Exchange With Strate School of Design
Paris, France • FALL Or SPRING
Spring 2027 Application Cycle is Now Open
What is an ArtCenter Exchange Program?
Spend a term at one of ArtCenter’s partner institutions around the world! Earn up to 15 transfer credits. You will pay ArtCenter tuition for the term and maintain your financial aid package as eligible. Housing and other expenses are additional.
Apply by:
March 1 — Fall term abroad
September 1 — Spring term abroad
How To Apply
Step 1 — Apply through Global Programs — no fee to apply
Submit your application through the Global Programs Application Portal.
Step 2 — Department Nomination & Partner University Application
If nominated by your department, you will then submit a second application directly to Strate University.
Academics
Majors: Interaction Design • Product Design • Spatial Experience Design • Transportation Design
Credit
Transfer up to 15 credits to ArtCenter.
Schedule
Fall term: early September – early February*
*The Fall term dates overlap with the spring term at ArtCenter. Students are not allowed to depart early from the Strate exchange program and and must take a leave of absence for the spring term.
Spring term: early February – end of June*
*The Spring term dates overlap with the summer term at ArtCenter. Students are not allowed to depart early from the Strate exchange program and must take a leave of absence for the summer term.
Eligibility
• Have completed at least four undergraduate terms
• Have at least one term remaining at ArtCenter after returning
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Not be on academic or disciplinary probation at the time of application
If you are not sure if you meet all the minimum eligibility requirements, you are still welcome to apply.
Cost
Administrative fee
After you are nominated by your department and accepted by the exchange university, you will pay a $250 fee to ArtCenter’s Global Program office to confirm your participation.
ArtCenter Tuition
Tuition for this exchange program is the same as full-time ArtCenter tuition for the term, including financial aid as eligible.
Additional estimated expenses to consider
• Housing (varies by location)
• Round-trip international airfare: up to $1,500
• Passport: $135
• Visa (if required) and student residence permit (if required)
• Supplemental health insurance policy (if required by the location)
• School project supplies (as needed)
• Daily living expenses (meals, transportation, etc.): $500–$600 per month, varies by location and personal budget
Financial aid and scholarships are not available from the exchange institution.
Additional scholarships may be available from outside sources: artcenterstudyaway.com/pay-for-study-away
HOUSING
Students are responsible for arranging their own housing.
Housing options are available near the Strate campus in Meudon or Sèvres, or within Paris for students who prefer to commute. Strate provides recommended housing resources and accommodation guidance through its website.
Check out housing Resources.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Strate School of Design is recognized for its industry-connected, project-based approach to design education. The curriculum combines design theory, emerging technologies, and hands-on learning, allowing students to work on real-world challenges in collaboration with industry professionals.
Founded in 1993, Strate has built a strong international reputation, particularly in Transportation Design, while also offering opportunities in Product Design, Interaction Design, Sustainable Design, and Mobility and Future Transportation.
Students benefit from extensive workshop and prototyping facilities, including a FabLab, 3D printers, laser cutting equipment, and spaces for model-making and fabrication. Through collaborative projects and industry partnerships, students gain practical experience and professional connections throughout their studies.
Recommended For Students Interested In
Transportation Design
Product Design
Interaction Design
Sustainable Design
Learn More
Strate Website
School Video
Strate Exchange Presentation
Welcome Message from the Head of International Relations
Strate Brochure
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Paris is internationally recognized for its influence in art, fashion, architecture, and design. The city combines historic landmarks and museums with a strong contemporary creative scene, making it an important cultural center for artists and designers.
Students Enjoy
Historic architecture and cultural landmarks
Museums, galleries, and design institutions
Fashion, publishing, and creative industries
Diverse neighborhoods and café culture
Reliable public transportation
Nearby Highlights
Eiffel Tower
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Montmartre
Le Marais
Luxembourg Gardens
About Lyon, France
Lyon is known for its history, culture, and student life. A UNESCO World Heritage city, it combines historic architecture with a vibrant arts scene and a strong university community.
Students Enjoy
Student-friendly atmosphere
Arts, theatre, and cinema culture
Excellent public transportation
Parks, rivers, and outdoor spaces
Easy access to the Alps
Nearby Highlights
Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
Parc de la Tête d'Or
Rhône and Saône Rivers
Cultural festivals and museums
Still have questions?
Use our online calendar to schedule an appointment!
Previous Course Offerings
The following courses are examples of previous exchange offerings and may vary by term. Students should refer to the exchange university website for the most current course information and availability.
COURSES AT STRATE
Exchange students can choose from two programs in Engligh: Transportation Design or Transition Design, which focuses on sustainable design for the future. Curriculums are set for each term and include a series of modules for a total of 30 ECTS (15 credits). Each program also includes an opportunity for engagement with industry. Transportation Design students in spring term will automatically participate in a sponsored project.
For students with a background in French language, additional programs include Brand Design, Interaction UX Design, Product Design, and Spatial Design.
See more details below.
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Students enroll in third year classes and take a combination of H&S and studio modules for a total of 30 ECTS (15 credits):
Life Drawing
Creative Iteration
Alias
Marketing
French
Social and Human Sciences
Writing
Long Studio Project
Lancia Project -
Supervised by design professionals, 4th-year students are confronted with real problems, which they must resolve in multiple dimensions: conceptual, formal, social and technical. The year is built around industrial partnerships in direct relation with companies and their design, marketing or R&D departments. These companies offer students the opportunity to carry out complete prospective design studies (Sponsored Projects).
Spring term students take the following modules for a total of 30 ECTS (15 credits):
Decarbonized Mobility
Design Stories
UX
Blender
French
Partnership Project 1 (Sponsored Project)
Partnership Project 2 (Sponsored Project) -
Students in the fall Transition Design program will have the opportunity to enroll in a series of modules for a total of 30 ECTS (15 credits). These modules include a workshop in partnership with the Business School EM Lyon.
Introductive Conference
Workshop Future Scenarios
Learning Expedition
History of Design
Scientific Culture
Representation Skills
Service Design Project
Sustainable Futures Workshop (in partnership with the Business School EM Lyon)
Reflective Practice -
Students in the spring term Transition Design program will take a series of modules heavily focused on academics and theory for a total of 30 ECTS (15 credits).
History of Design
Scientific Culture
Technology and Society
Living Systems
Representation Skills
Controversies
Typology of Human Organizations
Theories of Learn and Change
Strategy and Transformation
Foresight
Design Fiction Project
Collective Intelligence
Reflective Practice