“Kimono Study”, white chalk and charcoal on bleu-givré paper, 2008 | Timothy Stotz
| FAQS – Frequently Asked Questions about PARIS PROGRAMS |
This page answers frequently asked questions about Paris programs ONLY.
For answers to frequently asked questions about Intensive Courses and ALL programs in Argenton-Chateau, click HERE instead.
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Language — Course Schedule — Housing — Studio — Supplies — Museums — Neighborhood — Other Schools in Paris — etc.
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Q: Will instruction be in English?
A: Yes, all course lectures are delivered in English. Basic understanding of spoken English is required.
Some instructors also speak Spanish and French, for individual critique.
Speaking some French is very useful to function well on your own outside of class. Many Parisians will speak English to visitors, but the majority either prefer not to, or cannot.
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Q: What is the Paris course schedule?
A: Our Paris courses are scheduled between October and April only. We schedule three drawing programs in conjunction with the Musee du Louvre: Autumn at the Louvre (6-10 weeks), occasionally a December in Paris (3 weeks only), and Winter at the Louvre(8-10 weeks total).
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Q: Can I “drop-in” to the class for just one week, one month?
A: No. All Studio Escalier programs require advance application, run during announced dates only, and offer a structured curriculum for full-time enrollment only.
NOTE: We do NOT offer any un-instructed life drawing classes, and are not affiliated with any schools in Paris that do.
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Q: How will I find my accommodations in Paris?
A: Unlike the courses held at our campus in Argenton-Chateau, Studio Escalier does not own, administrate, lease or assign housing for students enrolled in Paris drawing programs.
Student housing costs are not included in Paris program tuition prices, and housing administration services are not offered for Paris programs.
Students must book their own Paris accommodations. Online search services are the place to start.
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and the internet now permits students to search for, evaluate, and rent virtually any living situation that one can imagine.
Renting for 1000 euros/ month is a typical rate, for a small furnished studio apartment — but less expensive quarters can be found. Monthly living costs are difficult to predict, since lifestyles vary widely. Some students live on as little as 80 euros/week. Public transport to and from the studio and the museum will cost 50 to 75 euros/month, depending on where you live.
We offer general housing advice and guidelines to applicants and to accepted students, including a few trusted local property management companies and individuals in Paris. Note: Do not pay for accommodations in Paris before your successful application and acceptance to the course!
Disclaimer: Studio Escalier cannot provide any guarantee concerning these recommendations, nor protection from loss associated with your choice.
Here are links to a few suggested services, agencies, and websites, to help you do your own research:
VROB – Vacation Rental by Owner
Write us at info@studioescalier.com with all questions, and for more information.
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Q: Should I reserve my housing now? Should I seek housing in Montmartre, or near the studio? Where is it?
A: You should definitely wait until you have applied and been accepted to the program before booking your accommodation.
Many students prefer to rent apartments closer to the Louvre, where they spend their afternoon as part of every course, rather than in Montmartre.
The nearest Metro stations to our Paris Program Studio in Montmartre:
Lamarck/Caulaincourt (M12), or Abbesses (M12) or Blanche (M2)
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Q: How much does housing cost in Paris?
A: Paris housing costs vary very widely. We do not offer, administrate or contract Paris housing, and only offer very broad suggestions. Housing advice and general guidelines are made available to prospective applicants upon request.
NOTE: Never send wire payments to any third party, and do not mail cash for any reason.
Also, Any accommodation that costs less than 15 euros per night cannot really be considered hygienic.
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Q: How much is the cost of living in Paris?
A: Experience shows that we cannot provide accurate estimates for living costs, since lifestyles vary so widely, and since costs also vary for similar apartments in different neighborhoods.
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Q: What is the location and address of the Paris studio?
A: The Paris Program studio is a private faculty residence in Montmartre, the 18th arrondissement of Paris (75018). The studio is not open to the general public, nor to visits by prospective students.
The nearest Metro stations to our Paris Program Studio in Montmartre:
Lamarck/Caulaincourt (M12), or Abbesses (M12) or Blanche (M2)
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Q: Do you offer scholarships for Paris drawing programs?
A: No. Studio Escalier scholarships are not available for any Paris drawing program.
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Q: Do I need a French student visa to spend 2 or 3 months at Studio Escalier?
A: No, most students do not need a visa. Any US, UK, European, Canadian or Australian citizen with a valid passport is granted an informal three-month tourist visa just by walking off the plane in Paris.
However, US resident aliens are advised to apply for travel permission at least six months before they wish to travel.
All others should contact the French consulate in their country of residence for visa requirements.
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Q: I am currently in school, does Studio Escalier offer transfer credit to my university?
A: Studio Escalier is an independent, private, studio art program. Our courses focus on keenness of vision, excellence of understanding, and finesse of performance.
We do NOT offer any college credit, certificates of completion, or diplomas. We are not NASAD affiliated, and will not be in future.
Therefore, your eventual attendance would most likely NOT be valid for any official accreditation or transfer credit to your current art college or university.
But, some universities DO offer credit for independent, self-directed or creative study. Ask that question of your university registrar.
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Q: Can I paint copies in oil at the Louvre?
A: Yes you can, but not as part of any current Studio Escalier program. Several alumni of our drawing programs have returned to Paris to pursue independent painting in the Copy Program at the Musee du Louvre, administered by the Louvre’s Education Office.
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Q: Do you give private art lessons in Paris? Can I pay just to sit-in and listen to lectures/ critiques/ etc?
A: Thanks for asking, but no. We only teach our admitted students, enrolled through our admission process.
We do not offer private lessons. We do not offer special teaching arrangements with anyone, not even our former students.
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Q: Can you suggest courses or teachers in Paris that are similar to you?
A: Thanks for asking, but no.
What we offer is unique in its quality, form, content, and approach. It is also unique in the terms of its availability, and the excellence of its facilities.
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Q: Is the school studio accessible to those with reduced mobility or other health issues?
A: Very infrequently, we are asked if we can provide programs or accessibility for students who are physically challenged (reduced mobility or muscular control; visual, neurological and other infirmities).
Our courses in Paris are currently unable to offer admission to physically infirm or handicapped students.
If any prospective student is concerned that an otherwise undisclosed physical or medical condition may affect their daily attendance, artistic performance, or personal independence (climb and descend 60 stairs; walk up to 1 mile (1.7 km) daily, in and around town), they are asked to make a full disclosure of their concerns, including any known medical conditions, at the time of their application.
As a matter of policy, no tuition refunds are available for failures of student health. Furthermore, as a matter of liability, Studio Escalier cannot be held financially, administratively or morally responsible at any time for the costs, concerns or care-taking of pre-existing psychological infirmities, medical conditions or physical illnesses.
In the interest of fair treatment and good faith between all parties, any confidential medical concerns (psychological, as well as physical) should be made known to the school at the time of application.
As a matter of policy, no tuition refunds are available for failures of student health. Furthermore, as a matter of liability, Studio Escalier cannot be held financially, administratively or morally responsible at any time for the costs, concerns or care-taking of pre-existing psychological infirmities, medical conditions or physical illnesses.
In the interest of fair treatment and good faith between all parties, any confidential medical concerns (psychological, as well as physical) should be made known to the school at the time of application.
