Academic Excellence Since 1957 Internship opportunities are also available and encouraged. Semester/Year in Aix-en-Provence/Paris (Study Abroad)
2.
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 instituti
ons 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. 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. 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.
14/08/2026
IAU Florence Students discovered the history and cultural heritage of Siena, including a visit to the Cathedral and the Church of San Domenico. In the medieval village of San Gimignano, students had the opportunity to explore its historic streets and landmarks. The visit coincided with the Feast of Santa Fina, a special historical reenactment celebrating local traditions and the town’s heritage.
30/07/2026
An evening to celebrate the UC Davis fashion and design interns at IAU Florence this summer! ⚜️
Hear from student Cambria Anderson on what made the experience so special: “I had a great time getting to share my experience that I had interning for Angela Carpio and what I have taken from the internship. I also really enjoyed after the presentation when we all got to socialize. I met some really great people, and I also got to talk more with my boss and other people from America living full time here now. Overall it was a great experience!”
27/07/2026
Studying in another country means navigating cultural differences and getting accustomed to a “new normal”.
Here’s what IAU Summer ‘26 student sage observed about cultural differences in Aix-en-Provence!
22/07/2026
“Sketching in Florence” had an impact on Sofia Ranta—drawing a city means getting to know it on a different level.
Study abroad is the perfect time to try classes outside your major and get out of your comfort zone! You never know what new hobbies and passions you will discover.
17/07/2026
Aix through the eyes of Peyton ! There’s truly nothing like summer in Provence 💐🧺🌷
16/07/2026
Located inside Palazzo Pitti: Museo Degli Argenti, the Museum of Fashion and Costume traces the history of fashion and costume from its origins to the present day, offering students a unique opportunity to study garments, trends, and the cultural significance of fashion throughout history.
IAU Florence reserved this special visit for UC Davis | California's College Town students participating in fashion-related internships this summer!
10/07/2026
✨IAU Florence at the Gucci Museum✨
A modern, course-related museum experience dedicated to the history and evolution of the Gucci brand. Through contemporary displays and curated exhibitions, students explore the development of one of Italy’s most iconic fashion houses.
07/07/2026
We’re pleased to announce our application for 2027 J-Term programs is now open!
J-Term is your chance to earn credit between the Fall and Spring semester while traveling the world.
Submit your application by September 30th, 2026. The link is in our bio ⭐
06/07/2026
Registration is now open for ACM-IAU’s 70th Anniversary in Aix-en-Provence!
We invite all alumni to join us May 26-30, 2027 for a gala and celebration of our beloved institution’s 70th birthday. A regular ticket purchase will include the opening reception, wine tastings, language classes, art classes, an evening gala, a barbecue at our Marchutz School of Fine Arts, and so much more.