One of the unique features of the Auvillar venue is the new student housing concept. Unlike past arrangements where students lived individually with local residents spread throughout the town, some at considerable distance, this summer all students will be housed in two large residences, called “gîtes” in French. A special feature of our gîtes is their proximity to the studios; one is physically attached to the studio itself and the other is just 100 feet away. This allows easy access and facilitates the demands of the program. The gîtes have facilities for cooking, gathering, and a shared laundry in one of the locations.
Meals
The new Dinner Seminars—attended four evenings each week by students, staff, and faculty—are an important aspect of the ISS program. The dinners will often provide opportunities for discussions, announcements, and mini-presentations. We are fortunate to enlist the services of Chef Jean Amiaud, the owner and chef at the Café Le Tourisme, who will prepare a special menu to sample the fine local cuisine. The Dinner Seminar meals are included in the fees for the program. All other meals during the week and on the weekends will be the responsibility of the student.
Trips and Activities
Unlike other summer study abroad programs that emphasize travel, ISS emphasizes studio practice in Auvillar. All plans to travel should be made either before or after the program, and any student guests should plan to visit only during the last week of the program. Students are responsible for housing their guests in hotels or in other living arrangements, as guests are not allowed in the student housing.
Recognizing the need to provide alternative activities during the demanding session, the faculty organizes events meant to offer cultural enrichment and a renewal of energy.
