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 a variety of subject areas including 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.
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.
On this summer program at IAU, students are required to take at least 2 courses for a total of 6 credits (but may also choose to enroll in 3 courses for 9 credits). IAU Summer courses are divided into three sessions (Session A, Session B, and Session C). All students are required to attend and enroll in at least two courses in Session A. There is an optional internship program available, and students can learn more by visiting IAU's summer internship website.
Dates
The dates of the IAU summer program will vary depending on which session(s) a student chooses. Refer to IAU's website for the specific dates.
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.
Program Costs
Program costs are estimates and subject to change up to the program commitment deadline.
Summer 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.
