Program Information

Here you will learn all you need to know about the Paris American Academy Semester program!

Program coordinator

Dates

Orientation

The campus

Academics

Accommodations

Flight

Study Tours and Social Activities

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Traveling while there


Program Contact

Sara Morato

Phone: 330-672-7980

Email: smoratoq@kent.edu


Program Dates

Spring 2024

  • Depart from US: January 9, 2024
  • Arrive in Paris: January 10, 2024
  • PAA orientation: January 11, 2024
  • Classes start: January 11, 2024
  • Classes end: May 10, 2024
  • Depart from Paris: May 11, 2024

*pending approval of University-sponsored travel, dates are tentative and subject to change. Students should not make arrangements or purchase any airfare until they have been formally instructed to do so by the Office of Global Education.

Fall 2024

  • Depart from US: August 31, 2024
  • Arrive in Paris: September 1, 2024
  • PAA orientation: September 2, 2024
  • Classes start: September 2, 2024
  • Classes end: December 20, 2024
  • Depart from Paris: December 21, 2024

*pending approval of University-sponsored travel, dates are tentative and subject to change. Students should not make arrangements or purchase any airfare until they have been formally instructed to do so by the Office of Global Education


Orientation

Before you leave and upon your arrival in Paris, you'll participate in an orientation designed to help you make the most out of your study abroad experience.  In orientation, your goals will be to...

  • orient yourself to the city of Paris.
  • develop the awareness you need to observe and learn from different cultures.
  • discover the businesses and organizations in Paris.
  • access the tools you will need to succeed academically, personally, and safely within the policies and responsibilities of the 17-week program.

The Campus

Centered in the famous Paris Latin Quarter, less than a mile from Notre-Dame cathedral and a few blocks from the Luxembourg Gardens. PAA draws upon Paris’ vibrant cultural and artistic heritage, stretching its campus across the city’s museums, exhibits and cafes. Classes are mainly held in the Pavilion du Val de Grace, a 17th century building. Recently renovated, this six-level building also serves as the Academy of Art Gallery. Other studio spaces and administration offices are located in an adjacent building.


Academics

Academic Offerings

INTERIOR DESIGN SEMESTER PROGRAM:
Students will enroll in full-time coursework, defined as a minimum of 14.0 credit hours, in pre-approved Interior Design courses with an optional French language course. Full course listings will be provided by Paris American Academy to the Kent State College of Architecture & Environmental Design upon finalization -contact your academic advisor for more information and advising on course selection. Students who successfully complete the PAA courses will remain on-schedule to complete the ID degree with their studio cohort in four years.

FASHION DESIGN & MERCHANDISING SEMESTER PROGRAM:

Students will enroll in full-time coursework, defined as a minimum of 12.0 credit hours, in approved Fashion Design, Merchandising, and/or French language classes. Full course listings will be provided by the Paris American Academy to the Kent State School of Fashion upon finalization – contact your School of Fashion advisor for more information and advising on course selection.

*All courses are taught in English and meet Monday through Thursday.


Accommodations

Student stay in apartments nearby the school building. Apartments are fully furnished and have wifi access. Student will need to bring their own towels. Apartments are shared with two to three other students in the program, and it is possible to submit a roommate request.


Flight

This program offers the option of opting-in to joining a group flight if students apply by the application deadline. Students also have the option to fly independently.


Study Tours and Social Activities

In addition to introducing students to the extraordinary Parisian city, study tour destinations are selected to bring extra depth to students’ understanding of their specific areas of study. For example, Fashion students explore the Basque country and Interior Design students explore the Paris Opera and Victor Horta Solvay House in Brussels, among other study tour destinations.

Field trips by cohort (destinations are subject to change and may vary by semester):

Fashion: Belgium and northern France, Lyon and south of France, Loire, the Basque country, London

Interior Design: Belgium and northern France, south of France, Loire, London

Other activities include visiting museums, exploring the city of Paris, participating in Fashion Week and much more!


Financial Aid and Scholarships

It is possible to use financial aid on this program.  Students are also encouraged to search and apply for study abroad scholarships.  Education Abroad provides information about using federal financial aid and searching for scholarships


Traveling While in Paris

It is possible for students to travel independently while in Paris.  Classes meet Monday through Thursday, so each weekend allows three days to visit a dream destination. PAA staff  can offer advice on where to go and how to get there.