Liberal Arts
2006 June 6-Week - Partner Institution

Accreditation

The Institute for American Universities was founded under the auspices of l'Universite d'Aix-Marseille and chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York. The Institute issues an official, traditional American transcript with letter grades and courses have been accepted for academic credit by over 700 North American institutions of higher learning since its founding in 1957.

Institute for American Universities

The Institute for American Universities (IAU) is a study abroad program located in Aix-en-Provence, France, for undergraduates attending American colleges. Courses in the humanities, social sciences and fine arts are offered in French and English. Students are encouraged to live with French families and have also the opportunity with CEA to live in apartments. In the context of Provence's rich Mediterranean heritage, IAU delivers the highest quality curriculum and guides students, both French majors and non-French majors, to cultural competency while fostering a life-long affinity for the culture, language and people of France.

Founded in 1958 under the auspices of l'Université d'Aix-Marseille, chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, the Institute for American Universities is one of the oldest and largest education abroad programs in Europe. IAU has served as an academic center for more than 700 colleges and universities and more than 18,000 students. Its present annual enrollment overall is at more than 300 and continues to make study in France available to students who recognize the life-long value of living in and exploring a culture other than their own.

IAU makes a variety of services available to CEA students including a library, student lounge, access to activities sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, and internet connections, including Wi-Fi..

Classroom Information

In the fall and spring semesters, students are expected to carry a normal academic load of 15 credit hours (5 courses).  The normal summer course load is six credits (two courses).  Students who are taking 15 credit hours on a graded basis may elect to take one course on a pass/fail basis.

Most courses meet for a total of 39 contact hours, which are generally worth 3 credits in the US semester system.  Students will be in class for a total of 195 contact hours or 15 credits in the US semester system.  Note, it is up to the discretion of your academic advisor how much credit will be awarded.  Language and elective courses meet Monday through Friday and class times vary.  A student’s individual schedule will be worked out over the months preceding students’ arrival.

Students will register for courses, including alternates, prior to departure.  During the pre-departure process, all students are required to complete a course selection form indicating their course preferences and alternates.  Students are encouraged to submit their form as early as possible as popular courses fill up quickly.  Based on the course selection form and course availability, a student’s course registration will be finalized.  With regard to language classes, students may be asked to take a placement exam prior to arrival to confirm their language level.  If their level is different than indicated on their application, adjustments will be made to the student’s schedule to place them in the right language class.  

IAU does its best to accommodate an individual student’s needs.  However, scheduling conflicts or French placement test results may necessitate an adaptation of a student’s proposed program.  Students will work with the IAU academic advisor onsite if any changes need to be made.  In order to ensure that you receive credit for the language level and courses that you place into, it is in your best interest to have a variety of courses and language levels approved by your academic advisor prior to departure.

Grading

Instructors at IAU will carefully evaluate student's work and progress throughout their academic session. Written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation and performance on exams, in addition to other curriculum-appropriate criteria, will be taken into account when calculating the final grade.

The following grading system is in use at IAU. Some French professors may grade according to the French system.  Please note the letter grading table below.