, art history, studio art; French language, literature, and civilization; European/international studies and social sciences: business, comparative literature, economics, education, government, history, philosophy, political science, and psychology. Students choose their courses that best meet their individual academic and personal needs.

Students may also study abroad for a six-week summer term in Aix. Like the semester study abroad program, students choose courses that best fit their academic and personal interests. The normal academic summer schedule is two-three credit courses for the intensive six week term.

The normal academic summer schedule is two-three credit courses for the intensive six week term. View the courses available for all terms on the programs page.

Housing
Students are generally housed in the homes of French host families, though independent living arrangements can be made when necessary. Living in a French home is considered the best form of housing because it provides an immediate introduction to life in this new place. "Family" should not be interpreted too narrowly. Increasingly, about 50% of IAU's host families are childless couples or divorced women with children who enjoy having a student living with them. Host families come from a cross-section of society; they belong to no particular professional or social milieu, but all are carefully chosen and many have hosted American students for several years. Students find that speaking French at home is the single greatest factor in increasing their facility with the language.

Living in a French home is seen universally as an invaluable opportunity not found in many study abroad programs. Naturally, all students must accept the constraints and responsibilities that such arrangements entail. Whenever possible, IAU accommodates students' stated housing preferences.

Daily continental breakfasts and most dinners are taken in the student's French home. Students are responsible for lunches. There is a multitude of affordable cafés, brasseries, small sandwich and grocery shops from which to choose. Many other food markets are available around town during the week.

For information on our housing policies, please click here. 

Credit Load
Students in the Aix Program take five 3-credit courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take at least one class in French language, and many students take two. In addition, students choose other courses from Aix's many offerings that best meet their individual academic and personal needs.

Before departure from the United States, students must arrange credit transfer with their Dean or Department Head who must sign the Institute for American Universities Academic Approvals form signifying that work completed at IAU will receive credit toward the applicant's degree.

Students who are unable to make such an arrangement may apply to IAU through:

• Northern Illinois University - Sarah Casillas- 815-753-7399
• Eckerd College - Diane Ferris- 727-864-8381
• Miami Dade College - Eva Fernandez - 305-237-3580
• Truman State University - Rosa Virginia Mendez- 660-785-4076

IAU recommends transfer credit with appropriate grades on the basis of three units per semester course (45 class hours or equivalent).

The Institute for American Universities issues an official, traditional American transcript with letter grades. Institute courses have been accepted for academic credit by over 700 North American institutions of higher learning since its founding in 1957.

Libraries and Computers
There are many libraries and computers available to students. Aix has its own small library, and students have access to other municipal libraries nearby. Aix has a computer lab for student use that is open M-F during office hours. A Wi-Fi system is installed and enables students with a laptop and wireless PC card to have free internet access throughout the Center. We recommend bringing PC laptops, which are more compatible with the Wi-Fi system than MAC computers.

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