Spring Break in France: Sustainable Fashion

---

Program Overview

Embark on a transformative educational journey centered around sustainability in the fashion industry, set amidst the vibrant backdrop of a fashion capital. This immersive experience goes beyond the surface, delving into various aspects of sustainable fashion, including emerging business models, innovative materials, technological advancements, and the influence of global trends and cultural perspectives. Our aim is to foster change agents who can shape a more sustainable future for the industry while providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability's significance.

At the heart of this journey is an exploration of the current fashion landscape, where we acknowledge the profound shifts occurring—decreased consumption, the rapid rise of e-commerce, and the impact of new European regulations. Through firsthand experiences and insightful discussions with industry experts, participants will gain valuable insights into the driving forces behind sustainability in fashion.
 
Participants will have the unique opportunity to witness sustainability initiatives in action, engaging with renowned designers, thought leaders, and innovators at the forefront of the industry. By immersing themselves in this global fashion capital, participants will gain firsthand exposure to the latest sustainable practices and witness the integration of sustainability into high-profile fashion events.

The primary objective of this experience is to equip individuals with the necessary tools to embed a culture of sustainability within their workplaces. Recognizing that sustainability is a fundamental prerequisite for revitalizing the textile, fashion, and clothing industries in future markets, our aim is to empower participants with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the intricate realm of sustainability. They will emerge from this journey capable of proposing viable solutions and initiating vital transformations in their professional spheres.
 
Join us as we combine the transformative power of education with the immersive allure of Paris. Engage with industry leaders, experience the forefront of sustainable fashion, and become a catalyst for change in the industry. Together, let's shape a more sustainable future for fashion, all while being inspired by the electric atmosphere of Paris, a global fashion capital.

---

Academics

Credit/Registration
Students will be registered for DSMR T380: Sustainable Fashion in Paris for 3 credits as a part of their spring term course load. Students must leave space for these 3 credits in their credit load, or will otherwise be billed for exceeding the 20 credit term maximum.

Pre-requisite: None. Open to all majors, with priority given to D&M undergradutes, RMER graduates, and FASH undergraduates/graduates
 

Instructor
This program will be led by Chris Baeza (cdb93@drexel.edu), Design and Merchandising Program Director

---

Program Calendar

Pre-Travel: 3 in person classes. BBLearn readings and audio/visual materials, discussion board posts, and reflective writing assignment to prepare for experiential learning in Paris. 

Winter Sessions dates and times TBD
Week 6: Lecture and discussion
Week 8: Lecture and discussion
Week 10: Pre-departure orientation
Paris: in country programing

Post Travel: 2 in person sessions; final project

Arrival Date: March 21 (students should depart March 20 to arrive on March 21)
Departure Date: March 28 
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates.
 

Tentative Itinerary Overview (subject to change)

Day 1	Welcome to Paris Arrival in Paris and check-in at the designated accommodation. Welcome breakfast and orientation session to meet fellow participants and program leaders. Guided walking tour of Paris, Angelinas, exploration of  the 1st, Pictures in Tuileries Visit to a sustainable fashion boutique for a firsthand look at eco-friendly clothing. Dinner and boat ride along the Siene
Day 2	Sustainable Fashion Fundamentals Breakfast and an overview of the day's agenda. Workshop on the basics of sustainable fashion, including materials, ethical production, and consumer impact. Afternoon Guest speaker session with a sustainable fashion expert. Business visit +Musee L’Orangerie
Day 3	Innovations in Sustainable Materials Breakfast and overview of the day's schedule. Parisian Sustainable Designer Atelier Experience Afternoon Exploration of sustainable materials used in high fashion. Evening Free time to explore Paris independently.
Day 4	Technology and Sustainable Fashion Breakfast and preparation for the day. Business Visit Workshop on how technology is revolutionizing sustainable fashion. Afternoon Discussion with tech experts in the fashion industry. Evening Dinner and a discussion on the potential of technology in sustainability.
Day 5	Global Trends and Cultural Perspectives Breakfast and introduction to the day's theme. Guest lecture on the global impact of sustainable fashion. Group activity exploring different cultural perspectives on sustainability. Afternoon Visit to a museum or gallery featuring sustainable fashion and cultural influences. Group discussion on the intersection of fashion, culture, and sustainability. Evening Free time to experience Parisian nightlife or cultural activities.
Day 6	Emerging Business Models Breakfast and program review. Visit to a sustainable fashion startup incubator. Workshop on innovative business models in sustainable fashion. Afternoon Panel discussion with successful sustainable fashion entrepreneurs. Group project: Develop a sustainable fashion business concept. Evening Group presentations of business concepts and feedback.
Day 7	Becoming a Change Agent Breakfast and final reflections on the program. Action planning session: How to implement sustainable practices in your own life and career.   Afternoon Free time for personal exploration or shopping at sustainable fashion stores. Farewell dinner
Day 8	Travel home

---

Program Fee - $ 2,385

Due 11/15/2023 - $500
Due 1/15/2023 - $1885
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.

Included in Program Fee:

• Accomodation in Paris
• Entrance fees/tours
• Consultancy Project
• ​​2 group meals
• Local transit
• Parisian Sustainable Designer Atelier Experience
• On Call Insurance

Not Included in Program Fee:

• Round trip airfare
• ​Airport transit
• Airport transfer 
• Most meals
• Passport
   

ICA Financial Aid: Students may request an Adjusted Cost of Attendance by submitting the ICA program fee and estimated out of pocket expenses listed above to Drexel Central (via askdrexel). Doing so could make students’ eligible for additional financial aid.  Students may also be eligible to apply for Drexel's ICA Scholarships.

---

More Information

• Visa: US citizens do not need a visa to participate in this program, but students of other nationalities should confirm entry requirements.
• A recommended flight itinerary will be provided. Students are responsible for booking their own airfare.

Grading scale:
97-100 = A+ Superior – Rare grade given for work of highest achievement
94-96 = A
90-93 = A-
87-89 = B+   Above Average – Mastery of subject matter considerably above the acceptable standard
84-86 = B                
80-83 = B-
77-79 = C+   Average – Standard performance of good college students
74-76 = C
70-73 = C-
67-69 = D+   Below Average - Passing, but inferior work
64-66 = D
Anything below a 64 will result in a failing grade.