PROGRAM OVERVIEW
AT-A-GLANCE
LOCATIONS
Morocco | Spain | France
PROGRAM DATES
December 29, 2026 – January 16, 2027
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
English
APPLICATION DEADLINE
September 30, 2026
The Europe and the Islamic World Seminar is designed for students interested in an academic and cultural experience in Morocco, Spain, and France:
- Participate in a series of briefings from leading academic, literary, and political experts on the European relationship with the Islamic world
- 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
- Visit important religious sites and learn about the impact of Islam
- Special emphasis is placed on the importance of immigration to Europe and its current socio-cultural implications on the region
- Explore and appreciate the diverse cultures of the countries in which we travel – sample tapas in Spain, haggle in the souks of Morrocco, wander the winding streets and markets of France, visit historical sites and museums, eat at local restaurants, and meet local residents
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.
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
ITINERARY
Sample itinerary, all details subject to change.
FACULTY
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.
PROGRAM FEES
| Fees | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | $4,623 |
| Program Fee | $2,143 |
| Total Cost | $7,200 |
Inclusions: Program cost includes tuition; lodging; daily breakfast; some group meals; all intra-program transportation; entrances for all scheduled program visits; orientation; and insurance (health, liability, and repatriation).
NOTE: Students should expect to purchase any required course materials, which are not included in program costs.
Did you know? Students who enroll in a January Term Seminar and the spring semester at one of IAU’s campuses 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 language instruction, and participate in local cultural activities! Visit IAU’s Scholarship page for additional details.
TESTIMONIALS
