Course Concentrations & Portfolio Requirements
Students are asked to submit a portfolio including images of 10 to 20 pieces. Applicants are encouraged to submit their best and most recently completed work, showing a range of technical skills and creativity. Portfolios may include works in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, installation art, video, fashion design, illustration, etc. The PCA admissions committee is particularly interested in how applicants research and communicate their ideas. Furthermore, applicants are encouraged to submit work that aligns with the particular area of study for which they are applying.

The following Course Concentrations are available:

• Communication Design
• Fashion Design
• Fine Arts
• Interior Design
• Photography
• Critical Studies – as a “non-studio” concentration, students in this area have the option to submit a writing sample in lieu of a portfolio. This may be an assignment completed for a current or previous class; something that the student feels is a representative example of their current style and ability. Please note that Critical Studies concentration students who elect not to submit a portfolio may only have access to a limited set of courses. For example, fine arts classes are typically unavailable to students who have not submitted a portfolio, even if they’re pursuing a non-studio concentration. Please contact SAI admissions with any questions.

Courses & Schedule
PCA courses run Monday – Friday. SAI students are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses, but prerequisites for specific classes must be demonstrated through students’ transcripts.

Course Registration
Students choose their elective courses after they have been accepted into the program. As soon as the PCA semester schedule is confirmed, students are asked to complete a Course Approval form, which is used to specify first-choice and alternate-choice courses. Students are free to enroll in any available courses, but most should be within their determined concentration. All posted schedules of classes are tentative and subject to change unless otherwise noted. After registration is complete, any schedule changes must be made during the add/drop period at PCA, which is typically the first week of classes.

Applied Volunteer Opportunities
Visiting semester students at PCA have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of short non-credit volunteer activities. This includes assisting at gallery events, fashion week, and working with individual artists in the city. Students return home with a unique and diverse resume of hands-on experience. Further details are provided to students upon arrival.

*prices are subject to change

Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.

Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.

This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!

• Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
• Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
• Airport pickup on arrival day
• Welcome reception and events
• Orientation to the host city and school
• On-site staff who foster a welcoming community for you and provide assistance when needed
• SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• 24-hour on-site emergency support
• Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• Parent & family resources
• Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
• Student visa advising
• Assistance with financial aid processing
• Need-based SAI scholarships
• Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
• SAI alumni network

SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.

Orientation Activity: Visit to the Marais
Explore the charm and hidden history of Paris with our walking tour through the vibrant Le Marais district, where centuries-old architecture meets chic boutiques and cafés. Then, we’ll visit the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris, where you can admire the stunning restoration efforts bringing this Gothic masterpiece back to life. Don’t miss this chance to dive deep into the soul of the city.

Croissant and Bread Workshop
Join us at a local boulangerie to make croissants and bread! This cooking class will go over the ingredients, time, and steps necessary to make the buttery viennoiseries we love so much.

Wine and Cheese Tasting
Cheese and wine, what more do you need in Paris? We’ll learn all about wine and how to pair them with various regional cheeses.

Day Trip to the Flemish town of Lille
Join us for an exciting day trip to Lille, a vibrant city in northern France known for its rich history and stunning Flemish architecture. Wander through its picturesque old town, visit the impressive Palais des Beaux-Arts, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bustling local markets. Lille is also home to delicious regional cuisine, offering the perfect opportunity to indulge in specialties like waffles and moules-frites. It’s the ideal getaway for a taste of both French and Flemish culture!

Scavenger Hunt in Montmartre
Join us in the historic district of Montmartre for a scavenger hunt! This will take you around the most iconic sites and historical locations in the area. Upon completion, you also win a prize! Which of you will complete in record time?

Day Trip to the House and Gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny
Join us for a day trip to the beautiful town of Giverny. This quaint town is known for the house of gardens of Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Join us for a visit to this magical location, following a group lunch at one of the town’s local restaurants. You’ll have free time to explore the town afterwards.

Farewell Lunch
Join us for a memorable farewell lunch at the beautiful Lake Daumesnil in Paris, where we’ll celebrate the end of the program surrounded by nature’s springtime beauty. Before lunch, we’ll take a relaxing tour of the park, enjoying its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere. To add a touch of fun, we’ll rent rowboats and glide across the lake, creating a perfect Parisian moment to remember. It’s the ideal way to say goodbye and reflect on our time together in this magical city!

Standard Housing: Student apartment
Standard housing includes a shared occupancy room in a shared student apartment or a student residence (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). All SAI housing in Paris is fully furnished and comes equipped with towels, bed linens, and wireless Internet. Students have access to kitchen facilities, comfortable common areas, and washing machines. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any housing needs that may arise.

Optional Housing: Family homestay
Students choosing the homestay option will be placed with a local family, which could be an older couple or a family with children. SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a private bedroom in the family home with basic furnishings. Wifi is included, as is access to laundry facilities. Students opting for this more immersive housing get breakfast included as well as 3 or 5 dinners per week (price varies).

Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from France.

Student Visas
In accordance with French law students studying in France for 91 or more days are required to obtain a student visa. Those with French/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.

Students must appear in person at a VFS Visa Processing Center to present their student visa application. Visa applicants living in the United States are able to set up their appointment at one of the nine visa centers regardless of their location. VFS Global Centers are located in Washington DC, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In some cases the nearest processing center may be in a neighboring state, which might necessitate air travel. Please plan and budget accordingly. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for their appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all our students at no cost.