For Ava Grosso, a senior International Studies major at Fairfield University, studying abroad was more than just a semester away—it was an immersive, life-changing experience filled with travel, cultural exchange, and academic discovery.
In the spring of her junior year, Ava joined the IAU (Institut Américain Universitaire) program in Aix-en-Provence, France, one of Fairfield’s partner universities. “It was an amazing, amazing experience,” she says, her enthusiasm unmistakable.
While abroad, Ava took five courses, including unique offerings like French Cooking, Philosophy, and Media and Culture, alongside a Management course that featured a study trip to Morocco. “It was essentially like taking Fairfield classes,” she explains, “but with an elevated experience. Most of the classes included community or travel components—whatever we were learning in class, we’d also see and experience in real life.”
For a visual and experiential learner like Ava, this structure was ideal. “I wouldn't necessarily say it was better than Fairfield, but I think I learned more just based on how the classes were structured.”
Ava wasn’t alone in Aix-en-Provence—but she was one of only three Fairfield students there that semester. The program brought together students from across the U.S., including schools like the University of Alabama, Harvard, SMU, and the University of Michigan. “Most of them were in the social sciences—politics, arts, things like that,” Ava says. “Now I know people from all over the country.”
Despite the small Fairfield turnout, she encourages more students to take part. “It’s a relatively unknown program, which is insane because it’s honestly the coolest thing ever. The town is small and close-knit, and the experience is so worth it.”
While the academic component was strong, Ava’s time abroad was equally shaped by her travels. She visited Monaco, Portugal, Spain, Iceland, Greece, and took numerous trips within France, including Paris, Cologne, and more. “It was pricey,” she admits, “but so worth it. Some of my roommates had trips booked before we even got there, and I felt so behind! But I quickly learned how easy it is to book travel—and now I feel like a master at it.”
When asked about her biggest takeaway, Ava doesn’t hesitate. “Say yes to everything—even when you’re exhausted or scared,” she advises. “There’s just so much to explore and see. Even when things are scary, you learn so much. It was the most fun four months of my life.”
Although living in France comes with obvious language and cultural differences, Ava found Aix-en-Provence to be relatively accessible. “It’s a touristy town, so it’s pretty English-friendly,” she explains. “The only times you really needed French were at restaurants, and even that was easy to pick up.”
Ava’s semester in France gave her more than academic credit—it gave her confidence, friendships across the country, a deeper understanding of global cultures, and a renewed sense of curiosity. For those considering studying abroad, her advice is simple: “Say yes, explore, and don’t be afraid to do what’s scary.”
Global Fairfield offers a wide variety of programs and opportunities with IAU in Aix-en-Provence. If you are interested in exploring our options, visit our website for more information!
