Strate School of Design | FA/SP Exchange
ARTCENTER NOMINATION DEADLINE: Saturday, March 1 (Week 6) at 1pm
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Strate’s curriculum blends design theory, cutting-edge technology, and hands-on projects, allowing students to engage in real-world challenges and collaborate with industry professionals. The school has strong ties with major companies and design studios, offering students valuable opportunities for internships, collaborations, and networking, which are crucial for launching successful careers in design. This program is a good fit for students interested in sustainable design, transportation design, interaction design or product design.
Created in 1993, Strate is today fully recognized as a major player and partner in French Design education. It’s ambitions are as large as they are simple: to train dedicated professionals, focused on the human dimension of their work, and on the needs and desires of their contemporaries. Ever since its foundation, Strate has been building a strong reputation as one of the best Transportation Design schools worldwide. Thanks to Strate’s hands-on approach to learning, students develop valuable skills by conducting projects.
Last year their students created over 1000 projects, often in collaboration with industrial partners. trate’s campus in Paris, France consists of a 200-person lecture hall, 17 large classrooms, 4 computer labs with Macs and PCs, and 5 different workshops. The state-of-the-art Machines workshop allows students to craft their models and prototypes and work with all types of materials. It has evolved into a “FabLab” thanks to its digital features, such as several 3D printers and a laser cutter/engraver. For more information about Strate, please visit their website or watch this video.
Check out the recording of the Strate Exchange Presentation created by the Office of International Relations at Strate. The Head of International Relations has a greeting for future exchange students.
More information on Strate can be found in their Brochure.
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
Note: Exchange Programs first require an application through the Study Away Application Portal by March 1 for fall and October 1 for spring. Once you are nominated by your department, a second application to the university must be submitted. It is an honor to be nominated, so if you move forward with your application to the university, please know you are committing to study away!
ABOUT PARIS
Life in Paris is a blend of rich history, cultural vibrancy, and cosmopolitan energy. As the capital of France, Paris is not just a city—it’s a global hub for art, fashion, food, and intellectual exchange. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame to its charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais, the city offers a mix of classic beauty and modern sophistication.
Living in Paris means being surrounded by world-class museums, theaters, and cafés, making it a city where culture is always within reach. Whether you’re wandering through art galleries, attending performances, or simply enjoying a coffee at a sidewalk café, there’s always something stimulating to experience. The lifestyle here can be fast-paced, but there’s a laid-back charm in places like the Luxembourg Gardens or along the banks of the Seine, where you can relax and people-watch.
With its excellent public transportation system, diverse neighborhoods, and endless opportunities for exploration, Paris offers a dynamic and exciting life for its residents.
ABOUT LYON
Lyon is located in southeastern France and boasts a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity. Known for its Renaissance architecture in the Old Town (Vieux Lyon), its vibrant silk industry heritage, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon offers a unique mix of traditional French charm and urban sophistication.
Lyon is a hub for arts and culture, with a thriving scene in opera, theatre, and cinema. It's home to the Lumière brothers, pioneers of early cinema.
Students enjoy a great mix of urban convenience and outdoor activities. The city enjoys a high quality of life, with excellent public transport, a lively cultural scene, and a mix of urban and natural landscapes, including the nearby Rhône and Saône rivers and parks like Parc de la Tête d'Or. Known for being a student city, Lyon boasts a number of universities and a youthful energy. Additionally, its proximity to the Alps makes it an ideal base for both city living and outdoor activities.
HOUSING
Students are responsible for finding their own housing. They can opt to find housing near the Strate campus in Meudon or Sèvres on the outskirts of the city near campus, or live in the city itself and commute to campus. Strate has several options they recommend for finding accommodation. More details can be found on their website.