Aix is a university town with large student population and a major cultural center of the Provence region. In addition, it is a major art and cultural site, with concerts, festivals, museums and a lively café life for students to explore and enjoy. Although it has ancient roots, today Aix is a modern town with a diverse population. Provence, one of the most celebrated regions in France, is renowned for its Mediterranean cuisine, its mild climate and its natural beauty that inspired painters like Cezanne and Van Gogh.
The Colleges have an affiliate relationship with the Institute for American Universities (IAU) based in Aix-en-Provence and in Avignon in the south of France. The city of Aix also hosts the Marchutz School for Studio Art. The basic principle of the School is simple: the synthesis of sight (a perception of the world) and insight (a perception of art) can be the precursor to fresh, original painting. Students paint and draw daily; they work from models, still-life, and landscapes. In addition, visits to museums and regular written and reflective assignments are part of the curriculum. Each student is also required to take one course in French language to enhance the cultural experience and facilitate full participation in the daily life of Provence.
Students will take one IAU language course according to their level of proficiency, along with electives from the regular Marchutz School offerings. (Note: HWS students must enroll in five classes at IAU and will receive four credits upon successful completion.) Subject areas include: studio art and art history, French language and literature, French civilization. All Marchutz students participate in a weekly interdisciplinary seminar comparing painting, drawing and sculpting with other arts including architecture, poetry, theatre and music.
Electives include:
Cezanne and Van Gogh
Survey of Western Art: Renaissance to the 21st Century
French Civilization
Drawing
Painting
Art Criticism Seminar
History of Art: 19th and 20th Centuries
Independent Studio
For more detailed information on curriculum and the Institute, students should review the IAU catalogue, Study Abroad in the South of France, available online at www.iaufrance.org/Marchutz
This program is especially applicable for students who are majoring or minoring in studio art but who also wish to find inspiration in the beautiful Provence region and it culture while learning French. Students who are more interested in linguistic or cultural immersion than in art should seriously consider the Aix-en-Provence or Avignon programs instead. These programs are well-suited to French majors or minors at HWS.
Open to all sophomores, juniors or seniors in good academic and social standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher. At least one (ideally more) studio art course prior to enrollment in Marchutz is required. Due to the challenging nature of study abroad, student academic and disciplinary records will be carefully screened.
Students will live with host families, the best way to experience French daily life first-hand. Families are carefully chosen by the local housing coordinator who will make every effort to match students with families based upon their expressed preferences. Students will have breakfast and dinner with their host families and can take lunch near the Institute in bistros or cafes.
The Institute’s Office of Student Affairs sponsors an extensive calendar of activities and events, including weekend day trips to such places as the Matisse Museum in Nice, and the culturally diverse city of Marseille. Other excursions may include the nearby hill towns of St. Remy, Lacoste, the Picasso museum in Antibes, and Arles, a site favored by Van Gogh. There is normally a longer excursion to Venice or Paris each semester as well. Students will have ample opportunity to explore Provence and other regions of France during weekends and breaks.
Students will be charged standard HWS tuition and room fees, a 2/3 board fee, and a $500 administrative fee. This will cover credit for a four-credit semester, course-related excursions, and homestay with partial board. Students should bring the remaining 1/3 board to cover meals not included (about $800). Additional expenses not covered include airfare, books and course materials, visa and personal expenses (laundry, entertainment, ground transportation and independent travel). We estimate airfare for this program at $700-$850 from the East Coast, books/course materials at $225 and visa at $130. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of personal expenses because student spending habits differ considerably. We would suggest a minimum of $1,500. However, students on a tight budget should be able to manage with less. If you are concerned about finances, we strongly encourage you to talk to the CGE staff who can offer information and advice based on your specific situation.
NOTE: The information contained in this brochure is subject to change. Please see the CGE for more information.
