Course Information
Traveling To and In Paris
Housing
Where are classes held?
Studio courses are held at ESRA (École Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle), located in the 15th arrondissement at 135 Avenue Félix Faure, 75015.
Are classes taught in French?
No, classes are taught in English by the same faculty members who teach in the undergraduate and graduate programs at Parsons in New York.
When are classes scheduled?
Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break.
Will I have homework?
This is a rigorous academic program. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Homework must be done at ESRA as there are no studio spaces or classrooms at the hotel.
What supplies will I need?
The faculty will email supply lists two to three weeks before classes begin. Students may bring materials or buy supplies in Paris at a local art supply store. Please be mindful of airline luggage restrictions.
Do I need to apply for a student visa?
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens visiting France for fewer than three months. Citizens of countries other than the U.S. and the member states of the European Union are responsible for obtaining appropriate visas.
How do I book a ticket on the group flight?
For more information about the Parsons group flight, contact the summer program office at 212.229.8933.
Will a Parsons staff member be on the group flight?
No. Parsons staff will meet the student group departing from New York City at JFK airport. Because staff members are not traveling on the group flight, they will only greet students at the gate prior to check-in. If you are connecting to the group flight from another flight, you probably will not see the Parsons staff.
In Paris, a Parsons staff member will meet the group arriving from New York City at the airport and escort students to the hotel.
When I arrive in Paris, how do I get from the airport to the hotel?
Students on the group flight will be picked up by a private shuttle bus and brought to the hotel. This service is provided only to students who have purchased a ticket on the group flight.
If I do not purchase a ticket on the group flight, may I still get on the bus to the hotel?
Students may meet the group arriving from New York City at the airport in Paris. If seats on the shuttle bus are available, they can travel with the other students to the hotel.
What is the average cost of a taxi from the airport to downtown Paris?
A taxi from the airport can be expected to cost 60 to 75 euros.
How far is the hotel from the school where classes are held?
The school is a 5- to 10-minute walk from the hotel. However, some courses meet off-site at other locations in Paris. Commuting time between the hotel and other locations may vary from 20 to 45 minutes.
Is housing available in Paris?
Parsons has reserved rooms for students enrolled in Summer Intensive Studies at the three-star Hotel Median Paris Porte de Versailles in Paris' Rive Gauche area.
How do I reserve a room with the hotel?
Submit the housing form as soon as possible after your register. Available rooms are limited and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much will housing cost?
Please see Summer housing rates.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes, all rooms are double occupancy.
What amenities does the hotel provide? Are towels and sheets provided?
All rooms have air-conditioning units and private bathrooms. Towels and bed linens are provided and changed every 4 to 5 days. Laundry service is available for a fee. The hotel also provides telephones and Internet connection at an additional cost.
Is there a meal plan?
The program does not include a meal plan, but the hotel offers a complementary daily buffet breakfast to students staying there, and room service is available. There are many restaurants and markets near the hotel. A café is located on the school's campus.
Is it possible to receive packages at the hotel?
Yes. Small packages can be mailed to the hotel and should be timed to arrive after July 1 and not before. Packages can be addressed to—
[Student's Name]
c/o Hotel Median Paris Porte de Versailles
1, boulevard Victor
75015 Paris, France
Will program and hotel staff be readily available to assist and supervise students?
The program will have a housing staff of six adults staying at the hotel to supervise students and provide support. This staff will also oversee student evening and weekend activities. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk concierge.
Will I have a curfew?
Pre-college students are subject to a midnight curfew.
Are there other rules or restrictions for students saying in the hotel?
Hotel rules restrict overnight guests, late-night noise, and phone calls after 10:00 p.m.
Am I required to stay at the hotel if I have somewhere else to live?
No, students who have other accommodations in Paris may live elsewhere.
