AUCP prides itself on being an intense immersion program - which it accomplishes very well. It is very much a holistic approach to education, as education carries much beyond the classroom into the depths of the Aix community.
Laura Burke - AUCP Fall 10
Providence College

This program is for students who take life by the reigns. AUCP facilitates lots of opportunities, but nothing is ever handed to you. You have to be proactive about making the most out of your experience, and more importantly, never give up! With a bit of hard work, you'll not only have a great time, but you'll learn some priceless life lessons.
Audrey Bowes - AUCP Fall 10
Tulane University

I learned more about myself in this brief period of time than I ever have! The AUCP really succeeds in integrating you into a society completely different from our own in the States. AUCP gives you the means, and you create from it what you will.
Jamie Cohen - AUCP Spring 09
Colorado College

I leave with a maturity and a cultural awareness I never imagined I would possess. I was truly immersed. I would recommend this experience to anyone.
Erin O'Connor, AUCP Fall 07
Muhlenberg College

I would strongly recommend the program to anyone looking to substantially improve their language skills and become integrated into the French Community.
Alyssa Desocio - AUCP Spring 08
Columbia University

AUCP-Aix is a well-structured program that provides countless opportunities for students. The staff is warm and helpful and the level of learning at the AUCP is unparalleled.
Shannon Higley AUCP Spring 08
Oberlin College

The staff at the AUCP is amazing. They went out of their way to help me in every aspect of life in France. They were a huge source of moral support and made my transition into life in France go more smoothly.
Katherine Wohlmut - AUCP Full Year 07-08
Mills College

Really it is summed up by saying I became an adult and France will always have a place in my heart.
Elizabeth Kalescky, AUCP Spring 08
Rhodes College

My experience in France with the AUCP has had such a positive impact on me. I feel prepared for the future -whatever it may bring.
Sarah Derron - AUCP Fall 07
Simmons College

I'm really glad I picked AUCP. This program offered me opportunities that other programs wouldn't have. I felt like I was getting an insiders' glimpse into French life. The experience is really what you make of it !
Olga Khaykin - AUCP Fall 07
Mills College

I learned to embrace the experience and challenge my limits. I feel this program gave me a unique integrated experience which maximized my time abroad.
Leah Landesberg - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University

French has become more than just an exercise in grammar and vocabulary. It's become a facet of my personality
Catherine Mauck - AUCP Fall 07
Oberlin College

I would never have chosen another program!
Emily Kaiser, AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University

Studying abroad is one of the best decisions I have ever made! Life in Aix is so relaxing even with all your classes. Experiencing this culture here in France has been so de-stressing and absolutely amazing.
Tamara Symonds - AUCP Fall 07
Muhlenberg College

You are provided with a lot of opportunities to create your own experience here.
Courtney Winn - AUCP Fall 07
Colorado College

Some of my classes and professors at the AUCP rank among the highlights of my college career, and that's really saying something. All of the professors are clearly enthusiastic about what they do and what they teach.
Anne Thompson - AUCP Fall 10
Oberlin College

My classes were the reason why I chose the AUCP - they fit perfectly with my International Studies major. My professors were passionate, cared about us, and had a good understanding of where we were coming from as non-native French speakers.
Christy Fayette - AUCP Fall 10
Denison University

The professors here want to push you to learn more every day, but at the same time, they are here for you every step of the way.
Alyssa Schultz - AUCP Fall 10
Austin College

The classes at the AUCP are not the most important part of the program. It's true that we learn a lot, but the focus is more on speaking and improving your French, and learning how to adapt and appreciate a new culture. The classes provide a foundation, but the real challenge is creating a new life in France. The teachers are open, welcoming, and helpful. They are there to help you with more than just your school work.
Margo Mombrinie - AUCP Fall 10
UCLA

It's been a challenging and valuable experience having all classes taught in French. My comprehension improved and my patience with the French language improved. Classes were interesting and informative. I truly enjoyed learning from the teachers.
Sage Mahoney - AUCP Fall 10
Denison University

Very interesting and eye opening. The professors are great: kind, helpful, and very funny!
Jamie Shapiro - AUCP Fall 10
Muhlenberg College

The professors are great. They are extremely knowledgeable and accessible. I learned so much from them.
John Kaufman - AUCP Fall 10
Ursinus College

My translation course greatly improved my French and gave me important theoretical background that I can apply in my translation job.
Nathan Eberhart - AUCP Fall 10
Colorado College

Classes and teachers at AUCP were wonderful. I was academically challenged, but each teacher presented each class in a manner that made me truly thirst for more knowledge. Everything I learned this semester was interesting and practical, knowledge I hope never to lose, and to use in the future.
Laura Burke - AUCP Fall 10
Providence College

The professors at the AUCP are wonderful, intelligent, friendly people! I loved spending time with them inside and outside of the classroom.
Audrey Bowes - AUCP Fall 10
Tulane University

The teachers were nice and fun, and made an effort to create a classroom setting that was comfortable for Americans. The information we learned was very helpful in cultural understanding and intercultural interactions.
Kari Pierce - AUCP Spring 09
Linfield College

Wonderful, patient, knowledgeable, kind - everything you need to help get acclimated to France.
Hannah Sayle - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College

Marvellous learning environment
Bowen Teusher - Fall 07
Colorado College

They are all fabulous. The teachers are incredible and make you want to learn. AUCP did a great job with their teachers.
Claire Twomey - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University

Dedicated and knowlegeable. Wonderful and passionate.
Matthew Knouse - AUCP Full Year 07-08
George Washington University

AUCP professors are of the highest quality: intriguing, inspiring, and thought provoking.
Katherine Wohlmut - AUCP Full Year 07-08
Mills College

I had a great experience with my community service work. I come from a university that really values giving back to the community and this part of the AUCP program was a very enjoyable way to continue this tradition of giving back, even while I was away from New Orleans.
Ali Vitali - AUCP Fall 10
Tulane University

My community service activity turned out to be one of the most useful, interesting, and enlightening aspects of my time in Aix. I feel like I really made a good connection with the Aixois, and it made me feel like a welcome part of the community.
Sara Rhodes - AUCP Fall 10
Rice University

I had a great experience working at the Association Aix Alzheimer. You get to know people in a different way than you do with your language partner or homestay family, and I find that it is one of the aspects of my French experience that I will miss most when I return home.
Alexandra Pincus - AUCP Fall 10
Scripps College

Working with children is probably one of the best ways to learn the language.
Alyssa Schultz - AUCP Fall 10
Austin College

This was one of my favorite parts of the program - a time for me to be independent and explore and discover on my own. Do something that you want to do, something that you look forward to every week. This community service should absolutely not be a chore, but something that you enjoy. It's a rare opportunity for you to really participate in French society and surround yourself with people and opportunities that you normally wouldn't be exposed to.
Margo Mombrinie - AUCP Fall 10
UCLA

I gained more friends from my community service than any other activity.
Neysa Matt - AUCP Fall 10
Linfield College

Do good, make a difference in the local community, which in turns gives you a greater ownership of France and your experience.
Christina Black - AUCP Fall 07
Barnard College

I love going to my "Petite Mémé's" house each week. We always have fun and laugh together. She is one of the nicest people I know.
Shannon Brown - AUCP Fall 07
Simmons College

The opportunity to give back to the community is a great way to feel like you are making a difference. It is also a great way to meet wonderful people and to give them a great impression of Americans.
Juliana Glassco - AUCP Fall 07
College of William and Mary

My community service was really challenging. I worked with handicapped children and kids with learning difficulties. I taught them English. It was a truly worthwhile experience.
Sarah Russell-Smith - AUCP Fall 07
Skidmore College

The ninety year-old man I visited weekly was one of the highlights of my time in Aix.
Elizabeth Kalescky - AUCP Spring 08
Rhodes College

The community service aspect of this program was by far one of the most rewarding experiences for me. Though I was at first a bit apprehensive, I soon found that the time I spent at my "travail bénévole" was more than just a requirement. It was something I looked forward to each week. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
Sarah Pociask - AUCP Fall 07
Skidmore College

I think the care the AUCP takes to find host families that really welcome their students is what sets the program apart.
Sara Rhodes - AUCP Fall 10
Rice University

Individual homestay is the most important part of a successful study abroad experience.
Alexandra Pincus - AUCP Fall 10
Scripps College

Living with a host family is a fast-track to French immersion.
Margaret Matlock - AUCP Fall 10
Scripps College

Homestay is an essential part of the study abroad experience because it creates a sense of belonging.
Alyssa Schultz - AUCP Fall 10
Austin College

I loved my host family! At first, I really wasn't sold on the idea, but after the first week, I knew it would be great. Now, it was one of the best parts of my time in Aix.
Ali Vitali - AUCP Fall 10
Tulane University

Absolutely hands-down the BEST part of my experience. I became a part of the family instantly and always had someone there to give me advice and support.
Nina Skorupski - AUCP Spring 09
Fordham University

After being in a homestay, all I can say is I became an adult.
Elizabeth Kalescky - AUCP Spring 08
Rhodes College

If I hadn't been living in a homestay I would have left France without really having a true understanding of the French and their way of life.
Juliana Glassco - AUCP Fall 07
College of William and Mary

The homestay experience forms the core of the cultural integration and immersion that the AUCP offers. After talking to other friends studying around Europe who live in dorms or apartments I've realized that my experience here was culturally much richer.
Marta Grabowski - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College
The homestay was a challenging experience, but I feel very triumphant coming to the end of it. I learned some interesting things about myself, French and world culture, history, cinema and life.
Olga Khaykin - AUCP Fall 07
Mills College

The most important part of the experience, hands down.
David Montgomery - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College

This is an integral part of the program. Living with a French family is your ticket to being immersed in the French culture. Take advantage of it and try to include yourself in their lives.
Claire Twomey - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University

You get the opportunity to really experience French culture and home life, to practice your language in a practical setting, and to cultivate meaningful familial relationships in your home-away-from-home. It can be really hard at times, but that makes the experience all the more profound and worthwhile.
Courtney Winn - AUCP Fall 07
Colorado College

The language partners were a wonderful resource and a great way to make friends with the French.
Sara Rhodes - AUCP Fall 10
Rice University


Your language partner is the biggest step to having a life outside of school.
Alyssa Schultz - AUCP Fall 10
Austin College

So helpful! My language partner taught me lots about French culture and showed me places in Aix I never would have found myself.
Jamie Shapiro - AUCP Fall 10
Muhlenberg College


Having a language partner - an "assigned friend" - makes it infinitely easier to really immerse yourself among the French.
Margaret Matlock - AUCP Fall 10
Scripps College


A fun way to talk with someone your own age, but who has such a different life situation.
Abigail King - AUCP Fall 10
Bates College


My language partner shared so much with me. He took me to visit different sites in the area and we spent time with his friends. It really helps to learn about French culture and to improve your French.
John Kaufman - AUCP Fall 10
Ursinus College

My language partner was an awesome way to practice French and learn popular sayings.
Malenie Jucewicz - AUCP Fall 10
Grinnell College


My language partner was incredibly generous and, thanks to her, I went somewhere new every weekend! Marseille, the beach, outside of Aix, she enabled me to experience French housewarming parties and nights on the town. It became a true exchange for us.
Amanda Cooke - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University

He and I had so many great conversations about our cultures, about current events and about our life as students. He made my time here so much richer.
Juliana Glassco - AUCP Fall 07
College of William and Mary

Having a language partner was invaluable in terms of achieving my cross-cultural goals.
Marta Grabowski - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College

Your best resource into real French social life.
Kathryn Harris - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College

The language partner system opens a network of French youth to the American students. It is an invaluable resource.
Shannon Higley - AUCP Spring 08
Oberlin College

Personal interest activities were a great way to get involved in the Aix community in something that I was truly interested in. It was yet another opportunity to broaden my network of French interaction and learning in a way that no classroom could ever teach me.
Laura Burke - AUCP Fall 10
Providence College

It was wonderful to be able to do a fun activity while still in the context of total French immersion. It gave me confidence that I would integrate into my community.
Sara Rhodes - AUCP Fall 10
Rice University

My club was great. I managed to find the ultimate Frisbee club in the south of France! So I could play my favourite sport even though I was so far from home.
John Kaufman - AUCP Fall 10
Ursinus College

I got to hike Provence once a week on my day off - it was amazing.
Emily Kaldjian - AUCP Fall 10
Bates College

I took singing lessons from an associate professor at the Conservatory Darius Milhaud, and since vocal performance is my major, I took hour-long lessons each week. My professor became a vital part of my time here and was an incredible teacher. I learned a lot about my voice and French singing and vocal terms as well!!
Chelsea Janzen - AUCP Fall 10
Linfield College

As a lover of Yoga, I loved being able to take classes and see how the practice was taught differently.
Olivia Combe - AUCP Fall 10
Oberlin College

I really enjoyed my pottery workshop every week and it was a great experience - something I love from home (and could share) with like-minded French enthusiasts.
Nathan Eberhart - AUCP Fall 10
Colorado College

I can do Yoga in French!
Margaret Matlock - AUCP Fall 10
Scripps College

My club was the best! By the end of the semester I had friends whom I looked forward to seeing every week.
Jamie Cohen - AUCP Spring 09
Colorado College

This is a good opportunity not only to further integrate into the Aix community but also a great way to find a new hobby!
Claire Twomey - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University

This was a great part of the experience. It pushes you to go out and search for something you want to do independently. Once you find it and become a part of a group, it really feels like you are living in France and taking part in French life on your own.
Sarah Derron - AUCP Fall 07
Simmons College
I think this is very unique to the AUCP, and I would suggest that everyone take full advantage of Aix and the activities - dance, yoga, hiking, eating that are offered.
Emily Kaiser - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University

I am really glad the AUCP encouraged me because I've found two activities that I really love. Joining a hiking club gave me more of an opportunity to see the Provence area. I feel like my activities nicely rounded out my life.
Olga Khaykin - AUCP Fall 07
Mills College

La danse orientale - I loved it! It was an independence and self -esteem booster. I did it on my own and had my own French friends.
Leah Landesberg - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University

Aix-en-Provence was nothing short of a perfect study abroad setting. Not intimidating like a major metropolitan city, but with so much to do. The Provençal spirit very much alive in the city, adds to its buzz and wealth of culture and knowledge.
Laura Burke - AUCP Fall 10
Providence College

For me, Aix-en-Provence is the perfect city. It's not overwhelmingly urban, but still manages to be lively and engaging. The people are generally friendly, all things considered, and there is not much a constant presence of English as one finds in Paris. It is the perfect setting for a study abroad experience, as far as I'm concerned.
Anne Thompson - AUCP Fall 10
Oberlin College

Aix-en-Provence is a quaint student town in the heart of Provence. For those who aren't drawn to the hectic day-to-day life in a big city, it's the perfect place to spend a semester abroad. The beauty of the town is often unreal - I often feel as if I'm living on the set of a movie!
Audrey Bowes - AUCP Fall 10
Tulane University

Aix-en-Provence is a dream town: beautiful streets, beautiful people, beautiful weather. It is France at its best. After living here, even Paris seems bleak!
Margaret Matlock - AUCP Fall 10
Scripps College

A vibrant and lively city with mostly sunny days. There are a lot of young people who walk around the city with their groups of friends. Many people spend time outside, eating, talking, and relaxing on a fountain or a bench, or beside the road. There are long narrow streets, many cafés, stores, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and three movie theatres.
Sage Mahoney - AUCP Fall 10
Denison University

Aix is a small city in the south of France, with a big personality!
John Kaufman - AUCP Fall 10
Ursinus College

Aix-en-Provence is the perfect size. You can explore and discover new places every day, but within a few weeks of arriving, you know your way around and you quickly discover your favorite places to go. Aix becomes your town - you get to know the people that work at your favorite épicerie or boulangerie, you know exactly where to go to get your favorite things at the market, it's wonderful.
Margo Mombrinie - AUCP Fall 10
UCLA

Small enough to become a part of the community, big enough to never get bored, I started calling Aix my home after just a few short weeks.
Nina Skorupski - AUCP Spring 09
Fordham University

Aix-en-Provence is a fantastic location to study abroad. It is lively, has a ton of international and French students, and is perfectly located for exploring other areas of the south of France.
Kari Pierce - AUCP Spring 09
Linfield College

Aix is the perfect place to study abroad because it is just big enough that you never have to leave, and just small enough that, by the end of the semester, you see people you know everywhere. You have the feeling of being part of a community.
Jamie Cohen - AUCP Spring 09
Colorado College

Aix is such a beautiful city, and just the right size for me to feel truly at home here.
Alexandra Hoff - AUCP spring 08
Williams College

Go to the buzzing, colourful, and fragrant marché on Saturdays. You will fall in love. Go to the beach - Cassis, Carry-le-Rouet. Go to St. Victoire to smell the wild rosemary! And last but not least, EAT!
Jennifer Lee - AUCP Fall 07
Scripps College