Paris College of Art

Spring Semester Elective 2028

12 – 18 credits

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Spring Semester 2028

Paris, France

Program Overview

Spend a semester immersed in the lively creative scene of Paris! The SAI semester program at PCA is geared toward students interested in art and design, and is open to students both with and without previous experience. Visiting students select from a variety of art and design concentrations, usually aligned with their major, and select any elective courses from the array of art, design, management, and humanities offerings for a total of 12 – 18 US credits.

Highlights

Design the ideal schedule for your art or design major
Experience art and design events around Paris
Study alongside inspiring young artists from around the world
Visit the world-class museums of Paris

Key Details

Application Deadline

October 1, 2027

Program Fee

Coming soon

Program Dates

Early January – Early May 2027

Enrollment Deadline

October 15, 2027

Requirements

Age

18+

Academic Year

Sophomore (2nd year) or above

Cumulative GPA

2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)

Application Materials

SAI application
Personal statement
Transcript
Digital photo
Passport scan
Portfolio

Visa Required?

Yes

Academics

PCA courses are dynamic, creative and hands-on, and create spaces for students to develop their vision under the guidance of skilled professors.

Semester study abroad students are asked to identify a concentration, usually aligned with their major, but they are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses.

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.

Explore Courses More Details

What’s Included

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

Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
Comfortable and safe student housing
Airport pickup on arrival day
Orientation and welcome reception
Welcoming on-site staff
Student health insurance
SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
24-hour on-site emergency support
Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

Knowledgeable Admissions Counselors
Helpful pre-departure resources & groups
Student visa advising
Assistance with financial aid processing
Need-based SAI scholarships
Alumni Network & Ambassador Program

Financial Details

Program Fees


Application Fee	$120
Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term.	$300
Program Fee Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included).	coming soon
Optional / Additional Fees:
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.	coming soon
Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Homestay housing in a private room. Includes daily breakfast and 3 or 5 dinners/week.	3 dinners/wk – TBA 5 dinners/wk – TBA

*prices are subject to change

Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.

Note: Some US universities have a special payment arrangement with SAI, where your university covers part of your fees on your behalf, and you pay the remaining fees directly to SAI. Not sure if this applies to you? Check with your study abroad office or your SAI Admissions Counselor.

Financial Deadlines


Within 1 week of acceptance	SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable)
October 1 2027	50% of Total Program Fee Due (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after submitting the deposit.)
October 15 2027	Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process. (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after the deposit.)
October 15 2027	SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Complete application due by 11:59pm Pacific Time.
November 15 2027	SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process.
December 1 2027	Balance of Total Program Fee Due

Budgeting


Airfare to/from Paris	$980 – $2,000
Student Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees (incl. possible travel fees–varying based on consulate location and student’s residence).	$350 – $450 / month
Books, Supplies & Course Fees	$30 – $80 / course
Meals Includes groceries and eating out.	$650 – $1,000 / month
Personal Expenses	$350 – $450 / month
Transportation within Paris Public transportation with some taxi rides.	$150 – $200 / month
Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student.	$300 – $1,000 / month

SAI Housing

Standard Housing:
Student Apartment | shared bedroom

(included in program fee)

SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 5 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Optional Housing:
Student Apartment | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

Private bedrooms in student apartments offer a private bedroom with a shared bathroom. SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 5 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Optional Housing:
Family Homestay | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

Homestay housing places students 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 the option of a certain number of dinners per week (cost varies).

Academics & Certificates

Concentrations & Portfolio

Applicants 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, 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
Film Arts
Liberal 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.

Course Registration

The course registration process takes place directly through the Paris College of Art student portal. Students are notified when the PCA schedule of classes is finalized, normally about two months before the start of the term, at which time they are prompted to complete a PCA Study Plan. This Study Plan is reviewed by the PCA academic team and, once approved, students are invited to finalize their registration for their chosen classes. SAI will accompany students throughout the process, providing a detailed outline of the required steps and reminders along the way.

Volunteer Opportunities

Visiting semester students at PCA have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of short-term 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.

SAI Viva Experience

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 & Cultural Integration

A young woman sits in a large cutout heart next to the letters PARIS.

Wellness & Outdoor

A young woman and man row a boat on a sunny lake.

Food & Drink

A large flat dough sails through the air as it is passed between participants at a boulangerie workshop.

Walking Tours & City Exploration

Three people look up at an ivy covered building.

Food & Drink

Four students pose on the street with pastries.

Wellness & Outdoor

A girl feeds a horse while another student photographs it.

Orientation & Cultural Integration

Students in the SAI Programs office in Paris.

Orientation & Cultural Integration

Students in a classroom practicing French.

Passport & Visa

Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 1 year after planned departure from Europe.

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

The SAI Student Visa Office is available to assist students throughout the visa application process; SAI Student Visa Consulting is part of the SAI 360° Services included in the program fee.

Academic Courses

Browse course offerings

Explore Courses

What’s Included

Explore what’s included in this program

SAI 360° Services

Financials

Details on program fees and budget estimates

Program Fees