Years 4 and 5
the Project phase

In the first semester of Year 4 (semester 7), students have the possibility either of spending a semester in a partner institution abroad on a student mobility programme or going on a placement in a professional environment, in France or abroad.

Students are strongly encouraged to spend some time on a course in a partner institution abroad. Aware that a European and an international dimension are an essential requirement for an art school, since 1990 the ESADSE has been developing a strategy of international cooperation through a number of different actions: exchanges of exhibitions, artists, lecturers and students. Students can spend a study period in one of the ESADSE's partner schools or universities. To encourage international mobility, a network of 61 partner schools has been built up around the world (35 in Europe and 26 outside Europe). Three types of grants are available to students in certain conditions, and they may be awarded more than one of them: Erasmus+, Région Rhône-Alpes (Explo'Ra Sup), and OFAJ (for trips to Germany).

Professional placements are intended to enable students to confront their research and personal experience with different sectors of professional activity in order to facilitate their entry into the world of work later. Placements are thus a part of the School's strategy for ensuring its students are employable after their studies. These placements may be with institutions (museum, art centres, companies, ...) or they may be more specific (artists, designers, authors,...). Placements are subject to a written contract with the host organisation and students will produce a report to earn credits. The placement in the project phase (year 4) takes place in the 1st semester (semester 7). It can be in France or abroad. Such placements are intended to give students genuine professional experience.