Nice has long been a destination for artists, writers, and creatives, which makes it the best place to learn and experience the topics of Art, Culture, and Creativity. This program explores the importance of the French Riviera in the production of art, literature, and film from the 19th century through today, with the beautiful Côte d'Azur as your classroom.
Live in a Homestay
Live in a French home in Nice with a local family.
Practice French with local students
Connect with french students through organized intercultural sessions
Travel France & Beyond
Participate in IES Abroad field trips or hop on a flight or train!
Explore the French Riviera
Enjoy Nice's art scene, beaches, and wine and cheese tastings
Summer 2025
Program Dates:
May 19 - July 03
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
7,100
Program Advisor
Alicia Emerich
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
There are many reasons why people from all over the world travel to Nice in the summer— the sunshine, famous coastline, and lively arts scene. Nice’s ideal location on the French Riviera has long been a place of inspiration—attracting literary luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, as well as artistic geniuses such as Renoir, Picasso, and Cezanne. As capital of the Côte d’Azur, Nice is the perfect backdrop for honing your own skills in creative expression and cultural analysis, through a highly immersive and interdisciplinary curriculum that makes the most of everything the stunning Southern French coast has to offer.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the highest quality academic and cultural experience abroad possible.
We offer unique courses that explore Art, History, Literature, and more through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our professors enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Courses
You will take 6 - credits (2 courses) of English-taught area studies courses.
NOTE: What will appear below will be a list of possible course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when the program begins
2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Nice Center is located in the heart of the modern area of Nice. Here you take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms, meet with staff in their offices, meet up with friends in the student lounge, and use our resource room whenever needed. The Center is your study abroad hub.
Apartments are available throughout the city. The fully equipped apartments house other IES Abroad students. Washing machines are available in or near the building. No meals are provided.
*Summer housing options dependent on availability
Homestay
Live in a French home in Nice with a local family. One or two students live in each home. You are provided with breakfast daily and five evening meals a week. Laundry and WiFi are included.
*Summer housing options dependent on availability
Residence Hall
Live at a modern student residence hall with IES Abroad students and international students in the heart of Nice where you can mingle with the Niçois at the market or in the cafés. Live in a single studio with a kitchenette with basic cooking supplies and en-suite bathroom. Laundry facilities are located on site. No meals included.
*Summer housing options dependent on availability
Mixed - Use Residence
Live at a mixed - use residence in the heart of Nice and get to know vibrant young professionals working in Nice. A variety of shared floorplans are available and each feature a kitchenette with basic cooking supplies and en-suite bathroom. Laundry facilities and gym are located on site. No meals included.
*Summer housing options dependent on availability
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Nice, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Aix-en-Provence & Arles
3 Days
Summer
Explore the natural beauty of southern France that has inspired artists for generations. The trip will include a visit to the atelier of Cézanne, Van Gogh Museum, and the Roman Pont du Gard.
Saint Paul de Vence
1 Day
Summer
Visit the medieval town that is known for its unique blend of modern and contemporary art galleries and 17th century chapels. Picasso, Modigliani, Dufy, Matisse, and Chagall all lived for a time in Saint-Paul de Vence. Some of the murals decorating the town...
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Menton
1 Day
Summer
Founded in 971 BCE, you will explore this rich historical commune that is a cross point for multiple cultures and cuisines.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Nice Summer - Arts, Culture, & Creativitiy on the French Riviera Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
$5,283
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
$1,682
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (12 meals provided per week)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
• Apartment (no meals provided)
Premium (additional cost, see below)
• Apartment (no meals provided)
• Multi-Use Residence (no meals provided)
Health Insurance
$135
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$7,100
+
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium - Apartment (no meals provided)
$500
Premium - Multi-Use Residence (no meals provided)
$500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$900-1,500
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$100
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Premium Apartment (with kitchen access)
$1,500
Premium Multi-Use Residence (with kitchen access)
$1,500
Homestay (with kitchen access)
$600
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$1,500
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$1,500
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$10
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$800
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Nice. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Nice before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
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CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
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24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
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Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
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TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
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Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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