AUCP's highest priorities are the fast, successful integration of American students into local French life and the intensive and rewarding study of French language and culture. In addition to coursework taught by French university professors in advanced French, modern French civilization, literature, political science, art history, and studio art, students take a core course, called the French Practicum. This course combines cross-cultural observation, workshops and a wide range of required experiential activities in the community, each of which is designed to introduce students frequently and directly to French people and French life.
All students also participate in some form of weekly community service.
Complementing the courses taught at AUCP itself, students also attend one course alongside their French peers at the University of Provence, giving them the opportunity to become part of French student life. Cultural activities include regional field trips, French cooking classes and wine tasting. Housing is in homestays with French families, carefully selected for their desire to make the student a part of the family. Fifth semester level in French. Recommendation of the French Department.