Paris American Academy
Study Fashion, Interior Design, Fine Art, Writing Abroad in Paris
Jun 17, 2009
In the heart of the Latin Quarter, Paris American Academy is housed in the Pavillion du Val de Grace, a 17th century historic, six-level building on quiet rue St. Jacques. Founded in 1965, the school is near the famed Sorbonne and only two blocks from the elegant Luxembourg Gardens. Next door is the well-preserved Val de Grace Church, an outstanding example of baroque architecture from the mid-1600s. Less than a mile away are Notre Dame and the Seine River.
The City of Light is an ideal setting for those striving for inspiration and ways to express their creativity. The bi-lingual fine arts curriculum offers disciplines in drawing, painting, engraving, sculpture, art history and contemporary art.
Fashion students have the opportunity to observe and learn in the city known for its haute couture. They attend fashion shows as well. In the second year, they choose a specialty in stylism/draping or stylism/textile. By the third year, these future designers have developed a solid portfolio.
Paris American Academy Summer Workshops
Over the years, more than 35 different nationalities have studied at Paris American Academy. The English-language summer workshops often appeal to those from the US, Australia and England, among others. Classmates may include college students, young professionals, retirees or those who have yearned to study abroad in Paris. This eclectic global mix often forms enduring friendships.
Novelist, short story writer, poet and playwright John Biguenet leads the July writing workshop on literary fiction. Travel writer Rolf Potts gives students the ins and outs of creative nonfiction, memoirs and literary journalism. And writer Lauren Grodstein instructs on journal writing.
Writing assignments are often coordinated with excursions that range from Paris's literary trail to the city's great art museums – the Louvre, Pompidou and d'Orsay. Both professional and student readings are given at bookshops such as the legendary Shakespeare and Company across from Notre Dame.
Summertime fine art students go on a creative journey throughout Paris with sketchbooks in hand. They paint or draw gardens, architecture, sculptures or scenes of Parisian life while exploring a wealth of art history.
July Seminars at Paris American Academy
The four-week July seminars start off with an introduction to the Latin Quarter, how to get around, how to buy supplies and speak "survival" French. A motor coach tour of Paris follows.
For an additional charge, participants have the choice of a shared hotel room, shared private furnished apartment or single hotel room-all within easy distance of the school. Except for the opening lunch buffet and farewell buffet dinner, no meals are included.
Optional planned side trips to Versailles, Monet's Giverny, an opera performance or Seine River cruise for Bastille Day fireworks cost extra, but are quite reasonable. Classes are held four to five days during the week, while excursions generally take place on weekends. Free weekends afford students the chance to discover their own version or "campus" of Paris.
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