ACM offers its students in Aix-en-Provence, France dozens of opportunities to explore and maximize their time studying in a foreign country. From cultural and linguistic immersion opportunities to athletic sports, lecture series, and soirées with students from the local French universities, ACM has something to meet the needs and interests of its diverse student body. ACM offers a diverse lecture series every semester that brings together local and international scholars to discuss relevant topics in the news, arts, academia, and more.

Discover more about housing, internship opportunities, the city of Aix-en-Provence, and ACM's campus by clicking the menu items on the left. 

The below list is a sampling of various activities and opportunities available to ACM students. ACM also has an on-site Student Life Coordinator who can help students seek out opportunities in the Aix-en-Provence community and beyond. 

 

Student Conferences

  • ACM Lecture Series: Each semester The American College of the Mediterranean hosts numerous distinguished scholars from various academic fields ranging from journalism and literature to politics and diplomacy to speak to student body. The Spring 2017 lecture series schedule can be found here. 

  • Political Sciences University Conference Series - Open to all ACM students all year long, this elite and reputable university is located across the street from ACM's buildings.

Dialogue with French

  • Meet French students through ACM's Intercultural Dialogue: a cultural and French/American exchange program allowing all ACM students to have regular contacts with French students while in Aix. Students are paired with local French students from Political Sciences University and other Universities in Aix. This is one of the best ways to make your study abroad experience worth your while. ACM regularly invites French and American students to various events such as buffet dinner parties, live music parties, talent shows and much more!
  • Over 60 American students are a part of this French-English intercultural partnership. French students study at local universities such as The Institute for Political Studies (l'Institut d'Etudes Politiques) and the Aix-Marseille University (L'Institut Universitaire de Technologie de l'Université d'Aix-Marseille). ACM students help tutor French students in English and help them prepare for their English oral and written exams.

  • Some recent activities that this Intercultural Dialogue has been involved in include: a trip to Montpellier with students from the IEP, celebrating Valentine's day and playing billiards with students from l'IMPGT and an international dinner with students from IEP.

Explore Provence

  • Visit a winery and participate in a winetasting at Château Lacoste.

  • Olive picking in the Fall: Check out photos from a trip to the olive gardens! 

  • Visit lavender fields in the summer: Visitors from all over the world come to Provence in June and July just to walk through acres of lavender fields, all 5 senses enlightened by this wonderful flower. You will be learning about the distillation process and the many uses of lavender essential oil.

  • Join a local church/synagogue/mosque while studying in Aix and meet French and foreign students from all over the world.

  • Cooking workshops at l’Ane à Nageoires.

      

Traveling in Europe and the Mediterranean Region

WSAEurope: ACM is partners with WSA (Weekend Student Adventures), an organization that helps students travel safely in the region.

Physical Activities

  • Hike to the summit of the jewel of Provence, Mount Saint Victoire, Paul Cezanne's favorite motif. A 2-hour easy climb to a chapel-marked top offering an outstanding 360° panorama. 

  • Learn to play the typical pétanque. A perfect way to spend your afternoons in local parks!

  • Go skiing or snowboarding for the day in the Spring with our partner Bivouac Travel agent.

  • Spend an afternoon at Indian Forest Sud Aix rope park.

  • Mountain bike around Mount Saint Victoire with our partner Aixprit.

  • Rockclimb, hike and Nordic walk with our partner Evana.

  • Take dance classes – ballet, modern dance, Zumba, and MORE with our partner Aix City Ballet. Additional resources include: Festival d’Aix and Dance Studios in Aix

  • Take salsa and swing dance classes with French students (free admission).

  • Attend free rehearsals at Pavillon Noir, Aix Contemporary Dance National School.

  • Schedule a weekend trip with Discovery of Provence!

  • Attend pilates or yoga classes.

  • Sports and Fitness - Around 50 different individual or collective sports are available for ACM students. ACM has a special agreement with Aix-Marseille University sport organization allowing ACM students to attend all sport activities and join French University teams. Sport categories: soccer, American football, basketball, handball, swimming, waterpolo, martial arts, tennis, running, athletics, fencing, horseriding, squash, badminton, hockey, sailing, Frisbee, golf, and gymnastics. To inquire and to enroll for activities contact the Student Activities Coordinator.

  • Swimming - Students interested in swimming while abroad can locate a pool using the Aix-en-Provence Office of Tourism. 

Working while Abroad

  • Job opportunities with French Families - Students can work as tutors, babysitters, and English teachers for families in Aix, which will help them meet French people and make money on the side. Job placement cannot be guaranteed by ACM. Part-time jobs in Aix-en-Provence can be hard to find and require students to complete the OFII Form during the long stay student visa application.

Student Life