Paris
Paris, France

Fashion Design & French Culture

Summer '25 Applications Open

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Application Deadline

Request Information

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. The program culminates in our very own Global Navigator fashion show!

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 locals 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 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

3

Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-Changing Experience

Destination
  • scenic shot
  • 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 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

911wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local 911staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Paris. 

Itinerary

Daily Life

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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 hostel/hotel
  • 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 hostel/hotel or in the community

Weekend

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

Housing

Hostel/hotel, same residence as other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

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

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 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

Goodbye, Paris!

By Anna Jarnagin at CIEE

Wow! What an amazing final week the HSSA Fashion Design students had! We started the week with an awesome trip to Lyon, France, where we were able to immerse ourselves... keep reading

From CIEE

Excited for Week 2!

By Jodiann Tenney at CIEE

It's hard to believe we are already in week two of the Fashion Program. Time definitely flies when you are having fun. The week has been amazing. Students saw a... keep reading

From CIEE

Our Adventures Have Begun!

By Jodiann Tenney at CIEE

Week 1 of the Paris Fashion Program is off to a great start! Students are adjusting to the time change and already feel comfortable navigating the Metro to get around... 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.
  • 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

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.

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