Tradition With Vision: The Institute for American Universities (IAU) is the oldest and largest American Institute in France, we have been educating students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences since 1957.
Serving more than 700 colleges and universities.
From certificate programs to immsersive language courses.
Established in 1957 in Aix-en-Provence, France, IAU is the oldest American Institute in France.
Across the Mediterranean with multi-country programs in Europe and Northern Africa
IAU offers admission to its study abroad programs on a rolling basis before the application deadlines. We are committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment and welcome students of all backgrounds to apply.
IAU recognizes that finances can be an obstacle when pursuing higher education opportunities. We're committed to providing financial aid and scholarships to help as many students as possible achieve their dreams of studying abroad.
Learning outside of the classroom is essential to the student experience at IAU. We're proud to offer field studies, traveling seminars, cultural activities, and internships at each of our study centers to allow students to truly immerse themselves in their host city.
A Transformative Experience
“My study abroad time will definitely shape my professional pursuits in the future because I’ve realized how much I like being abroad and experiencing new things. I’d love to work in a field that allows me to travel down the line. Speaking with our program directors and locals at cafes has helped me pick up a lot of Italian, and my language skills have exponentially improved since I got here! My favorite IAU class is WGS 307 with Professor Massimo. I’ve been really interested to learn about the wine world because I didn’t realize how extensive and cultural it is here in Italy.”
— Jonah Mocatta
Florence, Spring 2026
“My language skills absolutely improved during this experience thanks to both my French class and my homestay experience. Having a homestay was integral to my progress in French as it really forced me to find ways to explain myself in French when I didn’t have the words and learn how to be more conversational in that way. Hearing French at dinner with my host family every night was so important to my learning! The French department at IAU is very well tailored to each students’ needs and encourages conversation and immersive activities which I really appreciated.”
— Sheelagh Doe
Aix-en-Provence, Spring 2026
Program Highlights
Our programs combine rigorous academic standards with immersive cultural experiences, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of their field.
Stay up to date on everything happening at IAU across our centers in Aix-en-Provence, Madrid, Barcelona, and Florence.
Alumni
From May 26-31, 2027, ACM-IAU will host a 70th Anniversary Celebration at its flagship campus in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Dr. Jensen-Moulton will join the ACM-IAU team in Aix-en-Provence, France, beginning in the Fall 2026 semester.
We are proud to announce that our partnership with Sciences Po Aix is official! On Wednesday, February 11, students, faculty, and staff from both institutions witnessed the signing of our partnership agreement.
Get involved with the IAU community! Join us for an event in the U.S., or abroad at our centers in Aix-en-Provence, Barcelona, Madrid, and Florence.
Most colleges, including IAU, do not require a minor to earn a bachelor’s degree. It is an optional choice that may factor into your education depending on some of the considerations listed above. It is a personal decision that ultimately depends on your goals. Sometimes focusing on your major and varying your courses may be more beneficial.
Most colleges, including ACM, do not require a minor to earn a bachelor’s degree. It is an optional choice that may factor in to your education depending on some of the considerations listed above. It is a personal decision that utlimately depends on your goals. Sometimes focusing on your major and varying your courses may be more beneficial.
Most colleges, including ACM, do not require a minor to earn a bachelor’s degree. It is an optional choice that may factor in to your education depending on some of the considerations listed above. It is a personal decision that utlimately depends on your goals. Sometimes focusing on your major and varying your courses may be more beneficial.
