Erasmus internship: Graphic arts

The Erasmus Graphic Arts internship offers a unique opportunity for design students to deepen their knowledge and broaden their professional horizons. This program allows for an international experience in the field of applied arts, exploring new approaches and artistic techniques.

Understanding the Erasmus Program

Launched in 1987, the Erasmus program (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) is a European initiative aimed at promoting the mobility of students and teachers between higher education institutions. Through this program, participants can study or intern abroad, benefiting from a scholarship and credit transfer. The Erasmus program is open to all fields of study, including graphic arts.

Advantages of an Erasmus internship in graphic arts

Participating in an Erasmus internship in the field of graphic arts offers several advantages:

• Building a professional network: Having a professional experience abroad allows for networking with industry professionals and engaging with students from around the world.
• Discovering new artistic techniques: It’s an opportunity to learn new working methods and become familiar with digital tools used in other countries.
• Improving language skills: Mastering one or more foreign languages is a considerable asset for graphic designers who work with international clients or collaborate with multicultural teams.
• Gaining valuable professional experience: An Erasmus internship is often seen as a mark of quality on a CV, demonstrating adaptability, autonomy, and open-mindedness.

Finding an Erasmus internship in graphic arts

To apply for an Erasmus Graphic Arts internship, certain steps should be followed:

1. Define your professional project: Before choosing an internship, it is essential to reflect on your professional goals and the skills you want to acquire. The duration of the internship typically ranges from 3 to 12 months.
2. Research host organizations: These can be companies, applied arts schools, creative studios, or cultural organizations. Learn about their areas of expertise, size, and location.
3. Prepare your application: You will need to provide a CV, a cover letter, and a portfolio showcasing your artistic work. Customize your application based on the needs and expectations of the host organization.
4. Obtain support from your home institution: To be eligible for the Erasmus program, it is essential to be enrolled in a participating higher education institution and to have validated academic credits.

Paris is globally recognized for its cultural and artistic dynamism. The French capital hosts several prestigious schools of applied arts and provides a wide range of hosting structures for foreign students wishing to undertake an Erasmus internship in graphic arts.

Some Parisian schools of applied arts include:

• The National School of Decorative Arts (ENSAD)
• The School of Visual Communication (ECV)
• The Higher Institute of Applied Arts (LISAA)
• Penninghen
• Gobelins, the School of Image

These schools offer programs in graphic arts, design, illustration, animation, and photography.

Immersing oneself in Parisian cultural life

Undertaking an Erasmus Graphic Arts internship in Paris also allows students to take advantage of the city’s exceptional cultural offerings. Students can visit numerous museums and art galleries, attend conferences, and participate in artistic events such as the Month of Photography, Paris Design Week, or Nuit Blanche.

Preparing for your Erasmus Graphic Arts internship

Once you’ve found your internship, it’s important to prepare thoroughly:

• Find accommodation: Reserve your accommodation in advance, favoring solutions suitable for students (university residences, shared housing, etc.).
• Budget planning: Establish a budget considering transportation, accommodation, food, insurance, and other expenses related to your stay.
• Obtain information on administrative procedures: Learn about the necessary documents to live and work in the country where you will do your internship (student card, visa, social security number, etc.).

In summary, an Erasmus Graphic Arts internship is an enriching experience that contributes to the professional and personal development of design students. It allows them to acquire artistic and linguistic skills, build professional contacts, and discover new cultures.