About Art & Design at PCA

Semester and year students are enrolled in Paris Inside/Out, a one-credit course that offers an introduction to the city’s thriving contemporary gallery scene, providing backstage access to the Parisian art and design community through excursions and guided visits to art exhibits and design workshops. Students visit places such as the FIAC, Fondation Louis Vuitton, the Gaîté Lyrique and La Maison Rouge.

Students curate an exhibition of their own work held in a professional gallery. With the support of the school staff, they learn how to set up an exhibition and sell their artwork, and gain substantial experience that will significantly enhance their professional CV.

Students have access to computer labs, fashion ateliers, a printmaking studio, digital and wet photography labs, and a sculpture studio for work with wood, metal, clay and more.

Students are offered the opportunity to acquire international work experience. Recently students completed internships at the following companies:
Alexander Wang | Bush Architecture | Diane von Furstenberg | Kenzo | Oscar de la Renta | Phillip Lim | Reed Krakoff | Paris Design Week/Maison et Objet | Seymour Projects |

Students benefit from on-going academic advising and receive extensive practical and academic support both before their departure and throughout their time in Paris.

The Orientation program is designed to help students get settled in Paris as quickly and smoothly as possible. It includes academic advising, as well as meetings about practical aspects of life in Paris, safety and security, cultural differences, and for students in homestays, on life in a French family.

A selection of both thematic and competence based French Language courses are offered. All students must pursue the study of the host language during their time in Paris and may also benefit from individualized language tutoring.

A number of activities are sponsored and organized by the program such as wine tasting, visits to key areas of Paris, study breaks etc. Students also receive an ID card providing free access to national museums in France, as well as a Carte Louvre Jeunes, and numerous other student discounts.

Students may opt for a home-stay with a French family (single room, 5 evening meals and all breakfasts included, close contact with the French culture) or may seek their own housing.