Making Travel Plans

Attention Summer and Fall 2010 Students!

Although you will be away from home for several weeks, try to bring as little luggage as possible. From buses to trains to cars to homes, almost everything in Europe is smaller than what we are used to here in America. Not only is traveling easier with smaller suitcases, but in the small cities of Aix and Avignon, you’ll find that most of your necessities can be purchased within walking distance of your home. On the plane ride over, it’s a good idea to keep a small carry-on with you that has an extra change of clothes and some toiletries. Ideally, nobody’s luggage would ever be lost or misdirected, but it does happen on occasion and can take a few days to straighten out.

IAU does not provide group flights. Therefore, you are free to use whatever means possible to locate and secure the cheapest fare(s) possible.  Previous students have used Academic Studies Abroad (ASA) to book their travel.  They can provide you with low student airfare quotes at www.iauairfare.com. Others have used www.statravel.com and www.studentuniverse.com to book their flights or have even redeemed frequent flier miles (either their own or those provided by a family member or friend).

Students who arrive on the recommended arrival days during the suggested timeframe are welcomed by our local staff.  We strongly advise that you do not have your parents accompany you to France as it may interfere with your adaptation to being away from home.  If you would like to connect with other IAU students before departure to organize travel to France together, please “become a fan” of IAU’s Facebook page.  You can communicate with other students by using the discussion boards before your departure.

Once you book your travel, please complete the travel itinerary form by May 1 for summer term  and July 15 for fall semester.  You will have to log-in using the same e-mail and password as your online application - if you did not complete an online application, please contact the U.S. Office of Admissions for instructions.  This information helps IAU plan for arrival day and allows us to notify your host so they can be available to meet you in Aix when you arrive.  Students attending the Aix Center and the Marchutz School of Art should e-mail their itineraries to the U.S. Office of Admissions.  Avignon students need to e-mail their itineraries to le Centre d’Avignon.  

Before making your travel arrangements, we strongly recommend that you carefully read IAU's guidelines that we've put together to help you on your way.

Traveling to Avignon

Traveling to Aix-en-Provence (The Aix Center and The Marchutz School)

For more information about traveling in France, health and safety issues, and other information, visit the U.S. State Departments web page about France. Another important U.S. State Department web site is http://studentsabroad.state.gov/.  This site provides information for students abroad including smart ways to travel and what to do in case of an emergency.

For more information about customs, the French Government, embassy locations, costs of common items, etc., visit the Embassy of France's web site.