Study Abroad in Aix en Provence...

Aix en Provence, or Aix, as it is more commonly known, is a city with a vast history, excellent universities and exciting opportunities. According to the Aix en Provence Tourism Office, the city was born in 122 B.C. and was built on the motto, "Town of water, town of art." Located southeastern France, about 30 kilometers north of Marseille, Aix's population is fewer than 200,000 people. It strikes the perfect balance between small-town and regional hub, neither too big nor too small. It is, as la petite mademoiselle avec des cheveaux d'or (you probably know her better as Goldilocks) would say, juste parfait.

Aix boasts many fine universities. Three of the most famous are part of the University of Aix-Marseille, and each offer different programs. The Université de Provence Aix-Marseille I focuses on the arts and social sciences, Université de la Méditerranée Aix-Marseille II focuses on economics, sciences, journalism and engineering, and the Université Paul Cézanne Aix-Marseille III focuses on law, political science and business. The Institut d'Etudes Politiques d'Aix-en-Provence is the local branch of the world-famous IEPs (Institutes of Political Studies), which consist of nine publicly owned universities in France, focused on the field of political science. The universities give the town a youthful feel and allow study abroad students to interact with both French and international students.

Many study abroad programs offer courses in partnership with one of the universities in the city. The range of institutions makes it easy for students to find classes relevant to their studies in addition to providing opportunities for them to improve their French language skills. Some programs also partner with the Institute for American Universities, founded in 1957 under the auspices of the Université d'Aix-Marseille, which immerses students in French life and culture while providing American-style classes.

For an authentic Aixois experience, students can walk down the Cours Mirabeau that runs through the center of the city and eat at Les Deux Garçons, a famous café visited by Cézanne, Zola, Churchill and Sartre. Art students will be delighted to study how the city inspired famous artists including Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and Granet. It is native son Paul Cézanne, however, whose influence throughout the city is most obvious. Students studying in Aix even have the chance to visit his studio.

Architecture students will certainly take note of the city's golden stone facades and well-known Provencal architecture. The Gothic-style Cathédrale Saint Sauveur can be traced back to the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries and was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. The church of Saint-Jean-de-Malte also displays beautiful Gothic architecture while the Hòtel de Ville was constructed in the classical style. From the mansions of the Mazarin Quarter to the City of Counts, the city's architecture documents Aix en Provence's history.

Aix is also known for its many decorative fountains, originally built to remedy the city's short water supply. Some of the most famous fountains include the Espéluque - the oldest in the city, the fountain of the four dolphins in Mazarin square and the Fountain of Hot Water, which is fed by the thermal waters of the Bagniers and nicknamed "Moussue" for its mossy covering. In addition, students should not miss the impressive Rotunda fountain featuring three statues said to represent Justice, Agriculture and Fine Arts - the main activities of Aix. Students studying in Aix en Provence will grow to appreciate the diversity, history and culture encapsulated in the fountains' water and artistry, a combination on which Aix prides itself.

While studying in Aix, students must be sure to sample the city's famous sweets, especially calissons, which are made with melon and orange-flavored almond paste. The city is also known for its olives and wine. Those students studying abroad in Aix during July will have the opportunity to attend its world-famous music festival, which features a series of operas and concerts as well as recitals by young artists from the European Academy of Music.

Aix en Provence refers to itself as a "living history book," as the city's architecture, art and traditions reflect both past and present. Students will find it a fascinating and enriching study abroad destination.

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ONLINE RESOURCES
Université de Provence Aix-Marseille I: http://www.up.univ-mrs.fr/
Institut d'Etudes Politiques d'Aix-en-Provence: http://www.iep.u-3mrs.fr/
Aix en Provence Tourist Office: http://www.aixenprovencetourism.com/uk/
Provence Live: http://www.provencelive.com
Paul Cézanne Studio: http://www.atelier-cezanne.com/aix-en-provence.html
Festival d'Aix en Provence: http://www.festival-aix.com/
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP

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