Your Most Common Questions Answered
1. What is included in the program fee?
The program fee covers tuition, including classes/workshops, speakers and field trips; a welcome kit; and any gifts or surprises you may receive. (If we said any more, it wouldn’t be a surprise!)
2. Do I need to be working in fashion to participate in LWE?
No. The course is open to anyone with a passion for fashion regardless of his or her background.
3. Is there a minimum or maximum age for participants?
The minimum age is 18. There is no maximum age. Be advised, however, that this is an intense program, so you’ll need stamina. Classes are held in the mornings and in the afternoons, and we walk around the city and sometimes sit outside to make the most of the fact that we are learning in Paris.
4. Are there any scholarships, or is there financial aid?
No. Scholarships and financial aid are not available.
5. How much English do I need to know?
You should be competent in spoken English. Speakers are aware that they are addressing people from all over the world and that for many of them English is a second language. Speakers and presenters will take this into account and speak at a moderate pace. For many of the speakers, English is a second language as well, so they are sensitive to the needs of participants. Finally, the emphasis in this program is on learning by exploring and experiencing, so you will be learning using all your senses.
6. When will I see the exact schedule of activities?
The schedule will be presented the first day of the program. The printed schedule will be part of your welcome kit. For an idea of the caliber and prestige of the brands and craftsmen who collaborate with us, please go to the Past Editions section and watch the videos. You can also get a better sense of the program by watching the other videos on our website. If you’d like to learn more, visit the Program Information section and look for the Program Details button.
7. I’ve never been to Paris—will I have time to explore the city?
We will be exploring the city as we go on field trips. However, we will not be seeing the city as tourists. Additionally, because the days are full, you won’t have the time to be a tourist. We recommend arriving a few days before the program’s start date to visit the tourist sights and spots you’d like to see.
8. I’ve been to Paris a million times. Should I take this course?
Absolutely! You will experience Paris in a way most people never do. Even if you live in Paris, you will have access to places you would not be able to visit on your own. You will be experiencing the fashion industry behind the scenes, so no doubt this experience will be a special one—even for you!
9. Will any speakers speak French?
No, all speakers will speak in English.
10. Is it a full-time program?
Currently, we are only offering a one-week course which is full-time. A typical day starts at around 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
11. Will I receive a certificate when I finish the program?
Yes. We are honored to collaborate with the french university IFA Paris. Thus, we will have a closing ceremony during which you will receive a certificate of completion of the course: a Learn While Exploring Paris Edition x IFA Paris diploma.
12. Is the course open to men and women?
Yes. Although past editions have included only women, the course is open to all, and we would love to see men participate and share their perspectives on fashion.
13. Are there payment options?
Yes, you can either pay in full or in installments.
14. What form of payment do you accept?
We accept payments with credit card and also via PayPal. If you don’t have a PayPal account, don’t worry, it’s easy and fast to set up. PayPal is a secure way to make payments. Once you’ve been accepted into the program, you will receive a notification with a link to make your payment.