Regular Orientation takes place on the two days before classes start for the semester and is designed to help students become familiar with their new environment. Students are introduced to one another, the school buildings, and the city. Finally, the entire student body goes on a day-long excursion to a particularly Provençal location such as Avignon, the Pont du Gard, the beach at La Ciotat, La Route des Crêtes, or the Ile de Porquerolles.
Basic Orientation
During this period, the housing, student, life, and academic policies of ACM-IAU are explained and information is given about intercultural adaptation, safety and security, and aspects of daily life such as phones and banking. In addition, new students are briefed on social and recreational activities such as sports, ski trips, local gyms, and excursions.
Early Start Program
The Early Start Program takes place one week before the Regular Orientation and is an extended orientation that allows students to have a more in-depth introduction to ACM-IAU, Aix-en-Provence, and the region. The students participating in Early Start have daily French classes, are introduced to the Méjanes Library and the Marchés in Aix, have wine and cheese tasting and cooking classes, participate in a creativity workshop with one of ACM-IAU’s art professors, and have an additional day-long excursion.