PCA’s 4 week summer program offers students an intensive environment to deepen their understanding and sharpen their skills in art and design. Courses expose students to Paris in a unique way, by combining classroom time with excursions to various sites around the city. Students enroll in two back-to-back 2 week classes, one from “Session B” and one from “Session C,” for a total of 6 credits.
Application open until: March 15, 2026
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after closing as space permits
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
EU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Select from a range of courses in Fine Arts, Design, and Liberal Arts.
- Popular courses include: “Paris Through its Museums” and “Photography in Paris.”
Program Dates
June 27, 2026 – July 25, 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
Communication Design
Fashion Design
Fine Arts
Interior Design
Liberal Studies
Photography
Transdisciplinary New Media
In this course, you will discover how documentary filmmaking captures reality in motion and transforms everyday life into cinema. You will learn to choose a meaningful subject, understand what makes documentary language unique, and use the camera as a tool to observe, connect, and translate the world around you. Through hands-on practice, you will become comfortable handling equipment, directing real situations, recording interviews, and shaping your footage into a compelling short film. As you explore Paris and interact with people and places, you will also gain insight into how your own perspective influences the stories you tell, developing both your technical abilities and your creative voice as a filmmaker.
Pre-requisite: This is a university level screenwriting course; writers of all levels are welcome, but students should expect a rigorous pace that is conducive to completion of a solid second draft of a short film screenplay by the end of the course. Course level: Open to undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students.
This course focuses on the art and craft of short film storytelling, emphasizing how to create depth, nuance, and emotional complexity within a compressed screen time. Students will develop a solid foundation in screenwriting structure and format while exploring their own creative process. Through oral storytelling exercises, collaborative “writers’ room” sessions, and analysis of short stories and films, participants will learn to transform raw ideas into polished, emotionally resonant narratives. By the end of the course, each student will complete a fully drafted original short film script and gain confidence in providing and receiving constructive feedback.
This course is an introduction to Riso printing, combining technical instruction with artistic exploration. Students will learn the fundamentals of the Riso printing process, from concept and visual research to design, production, and final output. You will develop skills in layout, composition, color interaction, typography, layering, and superimposition while exploring the unique, often unexpected, qualities of the medium. Emphasizing a DIY and experimental approach, the course encourages students to explore personal expression, integrate “happy accidents,” and contextualize their work through historical and contemporary artistic references. By the end of the course, students will have produced a personal body of Riso prints and a micro-edition, gaining confidence in both creative and technical aspects of this hybrid printing technique.
You’ll build a strong foundation in graphic design by exploring illustration, typography, color, and visual storytelling. Through hands-on experiments, fieldwork, and conceptual exercises, you’ll learn how to observe, interpret, and transform your surroundings into meaningful design work. You’ll develop a personal visual language, understand how support–tool–writing interact in communication, conduct research that informs your creative choices, and articulate your design intentions with clarity and confidence.
This course offers a full immersion into the technical and creative world of garment construction. Students will explore the complete process of developing a garment, from the fundamentals of sewing and finishing to the more advanced practices of draping and pattern translation. The class emphasizes how 2D ideas evolve into 3D volumes, guiding students through textile manipulation, silhouette shaping, and the transformation of fabric on the mannequin. Through hands-on demonstrations inspired by industry techniques including fluid draping, precise pattern development, and Tomoko Nakamichi’s pattern magic. Students will gain both the vocabulary and the practical foundation needed to create structurally sound, expressive fashion pieces.
Explore the A-to-Zs of what goes into garment construction and development; introduction to sewing and finishing techniques in order to create a foundation of understanding of the technical side of fashion; building an understanding of vocabulary synonymous with the garment industry; elaborated draping techniques (from the fluid aspect of draping to technical methods such as Tomoko Nakamichi’s pattern magic) as well as the translation to patterns; translation between 2D ideas to 3D volumes to appropriate textiles manipulations and fabric to create a final look.
In this course, you will: express and sketch basic plant anatomy in traditional form, Expand visual culture and have references of traditional and contemporary illustration and European landscaping, explore projects through printmaking techniques, observe and create exciting compositions while sketching in outside spaces, extrapolate and create an interesting composition from imagination.
Pre-requisite: Participants should be openminded, flexible and bring a minimum of sketchbook/journal, paper, pen, glue, or tape. Other favorite art supplies will be useful and welcome, such as string, pencils, crayons/colored pencils, small paint set, cardboard folder, or tube for rolling up paper. Course open to Pre-College, Undergraduate, Graduate, & Young Professionals.
Drawing from life, movement, perspective, architecture, land art, collage, writing as exploration, and several other two-and three-dimensional techniques, you will learn and develop skills to open creative sensibility and inspirational valves. Using the world around you to create, not just physically but through translating observation and being inspired, fluidity and self-respect in creative terms will also unfold.
You will develop a heightened sensitivity to space by understanding how sight, sound, touch, smell, and embodied awareness shape emotional and physical experience. You’ll learn to slow down and observe deeply, analyze architectural environments with precision, and integrate sensory and mindful dimensions into the design process. Throughout the course, you’ll strengthen your understanding of Parisian history and architecture while exploring how interior design can engage the full spectrum of human perception.
This course examines the cultural landscape of Parisian banlieues, exploring how second-generation immigrants navigate multiple intersecting identities—French, African, suburban, and American/Hip-Hop. Students will study the creative practices and entrepreneurial strategies of key figures like Papou Moussa Dabo, founder of African Armure, and investigate the tensions between cultural innovation, economic precarity, and mainstream visibility. Through novels, documentaries, and artistic case studies, you will gain insight into urban cultural production, narrative authority, and the ways marginalized communities assert their voice and identity. The course also addresses globalization’s influence on local urban culture and traces how hip-hop, streetwear, music, and graffiti have evolved into recognized forms of artistic expression.
This course familiarizes students with the history, arts and culture of the city of Paris through an interactive and thematic approach based on three main modules: the city and its history; the literary and artistic representations of the city; and the city, its citizens, and its future. Students will learn about key moments in French history from the Romans onward, via the Middle Ages, the French Revolution, Haussmannization, and May 1968. This history will come alive through outings in the city and visits to museums, and will allow students to contextualize the city of Paris and French culture of today. The course will also explore Paris’ role in various artistic and literary movements, from the avant-gardes to literary modernism, as well as representations of the city in art, literature, music and cinema. Students will also be introduced to such themes as political migration and colonialism, and will explore the city from a variety of points of views including literary and artistic exchanges, urban history, architecture, and ecology. The final module of the course will examine how our study of the past informs our understanding of the present, and in particular what the future may hold for the city of Paris.
In this course, you’ll develop a strong fashion-driven visual identity by mastering the foundations of cinematic storytelling. Through hands-on work in directing, shooting, lighting, and editing, you’ll learn how to translate style, movement, and emotion into compelling visual narratives tailored to the fashion industry. You’ll explore both classic and contemporary approaches to fashion film—ranging from editorial concepts to brand-driven campaigns—and analyze industry references to understand today’s creative standards. As you collaborate with models, stylists, and creative teams, you’ll gain confidence in guiding on-screen performance, crafting cohesive storyboards, shaping lighting setups, and building a unified visual package that blends film and photography. By the end of the course, you will have produced a polished short fashion film supported by complementary editorial photos, ready for portfolio or brand submission.
Pre-requisite: Students must bring their own DSLR camera and laptop.
In this intensive summer program, you’ll develop the core skills and creative instincts essential to street style fashion photography during one of the world’s most influential fashion events—Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week. Through hands-on instruction, you’ll learn to work confidently with natural and artificial light, master compositional techniques, and capture compelling portraits in fast-moving public environments. You’ll also gain experience approaching and directing real people on the street, evaluating scenes quickly, and making intuitive technical decisions under pressure. By the end of the course, you’ll understand the full workflow of street style photography—from on-location shooting to beauty retouching and post-production—culminating in a polished digital portfolio that showcases your personal visual style.
This course teaches students how to merge the physical and digital worlds using augmented reality, 3D scanning, and 3D printing. Through hands-on experimentation, students will learn to digitize physical objects, create interactive spatial experiences, and transform their concepts into AR or 3D-printed artworks. They will explore storytelling, sculpture, and interaction design while developing technical skills with beginner-friendly digital tools. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce and present an original hybrid artwork, articulating both their creative process and artistic concept.
In this workshop, you’ll dive into the world of time-based arts by exploring how images and sounds interact to create immersive, real-time experiences. You’ll learn to build interactive installations and hybrid audiovisual systems using TouchDesigner for real-time visuals and VCV Rack for sound synthesis. Along the way, you’ll develop a strong conceptual foundation—understanding non-linear storytelling, generative structures, and the history of visual music—while also gaining the ability to conduct independent research, experiment freely, and shape your own artistic methodology.
Courses & Schedule
SAI students are free to enroll in any available course, but prerequisites must be demonstrated through students’ transcripts. Students choose two back-to-back 2 week courses (one from session B and one from session C). Courses are intensive and meet 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
Course Registration
Students choose their courses after they have been accepted into the program. As soon as the PCA schedule is confirmed, students are asked to complete a Course Approval form, which is used to specify first-choice and alternate-choice courses. All posted schedules of classes are tentative and subject to change unless otherwise noted. SAI’s Paris Admissions Counselor will guide students through this process.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| March 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) |
| March 15 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. |
| March 29 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. |
| March 29 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 business days after the deposit. |
| March 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| April 12 2026 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| April 28 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 | |
|---|---|
| June 27 2026 |
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. |
| June 28 2026 |
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. |
| June 29 2026 |
PCA Academic Orientation & Session B Classes Begin PCA orientation covers academic policies, and provides opportunities for students to meet one another. Following orientation, classes begin. |
| July 10 2026 |
Session B Classes End |
| July 13 2026 |
Session C Classes Begin |
| July 24 2026 |
Session C Classes End |
| July 25 2026 |
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 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/week. |
Coming soon |
| 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 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees Course fees are sometimes imposed to cover field trips. |
$25 / course | $125 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$400 / month | $800 / 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 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.
Welcome Lunch & Walking Tour
Students are welcomed to their new city with a delicious lunch and walking tour of the many Parisian sites, including the Eiffel Tower and the Champs de Mars.
Le Marais Walking Tour & Dinner
Students take a guided stroll through one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Paris: Le Marais! The district is known for much more than its colorful vintage shops and food, but also for its rich history and culture.
Bateaux Mouches
On this activity, SAI students explore the heart of Paris by boat! Students enjoy a cruise on one of the city’s iconic Bateaux Mouches and take in Paris’ beautiful architecture from the water.
Visit to the St. Chappelle & the Conciergerie
Students visit two incredible feats of Parisian architecture. The St. Chappelle was the chapel to the kings of France and is known for its remarkable stained glass, which remains some of the most intricate in Europe. Just a few steps away from St. Chapelle students also visit the Conciergerie, which once imprisoned Marie Antoinette.
Day Trip to Deauville
Students take a 2 hour train ride to the beautiful coastal city of Deauville. Founded in the 19th century by the Duke of Morny, Deauville was meant to be the “elegant kingdom” close to Paris, and is known for its architecture and beautiful beaches.
Open Market Tour with Tastings
Le marché, or outdoor market, is a tradition at the heart of Parisian life, providing the city with a focal point for social interaction and culinary inspiration. Students take a tour of the celebrated market, and learn about its neighborhood and history. Students also receive tips on how to select the best fruits and vegetables, according to the season.
Farewell Evening Picnic
Students celebrate the end of a successful summer abroad and say their goodbyes over a typical French picnic along the Seine.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, and include a shared occupancy bedroom in a shared student apartment (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of kitchen, bathroom(s) and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance 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. (costs vary)
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned return from France.
Student Visas
In accordance with French law, U.S. students studying in France for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Therefore all U.S. students do not require a student visa for this program. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.