Institute for American Universities (IAU)

Mission

The mission of the Institute for American Universities is to provide excellence in international education, inspire intercultural awareness, and prepare students for success in a global community through the study of European and Mediterranean history, languages, cultures, and contemporary issues.

History of IAU

The Institute for American Universities (IAU) in Aix-en-Provence, France was founded in 1957 by academics and former diplomats such as Dr. Herbert Maza, who also served as its first President, Dr. Evron Kirkpatrick, Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick, and others who wanted to provide a platform for Americans interested in studying diplomatic relations with related interests and careers in the foreign service and the State Department. It was established as one of the first American-style, English language, liberal arts educational institutions in Western Europe under the authority of Aix-Marseille University and offered a study abroad program, providing for transfer credit to those willing to live and study in France for one year. With its inception, it became the first institution to offer study abroad programs to students with majors other than French language.

Courses

Course availability is a large part of the choice to study abroad with IAU. The breadth and depth of courses available at IAU allows students from all disciplines ample opportunity to continue their path of study from their home university as well as try something new while abroad. IAU courses are offered in both English and the host language (French, Spanish, or Arabic), so students need not have a background in language study before arrival abroad. However, IAU does require students to enroll in a minimum of one language course during a semester program. Students at the Institute Catholique in Paris are required to have a more advanced level of the French language.

Students have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate research projects directed by IAU faculty. Certificate programs are available as well as Honors Programs, internships, and independent studies.

Students work with an IAU Advisor to select their courses before the start of the semester in the student portal, and schedules are confirmed prior to arrival abroad.

For a list of available courses, click here.