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.
Application open until: April 15, 2026
Apps accepted on a rolling basis
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Portfolio (see Academics)
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
EU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Design your ideal schedule
- Take part in art and design events around Paris
- Study alongside some of the most creative young artists in Europe
Program Dates
Late August 2026 – Mid December 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd year) or above.
Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
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. Certain Studio Arts courses may not be open to students who do not submit a portfolio, so all students are encouraged to submit one, regardless of 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.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| April 15 2026 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| April 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| May 1 2026 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| May 15 2026 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| June 1 2026 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| June 15 2026 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until student loan disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| July 1 2026 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Coming soon |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport. SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 12:00 noon, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| Coming soon |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation is held at the SAI Paris office and introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| Coming soon |
PCA Academic Orientation Begins & Final Course Registration PCA orientation introduces students to their school and professors, and includes activities to get to know classmates. |
| Coming soon |
PCA Classes Begin |
| Coming soon |
Add / Drop Period |
| Coming soon |
Fall Break (no class) |
| Coming soon |
Final Exams End |
| Coming soon |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| 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 room 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 per week. |
3 dinners/wk – TBA 5 dinners/wk – TBA |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*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.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Paris |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Visa |
$350 | $450 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$150 / course | $450 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650 / month | $1,000 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $350 / month | $450 / month |
| Transportation within Paris Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$125 / month | $150 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
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 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.
Welcome Activity: Visit to the Montparnasse Tower
After the SAI welcome and safety orientation, the group travels to the famous Montparnasse Tower and to enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of Paris and her famous monuments.
Fragonard Perfume Museum Guided Tour
Located in the Opéra Garnier quarter of Paris, the Musée du Parfum Fragonard unveils the manufacturing secrets of perfume and its extraordinary history from antiquity to the present day.
Day Trip to the Château de Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is known to be the only castle that has been the temporary residence for all monarchs from the 12th to 19th century, and is surrounded by forests and lakes. Students visit the castle and its beautiful surroundings, then lunch together at a classic French brasserie.
“Ghosts, Legends, & Mysteries” Evening Tour in Paris
What better time of year to delve into the mysteries of the illustrious City of Lights? Students learn about the darker history of Paris, along with the mysteries and ghost stories that still haunt the streets of the city today. A private guide leads the group through hidden alleys and showcases the darker legends of several famous landmarks and monuments.
Nature Hike in the Fontainebleau Forest
Students escape the city for a fun hike in the forest of Fontainebleau! After a short train ride, students follow a beautiful trail through the old hunting grounds of French kings. This excursion is a great way to get away from the city and get some fresh air!
Ceramics Workshop
Students gather at a local workshop for a fun ceramic class where they create their own ceramic keepsakes.
Farewell Dinner
Students celebrate the end of a successful semester abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious French meal.
Standard Housing: Student apartment or residence
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 (additional fee applies)
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 (cost varies).
Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 3 months after planned departure from Europe.
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 TLS Contact 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 ten visa centers regardless of their location. TLS Contact Centers are located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. 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 students at no cost.