Institute for American Universities

Informations générales

IAU is an American institution of higher learning located in southern France that offers study abroad opportunities and degree programs in various fields.[1] Its main campus is in Aix-en-Provence, France, and offers satellite programs throughout Spain, Morocco, and the United Kingdom. Established in 1957, IAU was one of the first American-style, English language, liberal arts educational institutions in Western Europe. It is chartered by the Regents of the State University of New York and is recognized by the Rectorat of Aix-Marseille University and the French Ministry of Education. IAU is often considered the oldest and largest study abroad program in Europe and the first institution to offer a study abroad program to those studying programs other than French language.

-->The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is open to all majors and offers a wide variety of courses taught in English (social sciences and humanities courses), French language and literature. No prior French is required.

-->The French Honors Program enables 300 level students to fully immerse themselves into the French language. Internship opportunities are also available and encouraged. At the completion of the program, students receive a certificate in French Honors Abroad.

-->The Marchutz School of Fine Arts studio is situated the historic Route de Cézanne. The program, open to all majors and to artists of all levels, is taught in English and combines studio work, an intense interdisciplinary art criticism seminar, liberal arts courses at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, French language study, and excursions to European museums and cities.

-->School of Business and International Relations is designed for students who seek to challenge themselves with a unique, cross cultural business focus. Students must enroll in a minimum of three business or international relation classes. Students who are not part of this track are welcome to take any business or international relation courses as well. This school is also heavily supported by internship opportunities for those who qualify.

All of these schools listed above are located at our main campus in Aix-en-Provence, France

Here are the program options with IAU College:

1. Semester/Year in Aix-en-Provence/Paris (Study Abroad)
2. Summer in Aix-en-Provence,Valencia or Barcelona (Study Abroad)
3. J-Term (Study Abroad)
4. Bachelor of Business Administration (120 unit program located in Aix-en-Provence)
5. Master in French/Fine Arts/International Relations (Located in Aix-en-Provence)

Bachelor of Business Administration is a 120 unit degree program offered in Aix-en-Provence. IAU leverages its liberal arts and business studies offerings with its international identity and strategic location to provide students with an exposure to European and Mediterranean countries.

Our Barcelona and Valencia Spain programs:
We are pleased to offer an intensive summer program in Barcelona, Spain or Valencia, Spain. Over the course of 3 or 6 weeks, students will earn 3, 6 or 9 credits in Spanish language and in significant municipal, regional and national matters. They will investigate the most significant neighborhoods, plazas, architectural achievements and public art. Lectures and activities will also help students to demystify the city's multi-ethnic population as the result of numerous occupations, expulsions and migrations. Students will reside in home-stays which encourages immersion into the Spanish language and culture.

Multi-Country January Travel Seminars: Each January, IAU offers 3 week academic and cultural tours with 8 different track options. The academic component consists of a series of briefings from leading European academic, literary and political personalities and experts on the subjects. Participants will attend daily lectures and meetings with distinguished scholars from IAU in addition to local guides and experts in the field of the courses. Here is a list of the January Term options:
1. Religion, Art and Architecture
2. Wine Studies
3. American Diplomacy
4. Shakespeare and the Theater
5. Great Cities
6. January Term in Aix
7. Europe and the Islamic World
8. Mediterranean Basin

Graduate Level Studies:

All graduate level studies are offered in Aix-en-Provence, France. The graduate students are encouraged to participate in the multi-country in January as an intersession. IAU College offers a Master of Fine Arts, a Master of Arts in French Studies, and a Master of Arts in International Relations.

-->Master of Fine Arts: This 60 unit program combines daily studio work, seminars, museum studies, field studies throughout Europe, professional internship opportunities, and a low-residency option.

-->Master of Arts in French Studies: A one-year program that offers students the unique opportunity to earn an American MA degree in a French-speaking environment.

-->Master of Arts in International Relations: The one year program is one of the first American institutions abroad to prepare students for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service or in international business.