Aix-en-Provence remains at the heart of one of the most attractive regions in France (Provence-Alpes-Cðte d'Azur) and is the fourth largest city in the area, just 25 km north of Marseille. The high-speed TGV trains provide daily service to and from Paris in about 2.5 hours. Aix was the capital city of Provence from the 12th century until the Revolution. In fact, history traces its origins as far back as 122BC when it was first founded as Aquae Sectiae (Sextious Thermal Baths). Today Aix is best known as a City of Art or a City of Fountains and is home to many art schools and universities.

Dominated by the Mount Sainte-Victoire, Aix was also the home of the famous impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, whose work can be found throughout the city. This medieval city was once protected by a wall with 39 towers, only one of which - the Tourreluquo- still remains at the northwest corner of town. The center of Aix is the Old Town encircled by a matrix of boulevards, squares and bubbling fountains. The beautiful tree-lined avenue Cours Mirabeau is where you will find all the typical French sidewalk cafés and bookshops. Aix prides itself in the great number of museums, art galleries, cultural events and traditions provencales it has to offer and has been attracting students, professionals and tourists to the area for decades.

The program is open to students from around the world and includes 15 hours of instruction per week. Classes are held at an accredited language institute of the Université Aix-Marseille in the heart of Old Town in one of the city's oldest historic mansions. The faculty is made up native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Second Language. All classes are taught in French. Class size varies from 10-15 students. Groups are set up by levels (Beginner to Advanced), determined by proficiency tests given the week prior to each session. The institute provides a resource library, audio/video laboratory, student reception hall/auditorium, and internet access to all students.

Course certificates are awarded upon successful completion of each program and must be requested directly from the admissions office in Aix. Official transcripts are processed by the host institution through the FAE office. Students must submit a Credit Transfer Request Form to the FAE office in Virginia to receive a transcript. One transcript is provided at no cost to each student. A fee of $20 is charged for each additional transcript. Regular cultural activities and excursions are organized by the institute. Additional services are also available from the Office du Tourisme in town.

Note: No classes are held in August or on the following national holiday in France: July 14. FAE also offers Summer Study Abroad Programs in Bordeaux, Paris, Montpellier, Nice and Tours.

Housing is arranged by FAE and the host institution in your choice of a private room with shared bath in the home of a local resident (with breakfast & dinner meal plan), or in a furnished efficiency apartment. Bed linens and bath towels are provided with all housing options. Please indicate your first and second choice of housing on your application form.

There are several inexpensive cafés in town serving lunch and dinner. The "Plat du Jour" is usually the best option. There is also a self-serve cafeteria style restaurant in the center of town next to the tourist office called FLUNCH that is economical for students.

* A refundable security deposit is required for all apartment rentals. No meals included with this housing option.

Note: Prices may vary with fluctuating exchange rates.

The student organization in Aix called "Students in Aix" organizes regular activities for students throughout the year. Their website is www.studentsinaix.org. Membership is free. The Office de Tourisme also offers a wide selection of guided tours and events. Activities range from a walking tour of the city, a visit to Cezanne's workshop or a dip in the thermal baths - to bus tours to the picturesque villages overlooking the Arc Valley, the quaint villages perched on top of the Luberon Hills, or to the mediaeval chateaux and vestiges tucked away on the back roads of Provence. An additional fee is required for all excursions. Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in and around Aix to make your Summer Study Abroad Program an experience you will want to repeat!