French Honors Program at IAU College

Founded in 1957, IAU (Institute for American Universities) is one of the oldest education abroad programs in Europe. In addition, IAU is registered with the French Ministry of Education and recognized by the Rectorat of the Université d’Aix-Marseille.

 

IAU offers several different semester and summer program options in Aix-en-Provence: The School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the French Honors Program, and The Core Art Program.

 

The French Honors Program is an academic track within the IAU School of Humanities and Social Sciences, designed for advanced French students and French majors as an opportunity to live and study in a 100% French-speaking environment. This program offers students a full immersion experience:

    • Students only speak French and will be spoken to only in French by IAU faculty and staff.

    • Students will be placed in homestays where only French is spoken.

    • Exclusive receptions, cultural activities and excursions, all in French.

    • Lecture series in French on topics such as politics, journalism and cultural history.

    • French Language Partner Program where you are paired with a local French university student to practice your language skills.

    • Optional stage (internship) based on your academic background and career goals.

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Academics & Eligibility

Learn about the academic opportunities and requirements for this program.

Semester Course & Credit Information

  • Semester students on the French Honors Program will take a mandatory French Honors seminar course plus 4 additional courses of their choosing taught in French at the 300- or 400-level (total 16 credits).

  • Students who do not wish to take all their classes in French may take 1 class in English. At least 13 credit hours per semester must be taken in French.

  • Language Requirement: The French Honors Program is open only to students with an advanced level of French. Must have completed 4 semesters of college French or equivalent.

  • Possible U.S. Credits: 15-16 semester credits. Normal course load is 5 courses. Classes are taken with other American students.

  • Final Transcript: Issued by IAU (Institute for American Universities)

     

    Students who require credit from a regionally accredited U.S. School of Record, Fairfield University, must 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).

Credit Information

  • Summer French Honors students will take a mandatory French Honors seminar course plus 1-2 additional courses of their choosing taught in French at the 300- or 400-level (total 6-9 credits). All classes must be taken in French.
    • 6 Credit Summer Term - Course Requirements:

    • French Honors Seminar (FRE 411) from Session A - 3 credits

    • One course taught in French from Session A, B or C - 3 credits

      OR

    • 9 Credit Summer Term - Course Requirements:
    • French Honors Seminar (FRE 411) from Session A - 3 credits
    • Two courses taught in French from Session A, B or C - 6 credits

  • Language Requirement: The French Honors Program is open only to students with an advanced level of French. Must have completed 4 semesters of college French or equivalent.

  • Possible U.S. Credits: 6-9 semester credits (2-3 courses). Classes are taken with other American students.

  • Final Transcript: Issued by IAU (Institute for American Universities)

     

    Students who require credit from a regionally accredited U.S. School of Record, Fairfield University, must 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 and $300 for programs less than six credits.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Mnimum GPA 2.50 (Students with GPA below 2.50 are not considered for the French Honors Program)
  • Language Requirement: Open to students with an advanced level of French (completed at least 4 semesters of college French or equivalent)
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Graduated from high school
  • Transcript from your college or university (unofficial is ok). If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit a transcript from each institution. Transcript from current institution must show courses currently in progress if any French classes are in progress at the time of application.
  • Letter of recommendation from a French professor at your college or university
  • Personal Statement/Letter of Motivation written in French (300-700 words) describing: Why did you choose to apply to IAU? What will you bring to the academic environment in terms of commitment to personal growth and to the total group experience? What aspects of your character, personality, and education do you feel will contribute to a positive exchange with the French population and culture? What are some of your expectations of the experience and once you return home, what will you like to have gained from your time abroad?
  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.

Course Finder

Semester: You MUST have a total of 8 classes approved by your home institution. This gives you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. When you pre-register for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list a total of 8 possible classes on your registration form, in order of preference.

 

Summer: Summer French Honors students will take a mandatory French Honors seminar course plus 1-2 additional courses of their choosing taught in French at the 300- or 400-level (total 6-9 credits). All classes must be taken in French.

 

All courses with course number FRE are taught in French. All other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. Classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis, so it is best to apply early!

 

COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Internship

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.

 

Summer students with an Advanced level of French have the option of earning 3 or 6 credits for an internship at IAU in Aix-en-Provence, France.

 

IInterested 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! 

 

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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.

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 date.

* 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, 6 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.

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.

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.
  • All semester programs include 2 day excursions.
  • 6-week summer programs include 2 day excursions.
  • 3-week summer programs include 1 day excursion.
  • 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.
Lavendar Fields

Lavendar 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, 6 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.

Cost of Attendance & Budget Sheet

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. May 30, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aix-Marseille (MRS) airport on May 30 between 9am and 7pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. June 1, 2026

    Orientation

  3. June 2, 2026

    Classes Begin

  4. Jun. 5

    Orientation Day Trip

  5. Jul. 10

    Final Exams

  6. Jul. 11

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. May 30, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aix-Marseille (MRS) airport on May 30 between 9am and 7pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. June 1, 2026

    Orientation

  3. June 2, 2026

    Classes Begin

  4. Jun. 5

    Orientation Day Trip

  5. Jun. 19

    Final Exams

  6. Jun. 20

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. June 21, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aix-Marseille (MRS) airport on Jun. 21 between 9 am and 7pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. June 22, 2026

    Orientation

  3. June 23, 2026

    Classes Begin

  4. Jun. 26

    Orientation Day Trip

  5. Jul. 10

    Final Exams

  6. Jul. 11

    Housing move-out; students depart

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.

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