Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.50 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
Program Description
The Institute for American Universities (IAU) in Aix-en-Provence, France offers students the opportunity to enroll in courses in subject areas such as psychology, political science, comparative literature, art history, studio art, business, economics, philosophy, education, history, archaeology, civilization, theatre, government and the French language from the beginning to the advanced levels. IAU's School 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 School prides itself on the diversity of its course offerings in both languages, which enables students with any background in French language the 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. In addition to subject areas listed above, 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. Students with an advanced level of French proficiency (at least the equivalent of 4 college semesters of the French language) also have the option of participating in an internship for credit.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences 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 School welcomes students with diverse academic backgrounds with varying language abilities. Those who have considered this program 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.
IAU also offers a French Honors Program (not a part of the Schreyers Honors College), which is designed for French Majors or other students with demonstrated advanced-level French, interested in a comprehensive language and cultural immersion program.
Dates
Academic Year: early September - mid May
Fall: early September - mid December
Spring: late January - mid May
Refer to IAU's academic calendar for the specific dates, if available.
Location
Aix-en-Provence is a university city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France. IAU’s campus in Aix is centrally located just a few doors down from local French universities, shops, cafes and more in the historic part of town. The facilities have been completely renovated with modern amenities to suit the needs of the 21st-century college student. IAU Aix employs a full-time student affairs and academic affairs staff to advise, place, house, and otherwise support incoming students for a full semester, academic year, and summer programs.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.