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Institute for American Universities (IAU)

9.32 (87)Verified3 Programs

Why choose Institute for American Universities (IAU)?

Institute for American Universities (IAU), is an American style education institution located in France, Spain, and Morocco offering programs for undergraduates, graduates, or non-traditional students. We offer courses in humanities, social sciences, fine arts, language, business, and literature - all taught in English, Spanish, and French. Founded by Dr. Herbert Maza in 1957, IAU is one of the ol...

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Institute for American Universities (IAU) Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.32

Total Reviews

87
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An experience to replay in my head one million times

by: Dylan Schick - United StatesProgram: Study or Earn Your Degree in Aix-en-Provence, France
10

Every aspect of my experience at IAU contributed to making it the best experience of my life! I immediately felt extremely comforted and welcome by all students and staff upon my arrival. Throughout the semester, I received a rigorous but rewarding education regarding subjects such as international relations, political science, and French. Each of my courses increased my knowledge in various fields, but my experience outside of the classroom also taught me many valuable pieces of information. Living in a homestay provided me with knowledge of the French household lifestyle, improved knowledge of the French language, and relationships I will have forever. When not at the dinner table with my kindhearted host mother, I would be out on the town with my friends. These are companions that I can now call not only friends, but best friends. Experiencing Aix-en-Provence and other countries in Europe together were some of the greatest opportunities I have ever received. In whole, my time at IAU in Aix-en-Provence was something I will cherish forever. I loved the program so much that I am planning on returning to receive my Master's degree!

The reason I’m currently back living in France

by: Sarah Grammer - United StatesProgram: IAU - Study in the South of France, in Aix-en-Provence
7

IAU provided such a great opportunity to experience French culture, even despite COVID restrictions at the time. I had an absolutely amazing host family who I have continued to keep in contact with. I also stayed in contact with many of my professors, all of whom were absolutely incredible professors and mentors. The staff is fabulous and the classes offered are engaging and cover a wide variety of majors. My experience in Aix cause me to move to Paris that summer and ultimately move back to France once I finished my studies in the US. This opportunity allowed me to love and appreciate everything about French culture as well as learn countless life skills about not only living, but thriving in a different country and overall social environment. I could not recommend this program more and it has forever impacted the trajectory of my life.

Mt. St. Victoire

The time I went out of my comfort zone and went abroad for a semester

by: Polina Tappan - United StatesProgram: Study or Earn Your Degree in Aix-en-Provence, France
10

My name is Polly and I decided to study abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France for my sophomore year spring semester. This decision didn’t feel real until I actually arrived into Aix after a long day of traveling internationally by myself. (One fear I already got to conquer!) My host mom came to pick me up by the gare station and gave me a warm welcome to this new, always sunny, small city I would soon call my home away from home. I also had made the decision to do the early start program which even further enriched my first week in Aix. The classes I took also immensely added to my time in Aix because I got to learn about the history in and around the area, make art on the country side, participate in wine and cheese tastings, take various excursions to other places in France including Paris, learn and speak more French than I ever would've in one semester at my home university, and discuss literature and films among my classmates. I strongly encourage everyone who studies abroad to take that leap out outside of their comfort zone, whether that be taking the first step and getting on that plane ride across the ocean, meeting people from all over the world, or even ordering from a patisserie in français (something that at first definitely gave me anxiety as a beginner/intermediate French speaker). This whole experience away from home was not always perfect and full of ups and downs. This is what enabled me to grown not only in my cultural, French studies, but also as an open-minded person seeking discomfort and new experiences. From climbing to the top of mount sainte-victoire to being in a boat crash on the amalfi coast, my time abroad was certainly an experience I will never, ever forget. And I would absolutely do it again.

Day trip to Saint-Tropez avec le bus de George Amalfi coastRainy night in Paris with le tour de Eiffel

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Rose Guth

Interviewed in 2016

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

You are an IAU alumni yourself. How did you own experience studying at IAU inspire you to work for the university?

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Meghan Devine

Interviewed in 2016

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

How have your own experiences abroad, especially in France, inspired you in your life both personally and professionally?

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Elizabeth Timberlake

Participated in 2016

Alumni

I was inspired to go abroad by an earnest desire to experience other cultures and expose myself to people who don't think, act, or look like me. I have many friends that have had positive study abroad experiences, and that further encouraged me to pursue my desire to go abroad.

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