AUP’s Cultural Program takes students across the world so they can situate their theoretical studies in contexts of global significance. The fine arts study trip to Madrid and Toledo, led by Professors Jonathan Shimony and Stéphane Treilhou, shows students how Spain’s alliances, conquests and political histories consolidated ideas and techniques from across the world in the power centre of one of history’s largest empires, giving rise to artistic schools of emotional and religious intensity. Students view artworks on location while also uncovering the historical contexts and perspectives of two cities that were central to the emergence of these movements.
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The Cultural Program is a hallmark of AUP’s unique approach to a global liberal arts education. By taking students out of the classroom so they can experience diverse cultures and communities, study trips and cultural excursions foster within students the spirit of lifelong learning.
By grounding academic theory in a real-world context, the Cultural Program allows students to develop critical-thinking skills and interdisciplinary approaches that will continue to inspire them as they embark on international careers. Close collaboration with faculty and their peers helps open their minds to new ideas and varied perspectives.
Many global explorers arrive at the University wanting to immerse themselves in an international setting; the Cultural Program provides a launchpad for doing so skillfully and sensitively. It’s an experience that stays with students long after graduation.
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The American University of Paris is an international university located at the meeting point of France, Europe and the world. Founded in Paris as an American-style liberal arts college in 1962, the University has at the core of its mission the commitment to providing a student-centered, transformative and career-enabling education. Students from over a hundred nationalities benefit from small class sizes, which combine liberal arts inquiry with an active approach to learning. World-class faculty members teach in English across 27 undergraduate majors and 4 core fields of graduate study. AUP’s 20,000 alumni live and work in 145 countries across the globe.
