Summer Pre-College

All-Day Studio Course

SUMMER 2: July 2–24, 2021 (courses begin July 5 and end July 23)

3 U.S. credits recommended
Language of instruction: English

This course introduces students to drawing as both a fundamental part of the design process and an integral tool for media arts of all kinds. Students approach drawing as a way of thinking, a critical tool, and a means of observation, storytelling, and representation. Traditional and nontraditional methods, media, and theories of drawing are all explored.

All-Day Studio Course

SUMMER 2: July 2–24, 2021 (courses begin July 5 and end July 23)

3 U.S. credits recommended
Language of instruction: English

This course introduces students to painting as both a fundamental part of the design process and an integral tool for media arts of all kinds. Students learn basic concepts of painting, such as color theory and composition, and techniques for using water-based paints. Drawing is also taught as a means of observation and representation. Traditional and nontraditional methods, media, and theories of painting are all explored. Time will be set aside for students to develop a personal project.

All-Day Studio Course

SUMMER 2: July 2–24, 2021 (courses begin July 5 and end July 23)

3 U.S. credits recommended
Language of instruction: English

This course introduces students to various approaches and techniques involved in the design process for fashion products. Students are encouraged to experiment as they research and find inspiration for a fashion collection and devise innovative 2D and 3D production methods for their fashion pieces. Working on projects individually and in groups, students develop fashion concepts for which they draw on the unique resources of Paris and explore how fabrication methods and color affect collections. Students are also introduced to branding and merchandising skills used to identify and create styles for targeted markets and consumers.

All-Day Studio Course

SUMMER 2: July 2–24, 2021 (courses begin July 5 and end July 23)

3 U.S. credits recommended
Language of instruction: English

This course combines theoretical and practical approaches to guide students in acquiring basic knowledge of fashion images and how to create them.

Students learn how to analyze fashion photography using interdisciplinary tools, from history to sociology and semiotics. In parallel, students experiment with practical photography techniques at a professional level in order to produce a fashion shoot, from preliminary research to the final realization in collaboration with a model. Workshops, field trips, and exhibitions are also part of the course.

Students explore photographic methods that enable them to see and interpret style. Paris is the historic capital of haute couture and luxury fashion, but students also learn to appreciate it as a city of fashion subcultures, in which fashion can be used to express social and political claims.

All-Day Studio Course

SUMMER 2: July 2–24, 2021 (courses begin July 5 and end July 23)

3 U.S. credits recommended
Language of instruction: English

Students learn to approach management as a strategic process that combines design innovation and business knowledge. In collaborative projects, they develop problem-solving skills and familiarity with design strategies through the application of research methods, prototyping, and quantitative analysis. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of a European setting and perspective and the way entrepreneurs, business innovators, and designers operate at the intersection of design and management. Students engage in design thinking and business strategy exercises, applying these approaches in a broad range of enterprises and real-world business contexts.

All-Day Studio Course

SUMMER 2: July 2–24, 2021 (courses begin July 5 and end July 23)

3 U.S. credits recommended
Language of instruction: English

How do you tell a story through images or accompany a written text visually? This course explores many forms of visual storytelling using a mixed-media approach involving drawing, painting, collage, digital renderings and more. Paris serves as the backdrop for exploration of French artists, illustrators, and cartoonists through history. Field trips to various Parisian neighborhoods provide points of departure for individual exploration. Visits to exhibitions and museum collections cover different stylistic, conceptual, and material approaches.

This course is open to students at varying levels of experience and skills.

All-Day Studio Course

SUMMER 2: July 2–24, 2021 (courses begin July 5 and end July 23)

3 U.S. credits recommended
Language of instruction: English

In this course, students create a high-quality portfolio of work for higher-level education. Students develop the skills and understanding they need to produce high-standard artwork for a portfolio. They research, construct, and refine work with a range of digital tools and design a consistent portfolio. They develop the editing and typographic skills they need to frame and present artwork in a clear and articulate manner, in both online and PDF formats and with a range of digital tools and platforms, in preparation for applying to higher-level programs. Students also familiarize themselves with life in Paris by participating in studio workshops and research trips to museums and galleries.

Classes will be held at Parsons Paris, located at 45 rue Saint-Roch in the first arrondissement, which is a short walk from the Louvre and Opéra Garnier. Many classes will also meet in locations throughout the city, ranging from art and design exhibition settings to architectural landmarks and parks, with coursework complemented by excursions and day trips.

Tuition, housing, meals, and excursions: $7,990

Parsons Paris partners with Academic Programs International (API), an established study abroad program provider, to enroll you and provide on-site support services.

Visit API’s Pre-College page to learn about the programs. There, you can apply by clicking the yellow "Apply Now" button in the top right-hand corner to create an online account and gather necessary materials and complete the application. Required materials include the following:

• Grade report 
• Letter of recommendation
• Course registration form

Within two to three business days of receipt of your application, an API program manager will review your application and then email you to inform you if you’ve been accepted and provide next steps.

Students confirm their participation by submitting a $400 deposit and an Intent-to-Enroll form (ITE). You can register for courses only after your deposit and ITE items have been received.

You have until the final payment deadline to complete your remaining post-acceptance forms and make payments.

Students receive detailed travel instructions upon their acceptance into the program and then purchase their own tickets. Pre-college students arriving by air are met at the airport by on-site staff on the program start date. On the last day of the program, students are returned as a group to Charles de Gaulle airport. (The cost of travel to and from Charles de Gaulle is included in the program fees.)

Hotel housing is available for students registered for classes during both summer sessions. Meals are not included, but accommodations include a daily continental breakfast. Upon arrival, students will be provided with information about affordable local dining options near the Parsons Paris building and their hotel.

Transcripts for Parsons students are issued by the Registrar's Office and carry the signature and seal of The New School. A transcript is confirmation of a student's permanent record at the university. Students who complete Summer Intensive Studies in Paris may request that their transcript(s) be mailed to other colleges and institutions by submitting an official request to the Registrar's Office.

Students provide their own materials and supplies. Instructors will email a list of supplies to students, who must bring materials to the first day of class. Due to the intensive nature of the classes, students should expect daily homework. Many classes are project based.

Please contact Julia Nelson, API Paris Program Manager for Summer Pre-College and College/Adult Programs, with further questions.