Ruben Zamora-Vargas '18

Why did you decide to study at Parsons Paris?
My family is Cuban, but I was born in Belgium and later grew up in the States. I consider myself a citizen of the world, and I saw the opportunity of a lifetime when I was accepted to Parsons Paris. For someone studying fine arts and fashion design, what better place than Paris to draw inspiration from?

What was your first-year experience like?
My first-year experience was amazing. I’ve definitely grown as an artist and as an individual. Being in Paris, I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over Europe; I’ve met some incredible people, made new friends, helped backstage as well as attended shows during Paris Fashion Week, and I mounted my own exhibition! I feel very fortunate for this past year and am really grateful to my family, friends, professors, and of course Parsons Paris for all of the support.

What were your favorite classes?
Integrative Studio
Time
Fashion and Form

How does living in Paris affect your experience and your studies?
Living in Paris is like living in a postcard. As cheesy as it may sound, this city surrounds you in culture, history, and unparalleled beauty. As a student living in Paris, you get into practically every museum for a reduced price, and many times it’s free! As an artist, you are literally stepping into an art history textbook, with an unlimited supply of resources at your fingertips that help fuel your studies.
I also had many classes that took place in museums. Most people take art history in a classroom setting, with a textbook or the Internet as the source of reference, but in our Objects as History class, for example, we would go to the Louvre and give presentations or analyze works of art in front of the real thing. The Mona Lisa casually looking over your shoulder as you discuss the Renaissance!

What activities did you participate in at Parsons Paris?
Through the Office of Student Life, I had the chance to participate in all sorts of incredible trips and events. I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower (still feels like a dream), took a day trip to Roubaix(a quaint and beautiful textile city in the north of France) with a Fashion faculty member, saw “How to Become a Parisian in One Hour” (I recommend that everyone see this — guaranteed laughter), as well as participating in multiple food tastings (crepes, raclette, cheeses, etc.). 

How would you describe your experience at Parsons Paris?
Wow — where to begin? Find a thesaurus, go to the word amazing, and all those synonyms would describe my experience!