Description

Aix-en-Provence is many things; it is a center of culture, art, academics and amazing beauty. The small city of approximately 137,000 people is located in Southern France in the region of Provence. Provence, one of the wealthiest regions in France, is bordered by the Mediterranean on its southern coast and offers hot summers and mild winters.

You can spend days walking the twisted cobblestone side streets or exploring the numerous fountain-filled, mansion-lined squares that make up Aix-en-Provence. Cathedrale St-Sauveur, the city's main cathedral, is one of the major sites to see, as it represents the major architectural periods spanning the 5th to the 18th centuries including Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. Also, the settings and subjects of Paul Cozanne's paintings can be found throughout the city and its environs.

Founded in 123 B.C. as a military camp on thermal springs that still flow, Aix-en-Provence blends its past and the present with the help of its many students. The city offers you the opportunity to discover its museums and theatres as well as allows you to enjoy the lively nightlife in areas such as Rue de la Verrerie.

In addition to Aix's daily entertainment, the summer months explode with music Festivals. Dance, Opera, Jazz, and Classical music overwhelm the city during June and July.

Aix-en-Provence also has a great culinary reputation. The world's top ranking producer of almonds, Aix-en-Provence is known for its trademark almond-shaped candy called Calisson. Fresh fruits and vegetables along with soaps and goods made in the surrounding country are sold at weekly markets.

An elegant university town, Aix-en-Provence offers something for everyone in addition to a great education. There are cafes, cinemas, restaurants, discotheques, libraries, churches, monuments, bookstores, sports facilities and concerts to satisfy a wide range of interests.

Highlights

Founded in 1957 under the auspices of l'Universite d'Aix-Marseille, chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, Le Centre d'Aix is one of the oldest institutes in Europe for study abroad students.

Le Centre d'Aix classes are in English or in French. The curriculum is broad, offering archeology, art history, studio art; French language, literature, and civilization; European/international studies and social sciences: business, comparative literature, economics, education, government, history, philosophy, political science, and psychology. Students choose their courses that best meet their individual academic and personal needs.

Students in the Aix Program take five 3-credit courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take at least one class in French language, and many students take two. In addition, students choose other courses from Aix's many offerings that best meet their individual academic and personal needs.

The Marchutz School of Art

The fundamental principle of the Marchutz School is simple: the synthesis of sight (a perception of the world) and insight (a perception of art) can be the precursor to fresh, original painting. It can be the springboard to a new concept.

From this principle, students at the Marchutz School begin. They draw and paint - everyday if possible. They work from models, children, musicians, dancers. They interrelate figure drawing, portraiture, landscape and still-life with interpretative copies of master works, memory work, and sketch book journals. Painting and drawing, study in museums and reading/writing assignments challenge students to explore the correspondences between natural and artistic forms.

Group and individual critiques are integral aspects of each student's process. Technique is developed in concordance with each student's vision and imagination. Individual projects give students the freedom to explore their unique concerns.

The core of the Marchutz program consists of 6 studio painting and drawing credits, plus a 3-credit seminar all taught at the Marchutz School locale on the outskirts of Aix. Students additionally take two 3-credit elective courses at the Centre d'Aix to complete an academic load of 15 credits. The elective courses may be chosen from any of the offerings at the Centre d'Aix.

The Nightlife

Aix is a college town full of cafes, clubs, bars, cinemas and everything else you would expect from a college town.

Many students will meet out at one of numerous restaurants in town for a fantastic meal and a nice bottle of wine before heading out to jazz club, to see a movie, or to stroll the beautiful streets in the old part of the city.

For those who want to get away, Marseille, the capital of Provence, is only a short ride away and is filled with everything you would expect of the capital of one of the most glamorous areas of France.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

please inquire for more information

Program Fees Include:

* Academic credits, tuition, official transcript,
* cellphone, room and board,
* airport pick-up, medical insurance,
* ISIC card, excursions, pre-departure orientation,
* on-site orientation and much more.

Experience Required

no

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

ASA is fully committed to financially assisting students who wish to participate on our study abroad programs. Our scholarships illustrate this commitment and our ongoing effort to help keep study abroad affordable. (Please Note: We can only accept ASA Scholarship applications from students studying abroad on an ASA Program.)

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hours

Academic Studies Abroad's Mission Statement

Everyone at ASA is dedicated to making sure that all of our students achieve three goals: - A true feeling and understanding for the culture they are immersed in; - A memorable and safe once-in-a-lifetime experience; - Personal growth through a better understanding of the world around you.

Year Founded

1999