2 answers
MJ
Student
Peoria, Arizona
5
Questions
Asked
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What do I need to know if I want to study fashion design abroad in Paris?
I currently am drafting designs and learning to sew. I also have been learning French on Duolingo for about a year. I have a huge love for Paris and want to live in such a beautiful city. #interior #fashion-design #fashion #studyabroad #Paris
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2 answers
Alison Warren
Academic Administration
57
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hi MJ,
Studying abroad is one of the best experiences you can set for yourself, in my opinion! When it comes to overseas study, you have two different paths you can take.
Option 1: Choose a college here in the US that has a study abroad program. Your degree will come from the American college, but you’ll transfer overseas for a semester or a year. While it is short term study abroad, you still get the experience of living abroad for a while, the universities are cooperating with each other so you’ll have more support (in getting accepted, in transferring credits, in finances, in adapting to a new country, etc.), and it’s often less expensive to take this route.
Option 2: Apply directly to a university in Paris. Your degree will be entirely from that university. You are very much surviving on your own when you choose this option, which can be daunting but also empowering. You’ll have to make sure that your French is good enough to survive university level classes, which may mean taking a language exam to certify your level. You’ll have to complete the application process on your own, and financial aid can be more difficult to get for international students, so you may have to get a loan.
Either option is possible, or both! (I did option 1 during my undergrad and option 2 for grad school.) The biggest consideration for most people is how much help you want with the process. Option 1 is shorter but easier for most students, and option 2 will require extra research and work on your part, but you will have truly lived in Paris on your own. It can help to research the schools you’re interested in (programs and admissions requirements), costs of living in the city (eg: are you going to pay the school for room and board, or get an apartment and cook for yourself?), and student visa information.
Good luck with your decision and your future degree!
Studying abroad is one of the best experiences you can set for yourself, in my opinion! When it comes to overseas study, you have two different paths you can take.
Option 1: Choose a college here in the US that has a study abroad program. Your degree will come from the American college, but you’ll transfer overseas for a semester or a year. While it is short term study abroad, you still get the experience of living abroad for a while, the universities are cooperating with each other so you’ll have more support (in getting accepted, in transferring credits, in finances, in adapting to a new country, etc.), and it’s often less expensive to take this route.
Option 2: Apply directly to a university in Paris. Your degree will be entirely from that university. You are very much surviving on your own when you choose this option, which can be daunting but also empowering. You’ll have to make sure that your French is good enough to survive university level classes, which may mean taking a language exam to certify your level. You’ll have to complete the application process on your own, and financial aid can be more difficult to get for international students, so you may have to get a loan.
Either option is possible, or both! (I did option 1 during my undergrad and option 2 for grad school.) The biggest consideration for most people is how much help you want with the process. Option 1 is shorter but easier for most students, and option 2 will require extra research and work on your part, but you will have truly lived in Paris on your own. It can help to research the schools you’re interested in (programs and admissions requirements), costs of living in the city (eg: are you going to pay the school for room and board, or get an apartment and cook for yourself?), and student visa information.
Good luck with your decision and your future degree!
Thank you so much! This was super helpful!
Dana N. Ronci
Head designer at Totally Tropical RI Swimwear and Apparel
4
Answers
Burrillville, Rhode Island
Updated
Dana N.’s Answer
Paris is always recommended when studying Fashion! you need to know what area of fashion you want to specifically work with so you can really get your feet wet in that area.
Do research on the schools you want to go to and what they offer
Do research on the schools you want to go to and what they offer
Once you select the area of design then select the school
Dana N. recommends the following next steps: