Paris
Paris, France

Fashion Design & French Culture

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,750

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,750

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Shape your creativity and imagination in the fashion capital of the world.

Sashay into the unique fashion classroom of Paris. Through expert-led classes, experience the design process from conception to production. Work with patterns, sketches, and prototypes. Assemble your own creations using hand sewing, clips, staples, and glue. The program culminates in a Global Navigator fashion show—showcase your vision, designs, and creativity!

Go beyond the glamour and assess the day-to-day workings of the industry, including market research and merchandising. Watch fashion come to life and consider the cultural context of new collections. Grab a front row seat at a runway show in the Galeries Lafayette, the biggest department store chain in Europe.

The French capital is a fashion lover's dream. Look for inspiration in Parisian street style. Stroll past original fashion houses on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and do some window shopping. More into vintage pieces? Fall in love with the old-world charm of the Marais and its second-hand shops. Get fashion tips from local teens and indulge in Paris’ iconic cityscape, too, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre to a cruise along the Seine.

The Take-Aways

Real-World Experience

Experience the fashion design process from sketches on paper to fittings to samples in hand. See merchandising in action. Come home with the skills to create and present your own fashion designs.

Credentials for Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a Portfolio of work to showcase your fashion design concepts.

Life Skills and New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

45

Hours of Expert Instruction

3

Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-Changing Experience

The Destination
  • Two outfits on mannequins in Paris museum
  • Student walking down elegant street in Paris
  • Coffee shop in Paris

The Destination

Welcome to Paris, the first city to make an industry out of fashion.  

Paris has always been at the forefront of style—from the Baroque extravagance of Louis XIV to the haute couture (“high sewing” or “high fashion”) of Rose Bertin, fashion designer to Marie Antoinette. Dozens of top world fashion houses were founded in Paris (Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior just to name a few), and Paris Fashion Week is one of the world’s most important fashion events happening twice a year.  

In “the cultural heart of Europe,” you breathe in diversity, ingenuity, and beauty. Paris has around 130 museums and art galleries—two excursions on your trip are visits to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent and the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris. Café culture, dating back to the 17th century, is deep in the soul of Paris, and it’s where you can settle in on the terrace with a café au lait and find locals discussing new ideas. Mixing the past and present, the romantic and revolutionary, the city is an incredible playground, especially for young creators and artists like you.

Cultural Awareness

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Paris. 

Daily Life

Daily Life

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at the dorms 
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors, fashion designers, and industry professionals  
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators 
  • Out and about for a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner at the dorms or in the community

Weekend

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites 
  • Quality time with your program friends  

Housing

Dorms in Paris, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Au Revoir, Paris!

By Perry Kanov at CIEE

We have officially reached the last week of program. Last weekend, students enjoyed a weekend trip to Lyon, the capital of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region of France! Upon arrival, students had... keep reading

From CIEE

Immersed in the World of Marc Chagall: A Visit to the Atelier Des Lumières

By Hayley Tornquist at CIEE

During their second week in Paris, Language and Culture Global Navigators visited the notorious Atelier Des Lumières. Housed in an old factory building, l’Atelier Des Lumières invites visitors to experience... keep reading

From CIEE

First Week In Paris!

By Madeleine Walwik at CIEE

This week, our students arrived on Sunday and were taken by bus to our Tolbiac Residence. On Monday, we rode the Paris metro to our beautiful campus at the Institut... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

hssa paris girls boat tour tower

Just Imagine All the Fun You’ll Have!

  • Tour the fabled fashion district of the Triangle d’Or, where the finest haute couture lives, venture out to the Marais to shop for vintage styles, and go behind the scenes at fashion agencies to look at trend books that forecast next year’s styles. 
  • Get all dressed up to cruise along the Seine and marvel at the city’s landmarks and their sparkling reflections on the water.  
  • Trace the steps of French fashion and design from the 18th century to the present day at the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
  • Discover Paris street art at the Bercy Skatepark and hear firsthand from street artists about their design process. Pick up a spray can and make some designs of your own!  
  • Take a day trip south of Paris and admire the Baroque gardens of Parc de Sceaux, designed by famous 17th century landscape designer André le Nôtre. 

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Eligibility

  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.  

Summer Olympics 2024  

Paris will host the Olympics from July 24 to August 11. CIEE Paris program dates are different from previous years and other summer programs to account for Olympics’ start time and ensure a better overall experience for participants. 

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2024 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,750
Program Summer Session II 2024 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,750

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

Our Staff

Berit Nelson

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Berit joined CIEE Paris in 2016 and is responsible for high school, GAP year and internship programs. She is an alumna of CIEE Rennes and received a Master's degree from...

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