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Paris, France

Fashion Design (en Français)

Summer '25 New Program!

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Experience the design process in the fashion capital of the world... en français !

Discover how fashion pieces go from ideas to production in the unique fashion classroom of Paris.

If you have completed Level 3 or higher of high school French or are a heritage French speaker, this is the perfect opportunity for you. During this program, you will:

  • Learn about the fashion industry from local experts, in French, expanding your vocabulary.
  • Soak up the local culture through an immersive stay with a host family. Live and breathe in French 24/7!
  • Explore the French capital and engage with other motivated students looking to advance their French skills.

Now, let’s get real and switch to French!

Développe ta technique et ton talent pour la mode dans la ville lumière, à travers le dessin et la fabrication de prototypes. Rencontre des professionnels, explore les tendances actuelles, et met en scène tes propres créations lors d’un défilé de mode « Global Navigator ». Laisse les rues de Paris t’inspirer, échange avec les locaux sur la mode, visite les boutiques des plus grands couturiers. Ne rate aucune des attractions principales de Paris non plus! Pendant ton séjour, tu visiteras la tour Eiffel et le Louvre bien sûr, mais tu partiras aussi en excursion à Lyon, un grand centre de la production de la soie et du tissage en France. Reviens la tête pleine de souvenirs et avec de nouvelles amitiés pour inspirer ton style et peut-être même ta future carrière !

If you can’t read the above without a translation tool, consider joining the English-taught version of the Fashion Design & French Culture program. 

The Take-Aways

Real-world Experience

Experience the fashion design process from sketches on paper to fittings to a show. 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

12

3 WEEKS PURSING YOUR PASSION

1

Life-changing Experience

Destination
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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 that are dedicated to a variety of artistic disciplines, including fashion. 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 trends. 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. 

Itinerary

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 homestay 
  • 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 homestay 

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites 
  • Quality time with friends and everyone at your homestay 

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program. 

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

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

Activities

Sample Activities

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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 meet local creators who strive to keep their collections sustainable. 
  • 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 Musée des Arts Décoratifs. 
  • Discover and practice Parisian street art and hear firsthand from a street artist about their design process. Pick up a spray can and make some designs of your own! 
  • Travel by high-speed train to the vibrant metropolis of Lyon, renowned for its silk production and weaving. 

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. 

Testimonials
From CIEE

Classroom Experience: A Springboard to Proficiency Growth with CIEE

By Elizabeth Mbunya at CIEE

The Language and Culture Program with CIEE kicked off its second session on July 30, 2024. The overall goal of the program is for students to develop proficiency in the... keep reading

From CIEE

À Sarcelles with Olympic stars of our own !

By Lindsay Krulock at CIEE

Last week, our students hopped on the RER D train to venture out to Sarcelles, a small town in the northern suburbs of Paris. Our group entered a brightly-lit domed... keep reading

From CIEE

Playing Detective : Escape game in the Marais !

By Lindsay Krulock at CIEE

This past Thursday, our students took it to the bustling streets of the Marais to participate in an interactive escape game, called ClueZ. The Marais, or the “Marsh”, is a... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
  • Since program is taught in French, participants must:
    • Place at the Intermediate-Mid Level on the STAMP 4S language proficiency test. (Enrolled participants must take this test during one of the first two available test dates in the spring before the program starts. Those who do not place at the Intermediate-Mid Level may be moved to the English version of this program.)
    • Have completed high school French Level 3 or higher by the start of the program AND/OR be able to fully participate in an oral interview in French with Intermediate-Mid proficiency or higher.

For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.

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

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

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.   

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 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Program Balance = $6,950

Total Fees = $6,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Program Balance = $6,950

Total Fees = $6,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Ready to change your life?

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 WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Delphine Mauny

Center Director

A born-and-bred Parisian, Delphine has extensive experience in international education, having worked with American high school students, college students, and adults traveling to France.

Request Info