What’s different about PAA programs?
Paris American Academy’s goal is to prepare students academically, personally, and professionally for successful careers. The programs, policies, and teaching methods have been designed to implement this philosophy and are evaluated periodically and changed as necessary, to meet the needs of our students and the ever-changing professional industries.
What kind of experience do the professors at PAA have?
At PAA, you’ll learn from professors with real-world experience in the fields that they teach. They’ll share accumulated knowledge and offer relevant, meaningful support as you focus on your future and prepare your career.
I am in Paris visiting schools. Can I come tour the Academy?
We would be pleased to welcome you. If you are in the Paris area and would like to set up an appointment to tour the school, please email the Admissions department here: info@parisamericanacademy.fr.
Which language is the curriculum taught in?
All of our programs are taught in English, as we receive students from all over the world. Applicants are not required to provide proof of their level of English but do need to be comfortable working in English. Students at PAA can benefit from French language courses integrated into their programs. We are proud of the bilingual tradition of our school, which often teaches students from more than 30 different nationalities in a single year.
Is it possible to transfer credits obtained at another university?
The decision regarding whether an applicant can transfer credits or not is made on a case by case basis. We advise that you send us your application and explain your intentions in your cover letter.
What scholarships does PAA offer?
PAA applicants may apply for partial scholarships through the Richard Roy Scholarship Fund. These scholarships range in value from 1,000€ to 3,000€ off tuition, and from 300€ to 1300€ off housing.
Students wishing to be considered for a scholarship must submit a brief personal statement (1-2 paragraphs) along with their application. This statement should emphasize the student’s personal and educational background, demonstrating why he / she is in need of financial assistance and how a scholarship might benefit the student’s professional goals.
What documentation do I need to submit with my application?
FOR ALL APPLICANTS
• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your high school diploma or equivalent
• A letter of motivation, outlining your previous experience and your goals in studying at PAA
• A resume of your career to date, including your name, date of birth, and contact information
• Samples of your work (portfolio)
Please note: the July Creative Writing Workshop has its own application form and does not require a separate letter of motivation, resume, or C.V. For more information, please contact info@pariswritingworkshop.com.
FOR BACHELOR AND SEMESTER PROGRAM APPLICANTS ONLY
• A detailed portfolio
• 2 letters of recommendation from former teachers
• A transcript of your current grades
What should I include in my portfolio?
Your portfolio will ideally show us a range of relevant work, from initial sketches and ideas to finished pieces. It showcases your ability to work with different materials, themes and techniques, as well as how you plan and develop your ideas. A typical portfolio includes moodboards, rough sketches done by hand, illustrations and digital and/or technical sketches.
Is my deposit refundable?
The deposit is used to confirm your place on the course and is non-refundable. Tuition fees may or may not be refundable, depending on when the student withdraws. Please contact us for further information.
When are my tuition fees due?
50% of tuition fees are to be paid within a month of reception of your acceptance letter. This allows us to confirm your place. The other 50% is due a month before the start of your program. If are not able to respect these deadlines, please contact us at contact@parisamericanacademy.fr.
Do I need to apply for a student visa?
If you are an EU citizen planning to study in another EU country, you do not require a visa. Students from countries outside of the EU must obtain a student visa.
We advise that you check the French government travel website below to check whether you require one or not. The website also explains the process of obtaining a visa.
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/welcome-page
Where will I live during my studies?
Paris American Academy does not have student halls but manages furnished apartments a five minute walk away from the school. If you would like to rent one of our apartments, please contact us at info@parisamericanacademy.fr.
If you would prefer to find your own accommodation, we recommend that you take a look at the housing guide we have compiled.
Can I work during my studies?
This will depend on whether or not your student visa allows you to work. There are often restrictions on the amount of paid work you can carry out during your studies. If you don’t require a student visa, you will usually be able to work, as long as this doesn’t affect your studies.
It is important to keep in mind that all PAA students will have classes every weekday, from 9am or 10am to around 4pm (this will vary depending on the program). This would leave time for a weekend job.
When I arrive at the airport in Paris, how will I get to the school?
You can take public transportation from Charles-de-Gaulle airport to PAA. Take the RER B at Charles-de-Gaulle airport and stop at either Port-Royal or Luxembourg. You can also take a taxi or an Uber, or use a shuttle service via www.paris-shuttle.com.
What events, fairs, or professional exhibitions will I have the opportunity to attend?
We try to encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities to complement their learning. The following is a sample of the events students may attend during their program:
JANUARY: Meuble Paris, Maison et Objet, Couture Shows, Now Design, Menswear Shows, Who’s Next, Pret-a-porter
FEBRUARY: Premier Vision
MARCH: Women’s Ready to Wear Shows, Book Fair
APRIL / MAY: Foire de Paris
JUNE: Menswear Shows
JULY: Haute Couture women’s wear shows, 14th July Bastille Day celebrations, Paris Plage, open-air cinema festival
SEPTEMBER: Meuble Paris, Paris Design Week, Maison et Objet, Premier Vision, Now Design, Jour de la Patrimoine, Pret-a-porter, Who’s Next
OCTOBER: Pret-a-porter, Nuit Blanche, Les Puces du Design, Women’s Ready to Wear Shows
NOVEMBER: Batimat
Are the fashion students able to participate in the various shows that happen around Paris during fashion week?
Yes, the Academy is often called upon for fashion students to help backstage at various fashion shows throughout the year.
What is the estimated amount I can expect to pay for art supplies?
Stationery and art supplies are more expensive in Paris than in other major cities worldwide, and you are advised to bring with you as much as possible without encumbering yourself. We estimate the full cost of materials for the Academic Year for students in Fashion and Interior Design to be 800 euros. You may qualify for a 5% to 15% discount in certain art shops upon presentation of the PAA student card. Rather than having you buy books, PAA encourages you to make use of the wealth of public libraries which abound in Paris.
Here is a list of supply shops we recommend.