How much does the workshop cost?
The month-long creative writing program costs $3,200 — a great value, given the unrivaled setting and quality of this intensive writing program.
Tuition for the four weeks includes all classes (4-5 days a week of instruction), formal orientation and introduction to Paris and the Latin Quarter, welcome and farewell banquets, and "survival" French language classes.
Students are welcome to find their own accommodation in Paris, but the school does offer several housing options, including a shared two-star hotel twin room, including daily buffet breakfast ($1250); shared accommodation in a private furnished apartment ($1300); and a two-star hotel single room ($2000). All accommodation options are close to the school in the Latin Quarter.
Those interested in immediately reserving a slot in the program must send in a $250 non-refundable deposit. You can pay by check, bank transfer, or credit card.
To start the application process, send an email to: info@pariswritingworkshop.com
What expenses aren't included with the tuition?
As detailed above, school-arranged housing is an optional expense. Insurance and airfare (usually $900-$1,500 from North America; much less from Europe) are not included. Nor are most food expenses, which should run about $20-$50 a day. Ground transportation (including airport shuttle) is not included -- but Paris is inexpensive and easy to navigate by foot, bus and subway. Tips on how to live cheaply in Paris are included with the course orientation.
Optional group activities for the month of July include evenings at the Opera for music or dance performances; a excursions to Versailles, Giverny and Chartres; scheduled museum visits with the art faculty; and a riverboat cruise to watch the Bastille Day fireworks. These group activities are modestly priced and highly recommended.
French fluency is not required, as all of the courses will be taught in English.
A "survival French" course is offered as part of the program, and it is specifically tailored to the person who wishes to know enough French to profit from a short stay in Paris. In multiple sessions we will talk about public transport, using the telephone, buying supplies, etc. as well as providing a supportive environment for conversation and pronunciation.
What kind of students typically take the program?
It's usually a mix of college students and young professionals. The program also attracts a number of retirees (often couples). Most students are Americans or Canadians, though Australians, Brits and various European students have taken the course as well. All nationalities are welcome, of course - though instruction will be in English only.
The Paris American Academy writing program is open to all qualifying adults. Applications from older teenagers (i.e. 18 and 19 year olds) will be considered if the potential student can establish that he or she has completed at least one semester of university, or has lived/traveled abroad for an extended period of time.
The international transfer of academic credits to your local university or college is possible because the Paris American Academy is registered by the Academie de Paris as a private institution of higher learning. If you're interested in receiving college credit, we will provide a letter to your dean, advisor, or registrar that can be used (along with your writing portfolio) to justify six semester hours of academic credit. In recent years, PAA credit transfers have been accepted by the likes of Columbia University, Bard College, Ohio State University, the University of Connecticut, and Wittenberg University.
For students seeking credit, there will be one grade based on a portfolio of work done at the Academy and turned in at the end of the month. Grades will be based in part on the portfolio as a whole, and in part on the student's participation in the classes and program.
Can I take all of the classes offered?
Absolutely. There will be ample time for students to participate in each class offered. In fact, all the writing classes dovetail with one another thematically, and we encourage students to participate in as many as possible.
What if I don't want to take all the classes?
That's fine.The coursework is flexible, and students can take as many or as few classes as they wish. Students seeking formal college credit, of course, will need to attend all the classes if they wish to receive full credit.