Art & Design Courses in Paris

Paris American Academy:
Paris American Academy (PAA) is an accredited private institution of higher learning offering bachelor degree, semester abroad and summer programs in Fashion, Fine Arts and Interior Design to students from around the world searching for quality career education in these fields. Established in 1965 by Richard Roy, PAA is located less than a kilometer from Notre-Dame Cathedral in the famous Latin Quarter of Paris, France. All of our programs are taught in English. During their studies, students can benefit from a French language course integrated into their program.

PAA offers the following bachelor's degree courses, semester abroad programs & intensive summer workshops in Paris:

3-Year Bachelor Degree Courses:
The PAA bachelor's degree program is divided into 3 academic years consisting of 6 semesters; 3 spring and 3 fall, with specializations in Fashion or Interior Design.

The Paris American Academy admits freshmen with a baccalaureate high school diploma or equivalent for first year of study.

Experienced students may apply for second year entrance provided they have at least one year’s training in the corresponding discipline and are able to provide a portfolio and recommendations in accordance.

Bachelor's Degree Course in Fashion:

Foundation Year Subjects:
Sewing / Haute Couture I; Flat Pattern / Draping I; Fashion Design I; Textiles I; Costume Research I; Art History I; Fashion History I.

The foundation year program also includes: Color, Drawing and Composition and French as a foreign Language.

Second Year Subjects:
Sewing / Haute Couture II; Flat Pattern / Draping II; Fashion Design II; Textiles II; Costume Research II; Presentation Techniques I; Art History II; Fashion History II

Third Year Subjects:
Sewing / Haute Couture III; Flat Pattern / Draping III: Fashion Design III: Textiles III: Costume Research III; Presentation Techniques II; Art History III; Fashion History III

*The second & third year programs also include French as a foreign Language.

Bachelor's Degree Course in Interior Design:

Foundation Year Subjects:
Construction and Theory I; Technical Drawing; Product Design I; Perspective I; Computer Aided Design I (SketchUp); Color for Interior Design; Art History I; History of Interior Design I

The foundation year program also includes: Color, Drawing and Composition and French as a foreign Language.

Second Year Subjects:
Construction and Theory II; Product Design II; Perspective II; Computer Aided Design I (AutoCAD); Presentation Techniques I; Art History II; History of Interior Design II

Third Year Subjects:
Construction and Theory III; Product Design III; Perspective III; Computer Aided Design II (AutoCAD); Presentation Techniques II; Art History III; History of Interior Design III

*The second & third year programs also include French as a foreign Language.

Fall & Spring Semester Abroad Programs (4 months):
4 month session either during the fall or spring semester in Fashion, Fashion Merchandising and Communication or Interior Design. University credits can be earned for transfer to colleges and universities on both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Fashion Merchandising and Communication Semester Abroad Program:
Advanced Retail Merchandising; International Retailing; Fashion forecasting

Interior Design Semester Abroad Program:
Construction and Theory; Product Design; Perspective; AutoCAD; Presentation Techniques; History of Interior Design

Fashion Semester Abroad Program:
Contemporary European Fashion; French as a Second Language; Haute Couture Techniques and Tailoring; Surface Design & Accessories; Historic Costume Research and Construction; Collection Development; French Draping Techniques; Internship; Special Topics; Visual Merchandising

4-week Intensive Summer Workshops:

- Fashion Summer Workshop:
 Each student will participate in the core program - Essentials of French Fashion. They will also choose one of the following specializations: Design Process, Couture Techniques or Fashion Merchandising & Communication.

- Fine Arts Summer Workshop:
The intensive Fine Arts Summer Workshop provides all participants with hands-on studio participation in Painting and Drawing - Paris Sketchbook while preparing for an end-of-program presentation of works accomplished.

- Interior Design Summer Workshop:
The intensive Interior Design Summer Workshop provides all participants with hands-on studio participation in Interior Design and Design Techniques while preparing for an end of program presentation of works accomplished.

Creative Writing Summer Workshop:
Join select students and professional writers for a month-long creative writing workshop. College credit is available for this hands-on English-language writing program, with intensive workshops that include instruction in: Fiction; Poetry; Travel Writing; Memoir; Screenplays and dramatic writing; Literary journalism; Journal Writing; Presentation and Performance.

In addition to taking classes and amassing writing portfolios, students will participate in one-on-one critiques with professional writers, give readings in Parisian bookshops, and receive "survival" French lessons.

Intensive English Language Course (4-weeks / 80 hours):
The English Language Institute at Paris American Academy (ELI PAA) offers a 4-week English course to international students and native French students at elementary English to advanced English levels.

The course includes Academic English, TOEFL exam preparation, an introduction to everyday Business English vocabulary, and more.

Each hour is a real class with a real teacher and each student has 80 hours with at least 2 or 3 different teachers (American, Canadian, British) with their own specialty.

The course is available year-round with flexible start dates. You can study for just one 4-week term or stay longer. 

When you successfully complete the 4-week English course, you will receive a Certificate in English Language indicating the highest level you achieved.

For further information on our fashion, interior design, fine arts or creative writing courses in Paris, please contact us quickly via the form below.