Skip to content

Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.

IAU College: Aix-en-Provence, School of Humanities and Social Sciences (Outgoing Program)

Print  Save  Share

Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Johnna Weston Click here for a definition of this term Housing: Homestay
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5 Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore
Type of Program: Study Center Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, French
Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 0 semesters Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: Yes
Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Arabic, Art History, Business, Communications, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Economics, Ecosystems, Environmental Studies, Film Studies, Finance, French, Global Studies, History, International Business, Literature, Management, Marketing, Media Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Theatre
Program Description:
Visit the Global Programs COVID-19 site for current information on the status of Education Abroad programming.

Overview

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 Global Programs website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Arabic, Art History, Business, Communications, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Economics, Ecosystems, Environmental Studies, Film Studies, Finance, French, Global Studies, History, International Business, Literature, Management, Marketing, Media Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Theatre

Course Listings

To find courses at IAU in Aix, follow the instructions on their website.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on IAU's website before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with IAU

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 15 credits and a maximum number of 18 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
A  A
A-  A-
B+ B+
B  B
B-  B-
C+  C+
C  C
D  D
F  F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 credits per course  3 credits per course 

Housing and Meals

Housing

Homestays
  • Students in Aix will live in a French homestay, which is a challenging yet enriching experience. Students must learn to adapt to the family's personal and cultural lifestyles, which are naturally quite different from student's own habits. IAU’s hosts come from a cross-section of society; some are families with young or grown children, others are single retirees. Some work busy schedules while others may spend most of their days at home. Some of our hosts have several rooms that they rent out to students, and some have just one room. Hosts are selected for their interest in sharing a cultural exchange with students, and IAU alumni consistently remark on the growth and insight offered by the homestay experience. Students must be flexible and accepting within their French household, and will in all likelihood find the attitude rewarded. 
Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.

Meals

Included with the program fee is breakfast daily and six evening meals per week in all homestays. All other meals with be the responsibility of the student and are not included in the program fee.

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Fall Costs
Spring Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Program-specific Scholarships

IAU offers several merit-based scholarship, need-based scholarship, grant, and work-study opportunities to semester, summer and J-term students each year. To be eligible for IAU scholarship, grant and work-study opportunities, students must abide by all IAU policies and regulations as stated on the policies page and maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA while attending IAU. Grants are awarded automatically based on the criteria listed below. Visit their website for more information.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
 

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website. 

Social Media

Facebook   Snapchat   Instagram   Pinterest   Twitter   Flickr   Youtube


For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2021 03/15/2021
03/25/2021 TBA TBA
Spring 2022 09/10/2021
** 		Rolling Admission 01/22/2022 05/15/2022
Fall 2022 03/01/2022 03/11/2022 TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Indicates that deadline has passed