ACM Receives U.S. Accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

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International Education in the Mediterranean Since 1957

The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM)

A U.S.-accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate degrees based in
Aix-en-Provence, with select graduate programs offered in Barcelona

The Institute for American Universities (IAU)

Semester, summer, January Term, and custom faculty-led study-abroad programs throughout Europe and the Mediterranean

Explore ACM Degree Programs
Explore IAU Study Abroad Programs
Empowering Global Citizens

Who We Are

ACM-IAU's unique combination of interdisciplinary programming, internships, and curricula for both full-time degree-seeking and short-term study-abroad students reflect the commitment of its founders to international higher education as an engine of self-transformation, global understanding, and societal progress in the United States and abroad.

About ACM-IAU

Cultural Engagement

Our programs emphasize the importance of cultural engagement and understanding, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

Historical Insights

Our courses delve into the rich historical narratives of Europe and the Mediterranean, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's impact on contemporary issues.

Language Learning

We offer immersive language courses that enhance communication skills and cultural fluency, essential for navigating today's global landscape.

Community Building

We believe in the power of community and collaboration, encouraging students to build lasting connections with peers from around the world.

What's New at ACM

Stay up to date on everything happening at ACM.

Institutional News

ACM Achieves U.S. Accreditation, Expanding Global Opportunities for Students

The American College of the Mediterranean has been granted initial accreditation status by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

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Dr. Stephanie Jensen-Moulton joins ACM as Inaugural Dean of Humanities and Sciences

Dr. Jensen-Moulton will join the ACM-IAU team in Aix-en-Provence, France, beginning in the Fall 2026 semester.

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IAU Celebrates 70 Years of Study Abroad

From May 26–31, 2027, ACM-IAU will host a 70th Anniversary Celebration of IAU Study Abroad at its flagship campus in Aix-en-Provence, France.

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Thought Leadership

Dean Espiritu is the recipient of the NAFSA's Outstanding Service in International Education Award

Kira Mendez Espiritu, Ph.D., is the recipient of the NAFSA: Association of International Educators' 2025 Region XII Outstanding Service in International Education Award

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International Cooperation

ACM Signs New Partnership with Sciences Po Aix

We are proud to announce that our partnership with Sciences Po Aix is official! On Wednesday, February 11, students, faculty, and staff from both institutions witnessed the signing of our partnership agreement.

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Alumni Network

IAU alumni span the globe, making meaningful contributions in education, government, business, and the arts. Our network of graduates remains connected through reunions, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Alumni Hub
College Graduates Alumni
"All the IAU staff were very supportive and helpful during my time abroad. My favorite academic field trip was our trip to the Catedral de Barcelona, with my Abrahamic religion class. It was my favorite because we applied everything we learned about Christianity and its influences during our tour, which was a very engaging and impactful experience. Professor Molina was very knowledgeable and it was great to hear him speak about the church and its history."
Southern Methodist University StudentBarcelona, Spring 2026
"I loved my time at IAU. I think my most memorable event was everything surrounding the World War II event for history because I presented in it. I loved hearing and learning from French professors and I loved all the study trips. My foreign language skills have absolutely improved since studying abroad. I think I have gained confidence in day-to-day interactions, and my literacy has greatly improved."
University of Delaware StudentAix-en-Provence, Spring 2026
"All of the locals in Barcelona are so receptive to hearing you try Spanish, so I always felt comfortable at least trying! Obviously learning a language isn't easy, but the whole process was so much fun, and I think I became much more confident in my Spanish throughout the semester."
Hayes, University of South CarolinaBarcelona, Spring 2026
"While I was fluent in Spanish long before this trip, living in Spain pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to practice and become more familiar with my Spanish. I also took a history class in Spanish that also really helped with my improvement. IAU's staff and professors had a great impact on my experience. Ana was so helpful with any apartment issues and Paco made class so interesting and entertaining, even at 9am."
Julia, University of South CarolinaMadrid, Spring 2026
"I have learned how to tackle being put in a country that speaks a different language, how to adjust to change, how to learn from new experiences, and how to be more open to saying yes. My field trip to Arles with my Food Culture class (was my favorite field study). It was an awesome way to experience true French food culture and see a new city!"
Yale University StudentAix-en-Provence, Spring 2026
“There was a lot of support when I was going through the (application) process and the people I could email in case I had questions often emailed me back very quickly. I felt like the orientation and pre-departure information were helpful as well.”
Colorado State University StudentAix-en-Provence, Summer 2026
"I chose to study abroad in Madrid in order to practice my Spanish and see what it would be like to live in a city abroad. I think the skills that I will learn here will make me a better employee and coworker. The way of life here is also very appealing to me and could lead me to consider moving abroad and finding a job here.”
University of South Carolina StudentMadrid, Spring 2026
"I loved my professors at IAU, and Professor Mauricio Molina left the strongest impression. He is deeply passionate about his work and the field of art history. His lectures always flew by, and it never felt like I was stuck in a classroom, but like I was being immersed in the different civilizations we would learn about. I also appreciate his teaching style and the amount of work he assigns. I feel like I can still walk into a museum and explain the history behind an artifact from an ancient Mediterranean civilization because of his class.”
Salma, Southern Methodist UniversityBarcelona, Spring 2026
“I immediately felt welcome in my homestay on arrival day. My host's neighbor came to help drive me from the bus stop, immediately giving me a sense of security and community in entirely new surroundings. My host gave me a tour of the house then prepared a hot meal for me to unwind from a long day of travel. She has excellent recommendations for getting to know Aix but also appreciates the value of some rest.”
Annabelle Smith, Franklin & Marshall CollegeAix-en-Provence, Spring 2026
“I am in ‘Sketching in Florence’, and it’s been one of my favorite classes this semester. I’ve loved getting to be here and seeing the sights in a different way. I’m able to have an artistic outlet that I had not tapped into before. Going to the nooks and crannies of Florence and getting to have a record in our sketchbook of our time here is really rewarding, and I’m going to look back on with a lot of fond memories.”
Sofia Ranta, CU BoulderFlorence, Spring 2026

Events

Get involved with the ACM-IAU community! Join us for an event in the U.S., or abroad at our centers in Aix-en-Provence, Barcelona, Madrid, and Florence.

Alumni & Partner Reception in Washington, D.C.

Please join the Ambassador of France, Laurent Bili, together with ACM-IAU President Jubran, fellow alumni, staff, and colleagues in international education for an unforgettable evening at the Résidence de France on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The evening will include an apéritif dînatoire, a silent auction, and comments from distinguished guests including IAU ’84 alum, Ambassador Kurt Volker. 

Vineyard Festival & Art Show

Join our wine studies students and visual arts students at the Marchutz Campus in Aix-en-Provence for this collaborative end-of-year event, showcasing ACM-IAU’s very own wine and student artwork.

IAU Celebrates 70 Years of Study Abroad

May 2027 marks 70 years since the establishment of the Institute for American Universities, the study abroad institute of The American College of the Mediterranean. From May 26-31, 2027, ACM-IAU will host a 70th Anniversary Celebration at its flagship campus in Aix-en-Provence, France. The celebration will include a gala, opportunities to relive the experience of being a student through wine, art, and French classes, plus special events including networking opportunities, wine tastings, and day trips in the Provence region.

Registration is now open, which will be followed by registration for specific classes and events in Fall 2026.

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