The famous Palais des Papes

 

Learning a second language gives insight into the human experience of other peoples and contributes to intellectual development through enhanced cognitive and analytical skill. The faculty of Foreign Languages (FL) maintain the belief that international study is a fundamental part of the liberal arts education. Through our contacts and knowledge, we would like to create connections and programs for global education through the implementation of an overseas program. We believe that every student should have the opportunity to go abroad, meet people of others cultures, create friendships, develop language skills, and explore their personalities.

Le pont d' Avignon... where we dance "tous en rond".

 

Who is eligible?

Students who have successfully completely French 202 (IAU requirement) or the equivalent with a 3.0 GPA or above are eligible to apply for study abroad.  Once students are accepted to Institute for American Universities (IAU), they will receive a packet of detailed information, including health and insurance forms, to help prepare them for travel to and living in France.

History of IAU

Founded in 1957 under the auspices of l'Université d'Aix-Marseille, chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, the Institute for American Universities is one of the oldest and largest education abroad programs in Europe. IAU has served as an academic center for more than 700 colleges and universities and more than 12,000 students-its present annual enrollment overall is at more than 400-and continues to make study in France available to students who recognize the life-long value of living in and exploring a culture other than their own. IAU is a not-for-profit institution of higher education, chartered permanently by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, and registered with the French Ministry of Education.

To see more information on the study abroad program in Avignon, click on www.iaufrance.org

Justification for Selecting IAU

Academically, IAU will provide students with a similar learning model to that of UM.  Class size is capped at 20 and often only 10-15 students are enrolled per class. Classes are conducted in seminar-style thus allowing for maximum interaction and participation in the target language, French.  Independent studies and Internships are readily available to students who wish to pursue a more in-depth field.  All professors are French professors with advanced French degrees in their respective fields. The Centre, located in a renovated 13^th century former chapel houses the classrooms, library, and computer lab.  Finally, the students are provided with carefully selected local French hosts/families who provide the students with an individual bedroom, six dinners and seven breakfasts per week.  The price for the study abroad is an all-inclusive package, which includes textbooks for all classes, three one-day excursions, housing with families, breakfasts and dinners, and the invaluable experience of gaining foreign language fluency and cultural awareness that will prepare UM students for a world that is becoming more global. 

Travel Arrangements

IAU will provide UM Foreign Language faculty and the students with the pertinent information regarding travel (dates, recommended travel sites, where to fly into, etc.) but in the end, it's up to the student to book the travel.  Typically, students studying in Avignon, France fly into Paris and then take the high-speed train (TGV) (conveniently located at the Charles de Gaulle airport) to Avignon.  Upon arrival, they are met by hosts and staff at the train station and taken to their residence.

See map

Health Insurance

Students will be subscribed to the insurance provided through IAU by Generali Assurances, a French insurance company. Students must complete the two-page application form found in the "Required Forms" section of the IAU website. (When in France, if students need to see a doctor, they will be reimbursed about 80% for doctor's visits which in the end will cost about 5 euros or less than 10 dollars.)

Orientation in France

Orientation takes place shortly after incoming students arrive and is designed to help them become familiar with their new environment. Students are introduced to one another, to IAU and to the host city, Avignon. They meet with the Housing and Academic Directors and with the staff. During this period, the academic policies of IAU are explained and information is given about housing, cross-cultural adaptation, safety and security, and banking options. 

Academic Policies

Course Load
The normal course load is five courses per academic term (15 credits) and two courses in the summer term (6 credits).

Credits
Before departure from the United States, students must arrange credit transfer with their Dean or Department Head who must sign the Institute for American Universities Academic Approvals form signifying that work completed at IAU will receive credit toward the applicant's degree. This is done through the Records Office with UM Study Abroad/Exchange Course Approval Forms.

 

The Institute for American Universities issues an official, traditional American transcript with letter grades. Institute courses have been accepted for academic credit by over 700 North American institutions of higher learning since its founding in 1957.

Students receive an IAU transcript (one is sent to their home institution as well).  IAU is on a U.S. system with respect to grading and is willing to supply course syllabi if necessary.

 

Drop/Add
Assuming the proper pre-approval has been done with their host institutions, students may change their course selection in consultation with the Academic Director during the first week of the semester. No courses may be dropped or new ones added after that period.