

The Paris College of Art (PCA) is located in Paris, France, and was founded in 1981. It is an international college of art and design that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and has US degree-granting authority. The campus is perfectly located in the 10th arrondissement and includes an amphitheatre, a gallery space, student and faculty social spaces as well as several art-related studios and labs. The school offers programmes in art and design, taught within an American pedagogical paradigm but still being influenced by its French and European environment. PCA offers Bachelor degrees in Communication Design; Fashion Design; Fine Arts; Illustration and many more, as well as Master degrees and certificate programmes (a non-degree option for mature students). Because of its international focus, PCA welcomes foreign students who want to experience what it is like to study in France’s capitol.
PCA also works closely together with cultural institutions in Paris and abroad which offers the students the opportunity to access prestigious research facilities and guides them in the artistic, entrepreneurial, design and cultural sector. The school aims to provide the highest international standard of art and design education, preparing students for a successful global career.
Paris College of Art is an English Speaking undergraduate and graduate US accredited school in Paris, France. I received my Masters in the Image Making and Photography program.
Highlights of the school:
– I met so many incredible people at this school from all walks of life. The student body is deeply international, and are deeply passionate about the work they are making. I also was able to meet a lot of professionals working in the industry through seminars and events that the school provided.
Cons:
– Lack of resources for students such as supplies, equipment and individual space for graduate students to work on projects.
– Although there are some incredible professors some there are some unstructured professors who don’t really seem to follow course syllabus. It’s a mix you will either get the best teachers or kind of the worst.
– Expensive in comparison to similar schools or programs, for the lack of institutional support I received I felt that the price was not justified.
My experience at Paris College of Art while pursuing my MA in Design for Social Impact was transformative. The program offered a unique blend of creative freedom and practical application, allowing me to explore how design can address real-world challenges. The faculty were highly supportive, offering personalized guidance and fostering a collaborative environment. The diverse student body and international setting provided a rich learning experience, encouraging cross-cultural exchange and innovation. The campus life was vibrant, with opportunities to engage in various events, exhibitions, and discussions, making it a truly enriching experience. However, the workload could sometimes be overwhelming, requiring significant time management skills. Despite this, the program empowered me to think critically about how design can contribute to social change, equipping me with both the skills and mindset to make a meaningful impact in the field.
View moreThe university is distinguished by its committed and expert faculty, who cultivate a vibrant academic setting. The campus, featuring cutting-edge facilities and lush green spaces, offers a holistic learning experience. Furthermore, the institution’s dedication to providing a secure environment ensures the welfare of students, creating a supportive and protective ambiance conducive to academic success and personal development.
View moreDO NOT GO HERE
It will be futile, a waste of your money, your energy. Your career that you’ve built in your home country (or whereever you are) will shortly be in the toilet.
I can’t be bothered to go into detail here but I have countless personal anecdotes as well as other ex-student anecdotes on my belt to advise with.
I also have images. Those will be key in your decision making if you’re thinking about throwing your life away to move to Paris right now.
Please believe me, it will save you so much grief.
I spent a year with PCA, and I am happy to be done with them.
To highlight good things first, there are a handful of individuals at the school who really truly care about the students. The school also does a miraculous job of bringing together talented students from all over the globe. The students alone made the degree worth finishing.
Other than that, I can’t say much else that is good about PCA. The facilities are not good enough. As you’ve read already: no heat in the winter, ceiling panels that break and fall during class because of leaks in the ceilings, faulty printers, cramped studio spaces…
I was part of the Interior Design Masters Program, and it felt like year one or two of an undergraduate degree. I did not feel challenged (besides my patience), and much of the work that I did for PCA was hijacked by professors with too-strong viewpoints. There is no accountability in regards to grading practices, so students are often graded by the personal preferences of the professor, rather than by the quality of work. For an art school, where creativity is King, this grading procedure is dangerous and counterintuitive.
The school makes tons of promises to incoming students but fails every time to make these promises a reality. There is little to no help with finding a job or an internship after school. And CAP students, or students employed by the school, are overworked, underpaid, and disrespected. CAP employment is mandatory for undergrads and optional for grad students. CAP is recommended to students to help offset living costs in an expensive city like Paris, but the school holds 70% or more of your earned money until after you’ve graduated. Regarding VISA help, the school makes big promises about offering appointments and consultations for all your VISA questions but has a lot of trouble following up. My VISA appointment was cancelled 4 times in a row when my VISA deadline was just 3 weeks away.
To prospective undergraduate students, PCA is not where you want to place your effort and love for your work. You will not receive the same treatment in return.
To graduate students… pick anywhere else, unless you want to be treated like a child rather than the accomplished and talented professional you are.
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