Study French and English in France
The Aix Center of Humanities and Social Sciences
The Aix Center of Humanities and Social Sciences, located in the beautiful old section of Aix-en-Provence,
once a medieval village, is the only study abroad center in the region
that offers classes in both French and English. The Aix Center prides itself
on the diversity of its course offerings in both languages, which enables
students with strong French language ability and those with not so strong
language ability to gain access to a study abroad experience. The multiple
course offerings allow students to fulfill many of their general education
requirements and complete major and minor requirements linked to areas in
the humanities, social sciences, education, and the arts. Students find
courses in subject areas such as psychology, political science, comparative
literature, art history, studio art, business, economics, philosophy,
education, history, archeology, civilization, theatre, government and the
French language from the beginning to the advanced levels. In addition
students who have an advanced level of French proficiency (at least the
equivalent of 4 college semesters of the French language) are eligible
to take and transfer credits from the University of Aix-Marseille.
Mission Statement
The mission of The Aix Center is to help students, who want to study French in France, explore deeply
the French language and culture and fields of study within the social
sciences, the humanities and/or the arts within the context of France
and Europe with an emphasis on Provence while fostering individual,
intellectual and personal growth.
Curricular Goals
The Aix Center curriculum places emphasis on enhancing the spoken, written
and comprehension of the French language; acquiring knowledge of the
distinctive characteristics of the arts and cultures of France and Europe;
understanding attitudes, ideas, values, and behaviors in one’s own culture
and that of others; and gaining international awareness and sophistication.
The Aix Center welcomes students with diverse academic backgrounds with varying
language abilities. Those who have considered the Aix Center have been students
who are serious about gaining an international perspective on culture, government,
arts, and learning, and who are interested in an integrative approach. This may
include those interested in studying the French language, those interested in
gaining insights on European perspectives, and/or those interested in exploring
the evolution of historic and contemporary relationships and practices.
Instructors are from a variety of nationalities but mainly French, American, and British.
This in itself gives a strong international flair to the learning environment and helps foster
understandings that expand the mind through their comparative nature.
