The City of Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is many things; it is a center of culture, art, academics, and a place of amazing beauty. This small city of approximately 137,000 people is located in southern France in the region of Provence. Provence, one of the wealthiest regions in France, is bordered by the Mediterranean on its southern coast and offers hot summers and mild winters.

Host Institutions: The Aix Center and The Marchutz School of Art - Semester/Academic Year and Summer program

Eligibility:
Must be at least 18 years of age. Open to students with any level of French. Must have graduated from high school. Students who have already graduated are eligible for this program. MUST SUBMIT OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT. Requires 8 passport photos. Minimum GPA requirement is 2.5. (Applications from high school graduates who have not yet attended college are considered on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit 2 letters of recommendation, official transcript, and a letter of intent along with the rest of their application materials. A GPA higher than the minimum requirement is expected of pre-college applicants.)

Credits:
Students can earn 6 semester credits during a summer session and 15-18 semester credits per semester.

Language:
French Language courses and some electives are taught in French; all other classes are taught in English. The Aix programs are open to all levels.

Academic Focus:
French Language and Culture, Archeology, Art, Art History, Business, Economics, Education, French Civilization, French Political Science, History, Literature, Philosophy and Psychology.

Curriculum:
The Aix Center semester students are expected to take 5 courses of their choosing for a total of 15 credits, but must take at least one course in French language. Advanced students attending a Spring semester or Academic Year may take up to 2 of their classes with French students at l'Universite d'Aix-Marselle. Summer students at The Aix Center take 2 classes for a total of 6 credits.

Marchutz semester students take 9 credits of core art classes taught at the Marchutz school, plus one art history course and one French language course, taught at The Aix Center. Marchutz summer students take 2, 3-credit art courses and a French language "survival course," which is not for credit.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Semester students in Aix-en-Provence will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities (not for credit). A minimum Intermediate level of French is required.
- English language tutor for schoolchildren ages 9-14
- English language tutor for adults ages 19-28 who are going back to school to try and pass their BAC
- Trimming olive trees on local farms
- Planting trees on Mte. Ste Victoire (Spring semester only because of planting season)
- Volunteering in a soup kitchen (December only)

Housing:
All students live with French host families. Daily breakfast, 6 dinners and one load of laundry per week are included with the home-stay.

What's Included:
Academic credits, tuition, official transcript, cell phone, room and board, airport pick-up, medical insurance, ISIC card, excursions, pre-departure orientation, on-site orientation, and much more.

Sample Day Excursions: Luberon Valley, Isle sur la Sorgue, Gorges du Verdon

Sample Overnight Excursions (Semester programs only): Cote d'Azur, St. Tropez, Nice and Cap d'Ail

Why Aix-en-Provence?
1/3 of Aix's population is made up of students
Has a unique Mediterranean feel, breathtaking scenery and nature
Fantastic open-air farmer's markets
School buildings are located in the oldest section of town
One of Europe's centers of learning for Law, History and the Arts

*Program dates, prices, course offerings, excursion dates, and excursion locations are subject to change.