France

International Business and French Culture at IPAG in Nice, France

Overview

This program is designed for highly motivated undergraduate students enrolled at CUNY only who are interested in pursuing course work in international business, management, marketing, economics, finance, French language and French culture. The program is especially for business students. In addition, CUNY exchange students will serve as “CSI Student Ambassadors” and will gain a global perspective that helps them to achieve career goals in an increasingly interdependent world. This program is operated on the basis of reciprocal exchange.

Studying 

IPAG, founded in 1965, is a private undergraduate and graduate business school with campuses located in Nice on the beautiful French Riviera and Paris, the French Capital. IPAG is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. The school has an enrollment of over 1600 students on its two campuses. Our exchange is only with the Nice campus.

Courses are taught in English in the following subjects:

• French language (levels 1 through 7)
• French Culture and Civilization
• International Marketing
• Marketing Strategy & Communications
• Business Strategy
• Consumer Behavior
• Strategic Human Resources Management
• Motivating the Workforce
• Small Business Development
• Intercultural Management
• Marketing Research
• Financial Management
• International management.

The specific courses offered every semester are subject to change. Note that you can select any of the "year" tracks as long as prerequisites are met, but cannot mix years due to scheduling conflicts. All courses are taught in English. If you are fluent in French, other course options may be available to you.

Living

The IPAG exchange coordinators help students find apartments during the orientation. Students pay a housing fee upon arrival in Nice. Housing fees vary, but most students find accommodation for roughly $400-600/month for a shared apartment close to campus (and the beach).

Exploring

With its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine and stunning seaside location, Nice is the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Azur, and a must-see for every visitor. A magnet for sunseekers and high-rollers since the 19th century, this bewitching coastal city has so much going for it, it’s almost embarrassing – fabulous markets, an enticing old town, glorious architecture and a wealth of super restaurants. Close to Italy, you get the benefit of French cuisine with the laid back Italian attitude. Try some moules-frites (mussels and french fries) or socca (a thin unleavened pancake of chickpea flour), or stop by one of the numerous gelato stands around the old town squares. With parks, outside music venues, and numerous beaches available, your life outside the classroom will be full of fun in the Mediterranean sun!

Eligibility

The program is open to students majoring in business who are in good academic and student standing at any CUNY school, who have a minimum of 12 credits at time of application with a minimum 2.75 GPA. These exchange programs require a certain level of maturity, independence, seriousness of purpose, and an ability to adapt to new environmental and academic conditions, so an in-person campus interview is required. Late admission can only be considered on a space by space basis.

Dates & Costs

Below you will find the current dates for all terms available.  Please note all dates are subject to change. Students accepted to the exchange program will be registered for a minimum of 12 study abroad credits per semester and pay home-school CUNY tuition before departure. Below are some estimated additional costs you should be aware of.
 

(Above costs do not include independent travel.)

Typical deadlines are as follows:
 
Fall: March 1st
Spring October 1st
 
Please ask for application cycles currently open, and any applicable extensions.

Film and Filmmaking in Paris, France

Overview

Spend three weeks during the summer of 2025 exploring the French culture through the lens of a camera. You’ll learn about film theory and French cinema from CSI faculty and host partners. You’ll engage in specially curated screenings and will employ the theoretical strategies and aesthetics learned in the classroom into your own film and media productions.
 
This summer, students’ films will focus on a specific theme. Paris will provide the palate as you write, shoot, edit, and produce a short film using our partner's facilities. In the evenings, you can draw inspiration from all of the sights, sounds, and tastes available. Or perhaps you’ll join your CSI faculty in exploring the city, learning about its history and its place in the world of film.
 

"France is one of the first havens of film in history. Having that opportunity to learn cinema where all other great cinephiles and filmmakers learned, created and grew was invaluable. To learn about this cinema was a great privilege that I am forever grateful for."

Salwa Saif, 2018 program

Studying 

The CSI Department of Media Culture and the Center for Global Engagement at the College of Staten Island (CSI) will lead a summer program in 2023 in France that integrates film study and filmmaking. Led by Professor David A. Gerstner and his colleague, artist and filmmaker, Mitchell Lovell, the “Film and Filmmaking” program is an intensive three-week program of study and filmmaking during July. The course is taught in English and includes daily class meetings, workshops, and screenings.
 

I honestly cannot understate in any capacity how important this program was to my Graduate experience—besides going to a chateau, how many film studies students can say they got to go to the CNC (National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image) and meet Christophe Honoré? The structure of the class was incredibly engaging, more like a film symposium with guest lecturers, and discussion. Which of course was then reinforced by the actual process of planning our own group film. The program is as  intrinsically amorous as you'd imagine, and twice as fun.

Matthew Ballinger, 2016 program

Filmmaking

Working in groups, you will be guided in manifesting the concepts learned in the classroom into movies. You will be involved in the full process of creating a film, from concept to editing.  The goal is to create a package of 2-to-3-minute films that showcase the rich cultural dynamic of film in French culture.

All production equipment for principal photography while in France, are provided by CUNY-CSI and its host partner.
 

The more I stayed, the more it felt like I was living on a fantasy land. It was very exciting to set up and shoot in areas that were vastly different than areas that exist in New York. But as a filmmaker, this experience was so important because there'll be a point when you shoot in an unfamiliar environment for the sake of realizing your vision. 

Sabino Liotti, 2018 program

Past Projects

L’été en Suspens (A Summer Paused), 2016
In the premier year of the program, students were intrigued by France and Europe’s current events and elections. Fittingly inspired by Jean Rouch’s Chronicle of a Summer, the 2016 cohort created a short documentary that explores fear and tragedy while celebrating the process of filmmaking.
 

I was able not only to submerge myself in a new and exciting culture but also learn to work with a group of people on a documentary that challenged us all emotionally and mentally. It was a stimulating journey that anyone interested in discovering new cultures or film should partake in.

Nicholas Jastrzebski, 2016 program

See the video here.
 

Walker’s Paradox, 2018
For the 2018 group of filmmakers and writers, the intersection of social movements and cinema as it pertains to France was once again a theme. The group wrote and shot a story of two women who try to find middle-ground after amidst countering points of the #MeToo movement. In this short, the cinema itself plays a haunting third character.

See the video here.

Living

While studying in Paris, you will live in shared rooms located in the city and near restaurants, shopping, cultural sites, and local transportation.

Exploring

Paris is a great city for students who want to discover and learn. Museums and romantic places are not the only attractions in the City of Lights. Parks, river cruises, shows and concerts, and more are waiting for you. Take advantage of your free time during this program to explore the city!

Eligibility

The program leaders seek applicants with varying creative and intellectual talents who can work in a crew and, importantly, who can develop concepts that imaginatively bring attention to the particular theme. Students of the following disciplines are encouraged to apply:
 

• Filmmaking (cinematography, lighting, sound, editing, directing, digital, 16mm)
• Film theory, criticism, and history. 
• Public Relations and Promotion of the Arts
• Photography (digital and traditional formats)
• Illustration and design
• Multimedia arts
• Writing (screenplay, creative, critical)
• Art history and theory
• Theater, dramaturgy
• Philosophy
• Poetry
• Travelogue writing
• French Studies and Francophone Studies
• Research (archival—primary and secondary)
• Curating and programming (film, gallery, museum)

Dates & Costs

Below you will find the current dates and costs for all term available.  Please note all dates and costs are subject to change.
 

Program Cost Includes: Tuition, on-site program activities and some excursions, housing, local and domestic administration, international medical and travel insurance, and orientation in U.S. & France.

Summer Program Cost does not include: Airfare, Meals, Personal Expenses

Seats are limited in this program. Applications submitted before January 15, 2025 will have priority consideration.  The application deadline is March 15, 2025.  However, late applications may be considered on a case by case basis.  

Arts and Social Sciences at IAU in Aix-en-Provence, France

Overview

You will love studying and exploring in the beautiful south of France! 

The Institute for American Universities (IAU) is located in Aix-en-Provence (pop. approx. 143,000) and is situated on the Mediterranean coast. The IAU program offers courses in French language and a variety of other liberal arts and social sciences courses, making it an ideal study abroad location for any major. Homestays and a strong program of cultural activities complement the academic program to ensure students have a complete immersion into French culture.
 
Aix is a very beautiful old town, rich in history and local tradition. Overlooked by hills and Mont Sainte Victoire, Aix lies in a natural basin and is famous for its fountains, winding streets and sunny squares, monuments and churches, universities and thermal waters. The many concerts, the summer Festival d'Art Lyrique, libraries, museums, churches, bookstores, markets, and cafés have earned Aix its reputation as one of France's most engaging cities. A wealth of cinemas, restaurants, nightclubs, and sports facilities welcomes Aix's students.
 
In Aix-en-Provence, you can find one of the finest examples of the famed Provencal style of architecture, and a walk through the streets is a lesson in artistic control, in form, composition, rhythm, and beauty. Within a few miles of the center of Aix, original motifs of many great artists remain intact. Aix-en-Provence allows easy access to Paris, Geneva, London and other major European cities. With Italy and Spain only hours away by train, Aix-en-Provence is ideally located for students planning to travel on weekends during the summer sessions or during vacation periods on the semester program.

Studying

Academics & Program

View here the Fall 2023-2024 Course Schedule and the Spring 2024 Course Schedule.

Course descriptions and syllabi are available on IAU's website.

Schedule
The Institute for American Universities (IAU) in Aix-en-Provence, France is chartered by the Board of Regents of The State University of New York and was founded in 1957 under the auspices of the Universitè d'Aix-Marseille. It is one of the oldest and largest education abroad programs of its type in Europe.
 
IAU offers four programs of study in Aix-en-Provence: The School of Humanities and Social Sciences, The School of Business and International Relations, The French Honors Program, and The Marchutz School of Fine Arts.

• The School of Humanities and Social Sciences - IAU prides itself on the diversity of its course offerings in English, French, and Arabic which enables students with any background in French language the ability to gain access to a study abroad experience. The multiple course offerings allow students to fulfill many of their general education requirements and complete major and minor requirements linked to areas in the humanities, social sciences, education, and the arts.

• The School of Business and International Relations - Through the School of Business and International Relations, all students have the unique opportunity to learn about international business strategies and procedures with a specific focus on the global market. IAU business courses are approved by Fairfield University, an IAU partner institution whose Dolan School of Business is accredited through AACSB, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Disciplines taught include economics, finance, international business, management, and marketing.

• The French Honors Program - The French Honors Program is designed for French majors or other students with demonstrated advanced-level French, interested in a comprehensive language and cultural immersion program. All honors students enroll in a weekly French Honors Seminar (FRE/LIT/ART 411), all remaining courses are taught in French, and internship placements for course credit are also available. Additionally, students will be expected to keep a daily journal in French. This journal will be examined and discussed on a regular basis in the weekly seminar meeting.

• The Marchutz School of Fine Arts - The Marchutz Arts Core Program is open to students of all majors, artistic skill levels, and backgrounds, and offers an immersive experience in painting, drawing, art history, and art theory with extensive excursions throughout Europe. Students enrolled in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences or the School of Business and International Relations may take courses at the Marchutz School of Fine Arts along with their other courses including art history, creative writing, archaeology, painting and drawing, photography, architectural design, sculpture, and more.

Semester Offering

In addition to the above programs of study, IAU provides access to unpaid, for-credit internships available at local enterprises for semester students. Interested students should have at least four semesters of college French and must provide their resume before the start of the semester. While placement cannot be guaranteed for those without upper-level French language experience, it is possible for students with lower-level French to be placed. These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis.
 
Designed for all majors, IAU is renowned for its founding philosophy of making it possible for students with beginning French language skills to study in France. The structure of its program, which combines French language study with a range of liberal arts and social science courses taught in both English, French, or Arabic, has opened the doors of cross-cultural learning to thousands of students. For an additional per course fee, advanced French language students may be eligible to take courses at l’Université de Provence Aix-Marseille.
 

Semester Courses 

IAU required course load is 15 credits. At least one course in French is required. Students may choose courses across all disciplines.  Except where noted on the Course Schedule, all courses carry 3 credits. Students interested in certificate programs or core arts program will find required course groupings on the last page of the Course Schedule.

Credits: 15
Instructor's Language: English, French or Arabic

Summer Course Offerings 

Students may choose 1, 2, or 3 classes (3 – 9 credits) from the flexible summer sessions. The summer terms include a six-week session and two three-week sessions.

The principal areas of study offered in the summer program are French language and culture (introductory through advanced levels of language, civilization, and literature); art and archaeology, including art history and studio art; and European/international studies and social sciences (business, comparative literature, economics, education, government, history, philosophy, political science, and psychology). 

If IAU web site has not updated its course schedule, you can have a similar one here: Summer 2024 Course Schedule. 

Living

Housing
Students are housed in the homes of French host families when possible based on availability. Living in a French home is ideal as it provides an immediate introduction to life in Southern France. Host families come from a cross-section of society; they belong to no particular professional or social milieu, but all are carefully chosen, and many have hosted American students for several years.
 
The homestay option offers students room and half board. Daily continental breakfasts and six dinners a week are provided by the host family. Students are responsible for lunches. There is a multitude of affordable cafés, brasseries, small sandwich and grocery shops from which to choose. Many other food markets are available around town during the week.
 
Bed, linen, pillow and blankets, are provided, and the room is cleaned weekly. Students must bring their own towels, and they are provided with one machine load of wash each week. You can request to be placed with another IAU roommate in the host family setting.

NOTE - Homestay placements for this Summer 2024

Will only be available on a very limited basis, and therefore students should expect to be placed in a student residence apartment or semi-independent housing arrangement. As a kind reminder, in both of these options, students would be responsible for their own groceries and preparing their own meals. In the case of student residence apartments, students are also responsible for laundry services. Kindly note that these housing options are offered at a lower price point to compensate for the altered inclusions. Cost information can be found here.

Exploring

Semester Program

Aix’s location provides numerous travel opportunities for students studying in Aix-en-Provence. Marseilles, the Mediterranean and the Maritime Alps are only an hour away, and Nice, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Saint Tropez, Paris, Milan, Rome and Geneva are all within one day of travel, perfect for a weekend trip.
 
Field study trips are also embedded into many courses; several others are organized by IAU staff. Students are also encouraged to strike out on their own and explore their new surroundings. Provence is known for its sunny, temperate and generally dry climate, so sunshine and outdoor activities abound. Beaches, hiking, skiing in the nearby alps, traveling to European destinations, as well as cinema and theatre, museums, lectures and concerts are just some of the possible activities for students.
 
Students enrolled in the program also have the opportunity to participate in language partner and volunteer programs, as well as additional excursions, field trips and cultural activities.
 
Summer Program

Aix-en-Provence is a major cultural center, hosting a summer International Music Festival featuring jazz, pop, classical, and opera. Cinemas, museums, parks, restaurants, cafes, and night clubs, as well as a variety of sporting events, are available to students. The region is known for its sunny, temperate and generally dry climate, so sunshine and outdoor activities abound. 

Eligibility

Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on 4.0 scale and have completed 12 college credits at time of application.  Students may have freshman through senior standing.  There are no foreign language requirements; all courses are offered in English.

Internship:  Prior knowledge of French language is required.

Semester Visa Entry Requirements:  France requires a visa for students studying during the spring or fall semesters. Please allow ample time (6-8 weeks) to apply for your visa starting with the Campus France visa application. Upon acceptance, you will be provided with detailed instructions on the visa application process. Additional information is available on the IAU Passports & Visa page.

Duration
 

A note to students: IAU advises that students do not make any travel arrangements prior to the first week of classes. Field studies and course excursions can be scheduled during weekends and breaks, so IAU recommends not purchasing any tickets or scheduling any travel until after learning of course requirements on-site.

Spring 2024 Semester 

Summer 2024

*Please note that July 14 (Bastille Day) is a national holiday 

Fall 2024 Semester (dates to be confirmed)

Costs

Spring 2024

Costs:  $ 18,765
Costs with Early Start Program: $ 19,205 

SUMMER 2024

Session A

Costs: $ 8,570 homestay OR residence hall/apt

Session B or C

Costs: $ 5,210 homestay OR residence hall/apt

Session A + B +/or C

Costs: $ 9,790 homestay OR residence hall/apt

Internship

Costs: $9,460 homestay OR residence hall/apt

Fall 2024

Costs:  $ TBD
Costs with Early Start Program: $ TBD

Semester Costs Included: Tuition (15 credits) and fees, homestay, most meals (breakfast daily and six dinners), pre-departure advising and orientation, textbook rental, insurance, field study tours, and scheduled cultural activities.  Choosing semi-dependent or residence hall/apt housing will reduce the program cost $100-$1500-with an increase to the meals cost.  Contact the program advisor for details.

Semester Costs Not Included: Airfare ($1,200 – $1,500), some meals, passport/visa fees, and personal expenses ($2,500 - $3,000), courses that may incur an additional lab fee ($150 – $260), supply fee for any students not in the Marchutz Arts Core Program who wish to take a studio art course $260).

Summer Costs included: Tuition and fees, homestay (breakfast daily and six dinners included) or apartment (without meals), pre-departure advising and orientation, textbook rental, insurance, field study tours, and scheduled cultural activities.

Summer Costs not included: Airfare ($1,200 - $1,500), some meals (homestay option) or all meals (apartment option), passport/visa fees, and personal expenses ($1,000 – 1,500), courses that may incur an additional lab fee.
 

*A non-refundable program deposit ($800 for semesters and $500 for summer) is due within two weeks of acceptance. This deposit is applied towards the program cost and paid to the College of Staten Island. 
 
All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Contact the program sponsor to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Please refer to your acceptance materials for information on arrival, orientation, and the academic calendar. The refund policy is program specific and non-transferable. Refer to your acceptance materials for the comprehensive refund policy or contact the program sponsor.

Click here to see the robust offering of merit scholarships, grants, and need-based assistance that IAU offers.

Application Deadlines:
Summer: February 15

Summer internship:  February 1
Fall: March 15
Spring: September 25

Wine, Gastronomy & Sustainability of the Mediterranean - IAU Winter J-Term Program

Overview

Italy * France * Spain

Tentative dates: December 26, 2024 to January 12, 2025

The Wine, Gastronomy & Sustainability of the Mediterranean J-Term Seminar focuses on the appreciation of gastronomy and wine, while exploring regional and local delicacies. Students will learn to appreciate how these products are produced, understand how they impact the environment, and will begin to recognize how our consumption choices may be a potential solution or hazard to the global environmental crisis. In this multi-country traveling seminar, students will have the opportunity to taste Italian, French, and Spanish wines, speak directly with winemakers and industry experts, and visit cultural sites in Italy, France, and Spain.  The Institute for American Universities (IAU) is located in Aix-en-Provence situated on the Mediterranean coast. 

Itinerary

• France: Aix-en-Provence
• Spain: Barcelona
• Italy: Florence

View the 2024 itinerary here!  Please note, the schedule and cities are tentative and subject to change.

Studying

Academics & Program

Students can choose one of the following courses:

• Business/Wine Studies 306: The Global Wine Industry 
• Geography/Marketing/Wine Studies 303: Regional Wine Trade and Economics 
• Hospitality Management/Wine Studies 317: Wine and Food Pairing 
• Marketing/Wine Studies 312: Wine Marketing and Analysis 
• Environmental Studies 375: Environmental Security and Sustainability in the Mediterranean Basin 
• International Relations 375: Environmental Security and Sustainability in the Mediterranean Basin 
• Geography 375: Environmental Security and Sustainability in the Mediterranean Basin

The 2025 syllabus will be available soon! View the 2024 syllabus here. Details are subject to change. 

Itinerary

• France: Aix-en-Provence
• Spain: Barcelona
• Italy: Florence

View the 2024 itinerary here! Please note, the schedule is tentative and subject to change.

About the Professor:

Professor Anthony Triolo also serves as the Coordinator of the Wine Studies Program at IAU. He received a Bachelor’s degree (Summa Cum Laude) in International Affairs from the American University of Paris, and later earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies (Histoire Militaire, Sécurité et Défense) from IEP, Aix-en-Provence, France in conjunction with Universite Paul Valery III, Montpellier, France. Professor Triolo is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and has several years of hands-on experience managing sustainable and organic vineyards. His scholarly interests are centered around the relationships between international security and global environmental crisis with a particular focus on sustainable agriculture, which he sees as a possible panacea, playing a significant role in mitigating climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and food insecurity.

Living

IAU’s J-Term Traveling Seminars are unique in that the classroom and campus changes based on the location of the program. The J-Terms consist of 17-21 day academic and cultural courses led by IAU faculty and include 24/7 staff support.  The seminars are thematic in nature and involve travel through multiple countries. During the program, students have access to a variety of spaces including partner institutions, hotel conference rooms, lecture halls, and museums in which to conduct coursework and lectures. Students are housed in hotels or residence halls in each city. Breakfast is included.   

Eligibility

Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on 4.0 scale and have completed 12 college credits at time of application.  Students may have freshman through senior standing.  There are no foreign language requirements; all courses are offered in English.

Applications to Include
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher who knows the applicant from a classroom setting
- Statement of purpose

Dates & Costs

Duration

(Tentative dates): December 26, 2024 - January 12, 2025

NOTE - Please know that the dates, costs, and program for January 2025 will be similar to what is now posted.  

Costs

• $ 6,230 (J-Term 2024)
• $ TBD (J-Term 2025)

Costs included: Tuition and fees for 3 credits, lodging, daily breakfast, some group lunches and/or dinners, intra-program transportation (by plane, train, or bus), entrances/fees for all scheduled cultural activities and academic visits, orientation, and health, liability, and repatriation insurance.

Costs not included: International roundtrip airfare, most lunches/dinners, textbooks, and personal expenses.

*A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due within two weeks of acceptance. This deposit is applied towards the program cost and paid to the College of Staten Island. 

Students who enroll in a January Term Seminar and the spring semester in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona consecutively are eligible to receive a $2,000 grant credited to their spring semester invoice. In order to be eligible to receive the grant, students must participate in the Early Start Program during the week between the end of the January Term Seminar and the start of the spring semester. The Early Start Program allows students to move in with their hosts a week before the semester begins, receive French or Spanish language instruction, and participate in local cultural activities! Visit IAU's Scholarship website for additional details.  

Application Deadline: 

J-Term: September 25

Intensive French Language Study at IFALPES in Annecy, France

Overview

Come study in beautiful Annecy, France for a summer or semester!  Known as the "Venice of the Alps, with its canals, Old Town, lake, castles, famous hotels and restaurants, Annecy is a bustling city all year round with lots to see and do. Annecy offers students cultural and athletic activities within a very pleasant urban environment.  Annecy is located at the foot of the Alpine massifs, sits on the purest lake of Europe, and has breathtaking scenery.

You will study at IFALPES, the Institut Français des Alpes, that specializes in teaching the French language. The methodology is direct and communicative and the student body is drawn from countries around the world. 

Studying 

No previous knowledge of French is required to participate in the program.

IFALPES in Annecy is a leading French language training institute that operates in cooperation with institutes and academic institutions both in France and abroad. IFALPES has the "Qualité FLE" accreditation from the French Ministry of Education.

Course Offerings

• Standard General French Lessons (all levels)

• 14 weeks of 20 lessons/week for a total of 210 hours (semester)

• 3 weeks of 26 lessons/week for a total of 58.5 hours (each summer session)

• 12 credits (semester) / 3 credits each summer session

Academic Highlights

The Institute is open all year round. French language courses: beginning, intermediate, advanced are specifically designed for those interested in learning or becoming more proficient in the French language. The teaching methods are based on active participation by students (Communicative Method).  The scope of the program includes understanding, speaking, reading, writing and cross-cultural studies.  The goal of the Institute is to encourage the use of spoken French by students outside of classes.

Students are in class around 20 hours per week and earn 12 credits over the semester program and 3 credits per summer session. 

For course descriptions, click here. 

For the IFALPES education system, click here.
 

Living

SEMESTER Housing
 
The housing that is included in the program cost is a French homestay with a host family that includes daily breakfast and dinner.  This is very popular arrangement, where students benefit from the opportunity to learn about French culture and practice the French they are learning, and it gives students the added benefit to get to know a host family.  Students may also choose to have a homestay that includes only breakfast at a lower cost (less than the semester Program Cost).
 
Another housing option for the semester is to stay in a Student Residence called the Bernard Chevron.  This student residence has furnished single rooms with shared bathroom facilities (among 3 students) and a shared kitchen (among 6-8 students). Students are then responsible for the cost of all meals in the student residence.  Students self-cater meals by shopping and preparing their own meals in the kitchen or by eating out in cafes.  In choosing the student residence option, there is a discount off the semester Program Cost.   

Here are some photos of the Bernard Chevron.
 
All housing options are based on availability. Some options may be more limited than other options.

Students complete a housing questionnaire to indicate their needs and choices, and, in the case of homestay, the degree of involvement desired with hosts. The term "family" is used loosely, as the possibilities are many and not limited to "traditional" families.

SUMMER Housing

The housing that is included in the program cost is a French homestay with a host family that includes daily breakfast and dinner.  This is very popular arrangement, where students benefit from the opportunity to learn about French culture and practice the French they are learning, and it gives students the added benefit to get to know a host family.  Students may also choose to have a homestay that includes only breakfast at a lower cost.
 
Two other options for summer is to stay in a Student Residence called the Bernard Chevron. 

Bernard Chevron - Furnished single room with a shared bathroom (among 3 students) and a shared kitchen (among 6-8 students) – Year-round housing.
Here are some photos of the Bernard Chevron.

Students are then responsible for the cost of all meals in the student residences option.  Students self-cater meals by shopping and preparing their own meals in the kitchen or by eating out in cafes.  In choosing a student residence option, there is a discount off the Program Cost.    

All housing options are based on availability. Some options may be more limited than other options.

Students complete a housing questionnaire to indicate their needs and choices, and, in the case of homestay, the degree of involvement desired with hosts. The term "family" is used loosely, as the possibilities are many and not limited to "traditional" families.
 

Exploring

Student Life

The summer program offers hiking, boating, visits to historical and cultural sites, led by an IFALPES staff member. Additional planned excursions can be included at an extra cost. See more here.

Eligibility

Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on 4.0 scale and have completed 12 college credits at time of application.  Students may have freshman through senior standing.  There are no foreign language requirements. French courses are taught in French, with the aid of English.

Visa:  A visa will be required to study in France during the fall and spring terms. We recommend that students apply in advance to obtain the visa. Detailed instructions are provided after acceptance to the program.

Dates & Costs

*A non-refundable deposit ($800 for semesters and $500 for summers) is due within two weeks of acceptance. This deposit is applied towards the program cost and paid to the College of Staten Island. 

* NOTE: Non-City University of New York (CUNY) and CUNY Non-New York State Resident students should contact program to confirm Program Costs above.  These program costs may not apply.

Please note that if you see dates or costs for a prior term above, that future terms will have similar dates and costs.  We will update info as soon as it becomes available.

SUMMER:

Costs Included: 
Instructional costs, fees, Housing in a Homestay with a French family and daily meal(s) or student residence, CISI health insurance, pre-departure orientation..
 
Costs Not Included: 
International airfare (NYC-Geneva $850-$1,200), personal expenses ($1,000+/month), other housing options may lower your housing cost $220-280 per month {see Housing above}, meals cost are $1,000-1,200/month for 3 meals/day.

Note on Meals and Expenses: 
Meals cost will go down if you choose a host family option that includes breakfast and dinner.  Then you are only eating lunches out daily.  The average price for a meal in the least expensive restaurant costs between 10 and 15 EUR. In gourmet restaurants, menus can be more expensive.  A more affordable option where you can have a meal anywhere in France are the bistros, brasseries and crepe stands.  Some bistros serve substantial meals, and a crepe can take the place of lunch and prices are from 5 to 8 EUR.

If you choose a housing option that does not include meals, your meals cost will be considerably higher.  One person can expect to spend on average about 250 – 300 EUR/month on groceries in Paris, but less in the provinces or in a place like Annecy.  That is if you spend the time to shop and cook.

You can also use the Numbeo website to check out other prices and costs in France.

SEMESTER:

Costs Included:  
Instructional costs (12-15 credits) , fees, Housing in a Homestay with a French family and meal(s), CISI health insurance, pre-departure orientation.
 
Costs Not Included: 
International airfare (NYC-Geneva $850-$1,200), personal expenses ($1,000+/month), other housing options may lower your housing cost $220-280 per month {see Housing above}, meals cost about $1,000-1,200/month for 3 meals/day, visa (about $100, US students need as stay is more than 90 days).

Note on Meals and Expenses: 
Meals costs are less if you choose a host family option that includes breakfast and dinner.  Then you are only eating lunches out daily.  The average price for a meal in the least expensive restaurant costs between 10 and 15 EUR. In gourmet restaurants, menus can be more expensive.  A more affordable option where you can have a meal anywhere in France are the bistros, brasseries and crepe stands.  Some bistros serve substantial meals, and a crepe can take the place of lunch and prices are from 5 to 8 EUR.

If you choose a housing option that does not include meals, your meals cost will be considerably higher.  One person can expect to spend on average about 250 – 300 EUR/month on groceries in Paris, but less in the provinces or in a place like Annecy.  That is if you spend the time to shop and cook.

You can also use the Numbeo website to check out other prices and costs in France.

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Contact the program sponsor to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program. 

Please refer to your acceptance materials for information on arrival, orientation, and academic calendar. The refund policy is program specific and non-transferable. Refer to your acceptance materials for the comprehensive refund policy or contact the program sponsor.

Application Deadlines:

Summer:      March 15
Fall:              April 15
Spring:         September 25 (Session I) | October 15 (Session II)
 

Application deadlines may be extended.

Europe and the Islamic World: Morocco-Spain-France - IAU Winter J-Term Program

Overview

Morocco * Spain * France

Tentative dates: December 26, 2024 - January 12, 2025

The Europe and the Islamic World Seminar is designed for students interested in an academic and cultural experience in Morocco, Spain, and France. Students participate in a series of briefings from leading academic, literary, and political experts on the European relationship with the Islamic world. In each city, students attend daily lectures and meetings with distinguished scholars from IAU in addition to local guides and experts in the fields of politics, art history, history, and culture. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of immigration to Europe and its current socio-cultural implications on the region. The Institute for American Universities (IAU) is located in Aix-en-Provence and is situated on the Mediterranean coast.  
 

A note about the itinerary 

Please note: IAU reserves the right to cancel programs due to low enrollment. Itineraries are tentative and subject to change at the discretion of IAU. Students should consult with an IAU advisor prior to purchasing their flights.

Itinerary:

All itineraries are subject to change.

• France: Paris
• Morocco: Marrakesh, Rabat, Tangier.
• Spain: Seville, Granada, Madrid.

View the 2024 itinerary here! Please note, the schedule and the cities are tentative and subject to change. 

Studying 

Academics & Program

The Europe and the Islamic World Seminar is designed for students interested in an academic and cultural experience in Morocco, Spain, and France. Students participate in a series of briefings from leading academic, literary, and political experts on the European relationship with the Islamic world. In each city, students attend daily lectures and meetings with distinguished scholars from IAU in addition to local guides and experts in the fields of politics, art history, history, and culture. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of immigration to Europe and its current socio-cultural implications on the region.

Academics

Students can choose one of the following courses:

• Art History 395: Classical Islam and the European Renaissance
• Cross Cultural Studies 395: Jews, Muslims and Christians in Europe and the Islamic World
• French 395: Cultural History of France and the Islamic World
• History 395: Cultural History of Europe and the Islamic World
• Political Science 395: European Politics and the Islamic World
• Religious Studies 395: Jews, Muslims and Christians in Europe and the Islamic World
• Spanish 395: Cultural History of Spain and the Islamic World

View the 2024 syllabus here! Details are subject to change.

About the Professors: 

Dr. Carl Jubran, a 1992 alumnus of The Aix Center and previous member of IAU’s Council of Academic Advisors, became IAU’s fifth President in May 2011.  He completed his undergraduate education in linguistics, participated in a Master’s program at the Sorbonne, Paris IV through New York University, and later earned his M.A. in Spanish Linguistics and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at the University of California. Dr. Jubran was a professor of Language and Literature at the University of San Diego (USD) and also served as Associate Provost for International Affairs. He has developed courses in French, Spanish, Arabic, world civilizations and global studies and has led and overseen programs in France, Mexico, Morocco, and Spain. Dr. Jubran’s multilingual fluency in French, English, Spanish, Arabic, and Hebrew positions him well to lead students, faculty, and staff in developing multicultural understanding and learning the essential importance of the interconnections among social equity and justice, economic viability, and environmental vitality in building sustainable community in today’s world.

Aboubakr Jamaï has been the Dean of the IAU School of Business and International Relations since 2014. Professor Jamaï's professional career spans the business sectors of finance, economics, and journalism. As a professor, he teaches political science and international journalism at IAU and other American institutions of higher education. Among the many prizes and distinctions he has received, Professor Jamaï was named Harvard University’s Nieman Fellow in 2007 and Mason Fellow in 2008. He was also awarded the 2008 Tully Center Free Speech Prize, Newhouse School of Communication, Syracuse University, and the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists. In 2016 he was honored by the Project on Middle East Democracy. Professor Jamaï has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Higher Institute of Commerce and Management in Casablanca, Morocco, a MBA from Oxford University, and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. He speaks Arabic, French, and English.

Living

Student Life & Housing

IAU’s J-Term Traveling Seminars are unique in that the classroom and campus changes based on the location of the program. The J-Terms consist of 17-21 day academic and cultural courses led by IAU faculty and include 24/7 staff support.  The seminars are thematic in nature and involve travel through multiple countries. During the program, students have access to a variety of spaces including partner institutions, hotel conference rooms, lecture halls, and museums in which to conduct coursework and lectures. Students are housed in hotels or residence halls in each city. Breakfast is included.  

Alumni

"What really made the trip and learning experiences unique were the professors and site visits. I’ve never had classes that were as thought provoking as the lectures we had. I had never thought as critically, either. I felt challenged and that I had to think of things from every perspective. This may have been because I’m a business major, but I think the professors made the classes interesting. If I had to take this at my home university, I don’t think I would have learned or had been engaged as much. There is something about experiential learning that is unique and lasting." - Cinara Foor, University of Akron, J Term

Eligibility

Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on 4.0 scale and have completed 12 college credits at time of application.  Students may have freshman through senior standing.  There are no foreign language requirements; all courses are offered in English.

Applications to Include
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher who knows the applicant from a classroom setting
- Statement of purpose

Dates & Costs

Duration
Tentative dates: December 26, 2024 - January 12, 2025

Costs 

• $ 6,230 (J-Term 2024)
• $ TBD (J-Term 2025)

NOTE - Please know that the dates, costs, and program for January 2025 will be similar to what is now posted. 

* J-Term program scholarship available. Apply HERE *

Costs included: tuition for three credits, lodging, daily breakfast, some group lunches and/or dinners, intra-program transportation (by plane, train, or bus), entrances/fees for all scheduled cultural activities and academic visits, orientation, and health, liability, and repatriation insurance.

Costs not included: International roundtrip airfare, most lunches/dinners, textbooks, and personal expenses.
 

*A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due within two weeks of acceptance. This deposit is applied towards the program cost and paid to the College of Staten Island. 

Students who enroll in a January Term Seminar and the spring semester in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona consecutively are eligible to receive a $2,000 grant credited to their spring semester invoice. In order to be eligible to receive the grant, students must participate in the Early Start Program during the week between the end of the January Term Seminar and the start of the spring semester. The Early Start Program allows students to move in with their hosts a week before the semester begins, receive French or Spanish language instruction, and participate in local cultural activities! Visit IAU's Scholarship website for additional details. 

Application Deadline: 

J-Term:     September 25

Studio Art and Study in France: IAU - The Marchutz School of Fine Arts

L’Ecole Marchutz

The Marchutz School of Fine Arts

A unique art program for all majors.

Overview

You'll marvel at your studio art study experience in beautiful Aix-en-Provence!  You can enjoy study on this exciting and unique hands-on program for an academic year, a semester, a summer or a combination of terms. The Studio Art and Study in France program in the south of France is offered at The Marchutz School of Fine Arts, located just outside Aix-en-Provence, near the Chateaunoir where Cézanne lived and worked. The Marchutz School of Fine Arts, founded by German artist Léo Marchutz in 1971, operates under the auspices of the Institute for American Universities (IAU). Provence is one of the most beautiful, varied regions of France, roughly bordered by Toulon to the east, Nómes to the west and Orange to the north. The Mediterranean is the natural boundary to the south.
 
The Marchutz School of Fine Arts combines studio work, an intensive interdisciplinary art criticism seminar, liberal arts and social science courses for an immersive artistic experience.  Excursions to local and regional museums and cities around France and Europe round out the term abroad. Studio work informs the museum excursions, while the seminar discussions and museum study enhance the on-site painting and drawing sessions. An in-depth study of the locations that inspired masterworks by Van Gogh and Cezanne benefits each student’s own way of seeing. All of these activities interweave to give each artist a perception of his or her own contemporary work in relation to the art of the past -- an essential step toward self-discovery.

Studying 

At the Marchutz School of Fine Arts, all courses are taught in English. This is truly a unique art program designed for all majors.  The Marchutz student body usually consists of individuals with a varied range of experience. As students engage in their individual artistic endeavors, this range of age and experience proves beneficial to the quality of dialogue and capacity for growth. The Marchutz School of Fine Arts takes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to art education.
 
The general purpose of the curriculum is threefold: to enhance awareness of the relationship between perception and imagination, to foster historical and critical perspective, and, above all, to develop the student's capacity to see.

The Marchutz School of Fine Arts in Aix-en-Provence takes an interdisciplinary and holistic-approach to studio art. Painting and drawing, study in museums, and reading/writing assignments encourage students to explore the correspondences between natural and artistic forms. In the studio, figure drawing, portraiture, landscape and still-life painting are interrelated with copying, memory work, and sketchbook journals.
 
Group and individual critiques are integral to the students' work. In seminars, students are asked to seek connections in their work with that of other artists and critics. Music, poetry, and theater are often compared to painting, sculpture, or architecture. Studio disciplines and aesthetics are taught separately but presented as a unified body. Studio, writing, history, and criticism combine to form one seminar in seeing. The faculty considers each student as a working artist regardless of his/her level of experience. Whether beginning or well advanced, the student who will thrive at the Marchutz School of Fine Arts is serious and committed.
 

Candidates

The school's diverse student body is one of its most exciting resources. Each cohort usually consists of twenty individuals who have a varied range of experiences. Studio art and art history majors, working artists, MFA candidates, art minors, and other students with a real interest in art all bring their particular insights to a shared space and common themes. As students engage in artistic endeavors, their range of ages and achievements enriches the quality of dialogue and expands the capacity for growth. An individual's willingness to embrace this challenge of new exchange matters more than work already accomplished.
 

Semester and Academic Year Course Offerings

Course descriptions are available here.

Semester students must enroll in Painting (3 credits), Drawing (3 credits), and the Art Criticism Seminar (3 credits). Students will then have 6 additional credits to fulfill including a required course in French (3-6 credits) and an optional elective course which is dependent on the number of French credits already selected (3 credits). Museum and painting excursions are also required and included in the program fees.

Semester:  15 credits
 

Summer

The summer program consists of one Painting/Drawing class and an Art Criticism Seminar for a total of
six credits. Students may choose to enroll in a third IAU course for a total of 9 credits. The program is designed to accommodate all skill levels.
 
PAINTING AND DRAWING I, II OR III (Required) – 3 credits
The overarching purpose of the painting and drawing courses, at all levels, is to develop the student’s capacity to look both into the visible world and into themselves with the intention of transforming their vision into art. The student is led gradually toward a deeper understanding of the relationship between natural and artistic forms. This is achieved through disciplined study in the landscape, through portraiture and model work and museum study. 90 contact hours.
 
ART CRITICISM AND AESTHETICS (Required) – 3 credits
Intensive critical and comparative analysis of works from different periods and cultures, with an emphasis on the relationship between content and form. Includes three full-day seminar/site visits.
The site visits take place on one Thursday and two Saturdays – TBA. 45 contact hours.
  
ADDITIONAL COURSE (Optional) – 3 credits. Students can choose a liberal arts or social sciences course offered during the summer term. Additional charges apply.

Summer:    6 - 9 credits

Living

Housing

Students are housed in the homes of French host families. Living in a French home is ideal as it provides an immediate introduction to life in Southern France. Host families come from a cross-section of society; they belong to no particular professional or social milieu, but all are carefully chosen, and many have hosted American students for several years.
 
The homestay option offers students room and half board. Daily continental breakfasts and six dinners a week are provided by the host family. Students are responsible for lunches. There is a multitude of affordable cafés, brasseries, small sandwich and grocery shops from which to choose. Many other food markets are available around town during the week.
 
Bed, linen, pillow and blankets, are provided, and the room is cleaned weekly. Students must bring their own towels, and they are provided with one machine load of wash each week. You can request to be placed with another IAU roommate in the host family setting.

Exploring

Student Life

Aix’s location provides numerous travel opportunities for students studying in Aix-en-Provence. Marseilles, the Mediterranean and the Maritime Alps are only an hour away, and Nice, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Saint Tropez, Paris, Milan, Rome and Geneva are all within one day of travel, perfect for a weekend trip.
 
Field study trips are also embedded into many courses; several others are organized by IAU staff. Students are also encouraged to strike out on their own and explore their new surroundings. Provence is known for its sunny, temperate and generally dry climate, so sunshine and outdoor activities abound. Beaches, hiking, skiing in the nearby alps, traveling to European destinations, as well as cinema and theatre, museums, lectures and concerts are just some of the possible activities for students.

Students enrolled in the program also have the opportunity to participate in language partner and volunteer programs, as well as additional excursions, field trips and cultural activities.
 

Summer

Aix-en-Provence is a major cultural center, hosting a summer International Music Festival featuring jazz, pop, classical, and opera. Cinemas, museums, parks, restaurants, cafes, and night clubs, as well as a variety of sporting events, are available to students. The region is known for its sunny, temperate and generally dry climate, so sunshine and outdoor activities abound.  
 
 

Alumni

Kelly Painter

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to improve your soul as well as your outlook on life. CCIS is very helpful in all the details in the study abroad application process. The sponsors were personable and knowledgeable in dealing with me and my questions about study abroad."

Bridget Butler

"Marchutz is a dream come true! I'm learning to paint in the shadow of Cézanne. The professors are amazing. They create a whole world for you to grow and thrive in artistically."

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on 4.0 scale and have completed 12 college credits at time of application.  Students may have freshman through senior standing.  There are no foreign language requirements; all courses are offered in English.

Entry Requirements

Semester

France requires a visa for students studying during the spring or fall semesters. Please allow ample time (6-8 weeks) to apply for your visa starting with the Campus France  visa application. Upon acceptance, you will be provided with detailed instructions on the visa application process. Additional information is available on the IAU Passports & Visa page.
 

Summer

A valid passport is required. U.S. citizens do not require a visa for the summer program. Students with other nationalities may be required to apply for a visa. If this is your situation, please allow ample time (6-8 weeks) to apply for your visa starting with the Campus France  visa application. Upon acceptance to the study abroad program, you will be provided with detailed instructions on the visa application process, if necessary. Additional information is available on the IAU Passports & Visa page.

Have you talked with your study abroad advisor about your home institution's application process and approval? 

Dates & Costs

Duration
 

A note to students: IAU advises that students do not make any travel arrangements prior to the first week of classes. Field studies and course excursions can be scheduled during weekends and breaks, so IAU recommends not purchasing any tickets or scheduling any travel until after learning of course requirements on-site.

Spring 2024 Semester 

Summer 2024

*Please note that July 14 (Bastille Day) is a national holiday 

Fall 2024 Semester (dates to be confirmed)

Approximate Costs

Spring 2024

• Costs:  $ 19,115
• Costs with Early Start Program:  $ 20,365

Summer 2024

• 6 credits: $ TBD
• 9 credits: $ TBD

Fall 2024

• Costs:  $ TBD
• Costs with Early Start Program:  $ TBD

 
Click here to see the robust offering of merit scholarships, grants, and need-based assistance that IAU offers.

*A non-refundable program deposit ($800 for semester and $500 for summer) is due within two weeks of acceptance. This deposit is applied towards the program cost and is paid to the College of Staten Island.

Summer Costs included: Tuition and fees (6-9 credits), homestay (breakfast daily and six dinners included) or apartment (without meals), pre-departure advising and orientation, textbook rental, insurance, field study tours, and scheduled cultural activities.

Summer Costs not included: Airfare ($1,200 - $1,500), some meals (homestay option) or all meals (apartment option), passport/visa fees, and personal expenses ($1,000 – $1,500), courses that may incur an additional lab fee.

Semester Costs Included: Tuition and fees (15 credits), homestay, most meals (breakfast daily and six dinners), pre-departure advising and orientation, textbook rental, insurance, art supplies, field study tours, and scheduled cultural activities. 

Semester Costs Not Included: Airfare ($1,200 – $1,500), some meals, passport/visa fees, and personal expenses ($2,500).

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Contact the program sponsor to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.
 
Please refer to your acceptance materials for information on arrival, orientation, and academic calendar. The refund policy is program specific and non-transferable. Refer to your acceptance materials for the comprehensive refund policy or contact the program sponsor.

Application Deadlines:
Summer: March 15
Fall: March 15
Spring: September 25