Semester Internship Program in Aix-en-Provence

Internships are available to students with an Advanced level of French and are worth 3 semester credits. Semester internships are done in tandem with coursework at IAU. 

 

Placements are available in Communications, Education, Marketing, Museum Science, Library Science, Community Management, Public Relations, Tourism, Business, Sales, and more!

 

IIAU provides access to unpaid internships available at local enterprises for Fall and Spring students. Interested students should have completed at least 4 semesters of college French and provide their résumé before the start of the semester. All internships are unpaid.

 

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Internships

Semester or academic year students with an Advanced level of French have the option of earning 3 U.S. credits for an internship at IAU in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Semester internships are done in tandem with coursework at IAU.

All internships are unpaid.

Internship opportunities are available in the following fields: 

  • Commercial Development

  • Community Management

  • Communications

  • Education

  • Event Planning

  • Human Resources

  • Law

  • Library Science

  • Marketing

  • Museum Science

  • Research

  • Public Relations

  • Sales

  • Social Media

  • Support - Purchasing - Finance

  • Theatre

  • Tourism

  • Translation

  • Web Development & Animation

  • And MORE!

  • Ainsi de Suite
    Theatre troupe organizing and engaged in numerous international tours (Ethiopia, U.S., Cyprus, Israel)
    Position: Communication
    Job Description: Enhancing image of the theatre and its website, help setting up performances, attend theatre classes as well as play rehearsals.
  • Aix City Local News
    A weekly newspaper covering national issues with a focus on Aix and the surrounding region.
    Position: Journalism
    Job Description: Learn about the editorial process, attend editorial meetings, write short articles in French and in English for online and paper publication.
  • Atelier Cézanne
    Cézanne’s home transformed into a memorial and museum as well as a cultural space.
    Position: Tourism
    Job Description: Participate in the workshop’s activities, visitor reception, train as a guide for visitors.
  • Boulangerie des Platanes
    This is a typical bakery selling various types of breads and pastries as well as products for French style fast-food service.
    Position: Salesperson
    Job Description: Sale of products in the shop, learn the management of a typical French bakery, interact with clientele.
  • British American Institute
    Private language school for adults, children and professionals. The school specializes in French and English classes and organizing language learning abroad.
    Position: Pedagogical Administration (2 positions available)
    Job Description: Check and verify organization of courses (numerous tasks), reception, teaching conversation courses.
  • France Advisory Properties
    A start-up broker in prestige and investment real estate.
    Position: Sales/Marketing
    Job Description: Aid with marketing materials, develop and implement sales marketing strategy in prestige and investment real estate, correspond directly with clients (sale relations, phoning, site visits, participation in negotiations, etc.), foreign language ability beyond French is an advantage with international clients.
  • Inlingua
    Private language school, member of a global organization of 350 schools worldwide. The school focuses largely on adult education in a professional environment (25 languages).
    Position: Marketing
    Job Description: Initiation to sales and marketing, accompany marketing director to assist and take part in creating contracts with company clients, test and assess new participants and place them in appropriate courses, reception, teaching a language course.
  • Law Offices
    Organization is underway. Two positions will be available.
  • Librairie le Blason
    Bookstore specializing in Provençal culture. Regularly hosts expositions, events, book signings and lectures.
    Position: Sales/Communication
    Job Description: Helping in the store, website maintenance, preparation for events, expositions, book signings.
  • So Art
    Events communications agency. Company helps clients with conception, production and promotion of its events such as seminars, conventions, teambuilding, company parties and any operations dealing with public relations.
    Position: Management/Marketing/Communication
    Job Description: Researching partners and artists, contacting potential clients, logistical support for events, client feedback.
  • Théâtre du Ruban Vert
    A multicultural space composed of a theatre-workshop with theatre classes, an art and photography gallery, an acting company, theatrical and musical programming and events (expos, shows, parties).
    Position: Marketing
    Job Description: Initiation of sales and marketing, accompany marketing director to help and take part in creating contracts with company clients, test and assess new participants and place them in appropriate courses, reception, teaching a language course.
  • Yevents
    A travel agency specializing in business tourism and leisure activities for businesses. The company organizes trips and events in order to strengthen contacts between business collaborations and customers and/or partners in the form of seminars, theme outings, weekends and sojourns.
    Position: Marketing, Webmaster or Sales/Communication
    Job Description: Marketing – creating brochures, finding new products, creating supplier dossiers. Webmaster – managing and developing the website, creating mailings for clients, graphic design. Sales/Communication – developing the sales network, product offers to clients, gathering client information, targeting range of products.

Interested students must have completed at least 4 semesters of college French (or equivalent) and are asked to provide a CV (résumé) prior to the beginning of the semester.

The placement process will begin after arrival with an interview during your first week abroad.

Your placement will have a 10-day trial period to make sure it’s a good fit for both you and the company or organization. As this internship is credit-bearing, you will be required to write periodic reports throughout the semester. The cost of the internship is included with your ASA program fees! 

In addition to your ASA program application, students will be required to submit a CV (résumé) in Word format. After we receive your résumé, you may be asked to revise it before it is sent to potential placements.

Once you arrive in Aix-en-Provence, a “pre-interview” will be scheduled for you with the IAU internship placement team. The purpose of this “pre-interview” will be to get an idea of what would be a suitable placement as well as to work on designing a project that you will follow.

Once a possible placement has been located for you, you may be asked to appear for an interview. As with any job interview, there is no guarantee that you will be hired. However, in the past we have been able to find placements for the vast majority of applicants. If after your first interview you are not hired, we will continue searching for another placement for you.

To have the best possible chance of being hired, take the interview seriously – you are interviewing for a job. Dress appropriately and be on time. You will need to interview well, as it will ultimately determine whether or not you are hired. Do your research about the company prior to the interview and have a brief list of questions or things you would like to know about the company, if asked.

If hired, please be aware that the company is making a significant investment of their time and resources. Likewise, by accepting an internship, you are making a commitment to that organization, which should be taken seriously. You will be expected to complete your internship in full, from start to finish, and put forth your best effort while working there. Don’t worry – our on-site orientation after you arrive in Aix-en-Provence will help you understand what is expected of you. As long as you follow the advice given during orientation, you should have a successful internship experience!

An internship is an opportunity to gain some experience in the field in which you wish to have a career. It is also a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your classes and gain networking contacts. That said, you need to be open-minded about the type of work you’ll be doing. For example, you may be assigned entry level work, such as making photocopies, filing, etc. However, if you “prove yourself” by producing quality work and showing your commitment to the job, the level of work assigned to you may improve. You will very likely need to earn the trust of your supervisor first, which may take a little time.

Pre-Interviews for internships will be conducted within the first week of the semester. Most internships will allow for a 10-day trial period, after which the commitment cannot be broken.

Throughout the semester the following will be required of you:

  • Pre-interview in first week.
  • Three written reports in French throughout the semester (2-3 pages).
  • One final report in French at end of the semester (5-6 pages).
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Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

When can I book my flight? Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and you receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure date.

 

Academic Year Participant Notes: An automatic $1,000 discount is applied to your second-semester program fee. For your ASA application, enter your academic year program code as the Fall program code and then add AY- in front of that code. 

 

<p style="font-weight: bold;">Cost of Attendance &amp; Budget Sheet</p>

 

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Explore your accommodation options for this program.

French Homestay

Traditional Homestay with Meals - Students living in a shared homestay offering daily interactions with family and meals. The host offers daily breakfast, 5 dinners per week, and 1 load of laundry per week. Rooms are double or single occupancy. We cannot guarantee a single room. Bathrooms are shared. Homestays generally host 1-3 students at a time. Each living situation is unique.

Homestay with Mealplan - For students with specific wellness needs/allergies, or personal preference, it is sometimes possible that a student may be placed in a homestay that does not offer home-cooked meals. In this case, students will receive a meal plan card for use at the campus Café Med. This update ensures that all students in a homestay have consistent access to meals. Regular/periodic interactions with family will take place, though students should expect less contact time with the host. Please note that this option is limited, with first priority for allergy/medical needs, and like a traditional homestay, each living situation is unique. 

Student Residence Apartment

Students live with other students in furnished apartments especially designed for student living. Some apartments are in apartment buildings with other university students studying in Aix-en-Provence. No meals are provided, but students have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen within their apartment. Bedrooms are typically double or triple occupancy. Bathrooms are shared with other students within the apartment. Bed linens and towels are included. Students will have access to coin operated shared laundry facilities or be within walking distance to laundromat. The student residence apartments are located throughout the city and are within convenient access to grocery stores, shops, restaurants, and pharmacies.

Housing FAQs

Yes, if there are no major differences in your and your friend's dietary needs and allergies, we can usually accommodate same-gender roommate requests. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!
Rooms may be single, double or triple occupancy.
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. If there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
If it is a problem with the homestay and not a language or cultural misunderstanding, ASA will move you to a different homestay right away. We have on-site staff in every city who are there to help students with any issues they encounter while abroad, and who check in periodically with students throughout their stay to ensure all is well.
No, but there’s no need to worry! Living in a homestay is the best way for you to learn French, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will improve. Also, don’t forget that they've hosted international students before, so they understand that you are there to learn their language and want to help you.
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins. Please consider bringing a small gift for your host, such as a candle, kitchen towel, chocolates, etc.
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
Most housing is located a 15-35 minute walk from school. Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.
All semester programs include 2 day excursions. Destinations may vary by term.
Le Luberon

Le Luberon

Day Trip

Renowned for its natural beauty, Le Luberon is a typical Provençal countryside featuring quaint hilltop villages, stone houses, vineyards, olive groves, and fields of lavender and sunflowers. In the village of Lourmarin, a Renaissance chateau that was once a fortress now hosts concerts and art exhibitions in this very fashionable town.
Moustiers Sainte Marie & Lac de Sainte Croix

Moustiers Sainte Marie & Lac de Sainte Croix

Day Trip

Moustiers Sainte Marie is a medieval village where you can explore the picturesque streets and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view from a 12th century chapel. We’ll also visit the Lac de Saint Croix, a lake known for its beaches and water sports.
Giverny/Venice (Core Art Program Only)

Giverny/Venice (Core Art Program Only)

Overnight

The Core Art Program includes one unforgettable, multi-day painting trip every semester. Fall semester students typically enjoy a trip to Giverny, where they will paint and draw in Monet’s garden. Spring students typically visit Venice, where they will paint and draw along the famous canals and lagoon.

Experiences

Unique cultural and educational experiences included in your program.
Lavender Fields

Lavender Fields

Take a stroll through the lavender fields surrounding Aix-en-Provence.
Open Air Markets

Open Air Markets

Shop at an open air market fresh fruit, veggies, flowers, cheese, honey, and much more.
Arles

Arles

Explore the Roman amphitheater in Arles.
Promenade de la Torse

Promenade de la Torse

Have an impromptu picnic at Promenade de la Torse.
Mont Sainte-Victoire

Mont Sainte-Victoire

Hike Mont Sainte-Victoire.
Handmade Soap

Handmade Soap

Provence is famous for natural handmade soaps - breathe in the scents and select your favorite.
Crepes Galore

Crepes Galore

Devour freshly made crepes in endless flavor variations both sweet and savory.
French Cuisine

French Cuisine

Become an expert on French cheeses (fromage!) Enjoy a buttery croissant and a coffee between classes at a local Patisserie.

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A WORLD OF CARE" Student Support Suite

  • HOUSING in a French homestay or shared student apartment.

    • Traditional Homestay With Meals - includes daily breakfast, 5 dinners per week, and 1 load of laundry per week.

    • Student Residence - includes access to a fully equipped kitchen. Access to coin operated shared laundry facilities or within walking distance to laundromat. No meals. 

  • TUITION  at IAU for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee. 

  • ACADEMIC CREDITS: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

  • OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Final transcript is issued by IAU. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution. Students who require credit from a regionally accredited U.S. School of Record, Fairfield University, may request this at least 60 days prior to their program start date. There is an additional fee of $550 for programs of six credits or more (semester) and $300 for programs less than six credits (summer).

  • TEXTBOOKS are included on loan and must be returned to IAU at the end of the term. For students enrolled in The Core Art program, art supplies/materials for mandatory core art classes are included.

  • EXCURSIONS: For students attending The School of Humanities and Social Sciences or the French Honors Program: 1 day excursion is included. For students attending The Core Art Program, 1 overnight excursion is included on semester programs, and 1 day excursion is included on summer programs. Locations to be decided.

  • CULTURAL ACTIVITIES in Aix-en-Provence (museum visits, walking tours, etc.)

  • INTERNET ACCESS: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

  • AIRPORT PICK-UP: Group ground transportation is provided from Marseille (MRS) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

  • SITE DIRECTOR: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

  • MEDICAL INSURANCE: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

  • VISA ADVISING: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to “Student Visa Information” to find out if a visa is required for your program.

  • PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION.

  • SUBSCRIPTION TO SAFETURE SAFETY-ENHANCING MOBILE APP.

  • SUBSCRIPTION TO MINDHAMOK: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs.

  • $150 RETURNING STUDENT CREDIT toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs). 
  • $350 RETURNING STUDENT CREDIT toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester programs).

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Daily lunch; one dinner per week (for homestays) or all meals (for student residence)

  • Meals on excursions

  • Visa, if required

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program

For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.

Program Calendar

Key dates and milestones for your program.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure dates.

  1. January 17, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aix-Marseille (MRS) airport on Jan. 17 between 9am and 7pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. January 25-26, 2026

    Orientation

  3. January 27, 2026

    Classes Begin

  4. TBA

    Excursion - location TBA

  5. Mar. 2 - 13

    Mid-semester exams

  6. Mar. 14 - 22

    Spring Break

  7. Apr. 30

    Last day of classes

  8. May 4-8

    Final Exams

  9. May 9

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. January 24, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aix-Marseille (MRS) airport on Jan. 24 between 9am and 7pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. January 25-26, 2026

    Orientation

  3. January 27, 2026

    Classes Begin

  4. TBA

    Excursion - location TBA

  5. Mar. 2 - 13

    Mid-semester exams

  6. Mar. 14 - 22

    Spring Break

  7. Apr. 30

    Last day of classes

  8. May 4-8

    Final Exams

  9. May 9

    Housing move-out; students depart

  10. May 9

    Housing move-out; students depart
  1. August 28, 2026

    Arrival and Housing

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aix-Marseille (MRS) airport on Aug. 28 between 9 am and 4 pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. September 5-6, 2026

    Orientation Days

  3. September 7, 2026

    Classes begin

  4. TBA

    Excursions

  5. October 31 - November 8, 2026

    Fall Break

  6. December 9, 2026

    Last day of classes

    Exam period: Dec. 10-14, 2026
  7. December 15, 2026

    Housing move-out

  1. September 4, 2026

    Arrival and Housing

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aix-Marseille (MRS) airport on Sep. 4 between 9am and 4pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. September 5-6, 2026

    Orientation Days

  3. September 7, 2026

    Classes begin

  4. TBA

    Excursions

  5. October 31 - November 8, 2026

    Fall Break

  6. December 9, 2026

    Last day of classes

    Exam period: Dec. 10-14, 2026
  7. December 15, 2026 by noon

    Housing move-out

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Please check out Diversity Abroad’s France Travel Guide. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

 

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

Apply Now