Aix-en-Provence, France
Hobart and William Smith Colleges maintain an affiliation with IAU College, based in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. IAU was founded in 1957 under the auspices of the Université d’ Aix-Marseille and has served more than 700 North American colleges and universities. The program has multiple tracks which can accommodate students at all levels of linguistic proficiency in a variety of subject areas. Through The School of Humanities and Social Sciences, students with a limited background in French language have the opportunity to take elective courses in English in a variety of disciplines while taking French language at their level of proficiency.
The French Language and Culture track is designed for students who are interested in a more intensive language experience, combining language courses (offered at various levels) with electives in either English or French. Students with more advanced language skills seeking a full immersion experience may enroll in the French Honors Program, which includes the option of a credit-bearing internship as well as other opportunities to attend a range of specially-arranged cultural activities and excursions.
Advanced students may also choose to take up to two courses at the University of Provence Aix-Marseille with local students (spring semester only). Through their coursework and homestay accommodations, all IAU students will be challenged to broaden their perspectives while developing their linguistic and cross-cultural skills.