Category Archives: Graduate Profile

Student Profile: Valentin, MA in History and Philosophy of Art

What attracted you most about studying at the Paris School of Arts and Culture?

Thinking back to well over a year ago when I was sifting through master’s degrees online, my criteria were so specific that I had little hopes of fulfilling all of them…What I think settled it for me was the location; since taking the opportunity to visit Reid Hall last summer, I never looked back. Rarely had I looked forward to commuting to school/uni/work before, but knowing that classes are held in a picturesque old porcelain factory around the corner from the Jardin du Luxembourg definitely gets me excited enough to catch my metro in time (almost) every morning.

What is the relation (if any) between your undergraduate studies and your current MA programme?

Before coming to Paris, I got a BA in Philosophy & Economics. That might not necessarily be the most closely related field, but I always managed to incorporate my art-related interests into my research – so although I do not possess the broad art-historic knowledge of many of my classmates (yet), I get along just fine considering some subjects from a media-economic or epistemological perspective. My experience here has been that as long as you are passionate about a topic, you will be able to thoroughly explore it regardless of your prior education; beyond open discussions in seminars, the professors and Parisian institutions provide practically unlimited resources. I would say that interdisciplinarity is something that was especially enabled by both my under- and postgraduate studies: if philosophy and economics can be fruitfully related, the same goes for any two themes in this MA program (in my case, art history and film history).

What was your favourite module?

Now this is a tough choice. Both in Modern Art in Paris and Film and Modernity, we got treated to quite a few inspiring excursions (such as exhibitions at the Centre Pompidou, Musée d’Orsay, Petit Palais, Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé, Musée Albert Kahn), were assigned interesting readings and supported in our own research. For me personally, the film class takes the cake. Our professor happened to be on the jury of a Paris-based festival and invited us to come along, connecting us with filmmakers and curators, some of whom we even ended up collaborating with for a screening we organized as part of the annual Paris Postgraduate Festival! Not to forget, an honorable mention for the most entertaining class certainly goes to the weekly French lesson with Dr Carine Fréville.

At PSAC, we like to say that Paris is your campus. How genuine do you think this is?

In addition to the numerous excursion destinations mentioned above, there is a rich buffet of research institutions all over town. From the cozy living room atmosphere of the American Library in Paris, to the breathtaking eclecticism of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France at Richelieu, to the dystopian depths of its François Mitterrand site (no doubt the best place to get a grip and focus when deadlines are approaching), PSAC hands out library memberships like candy – and I was there for it. Also, fortunately for me, sitting in a booth in front of a boxy monitor from the 1990s to watch obscure films from the 1930s matches my idea of a fun morning, and so I have become a regular visitor at the Cinémathèque française. And finally, there is nothing wrong with snuggling up at Reid Hall or strolling over to the lavish nearby park to do a week’s worth of mandatory reading on a single sunny afternoon.

You started your studies in January. Do you feel it was easy enough to meet other students and form bonds?

Concerts, screenings and magazine launches are just some of many opportunities to connect with peers on and off campus throughout the year, yet I felt and still feel no pressure to socialize; as with most things, the key is to not overthink anything, be open to new experiences and let it all happen naturally.

What has been your most memorable Paris moment?

A few come to mind, but here’s one that is perhaps most representative of how I hope to remember this chapter in my life (as much as it is a total cliché): Sitting down on a picnic blanket in Buttes-Chaumont after having played Boules for two hours straight, surrounded by most of my friends, cheese, pastry, wine, grapes, and watching the sun set over the city.

You’re from Germany. What as the transition from Germany to Paris like?

Having already lived in France for a few months after high school, and being from a neighboring EU country, I had the privilege of neither having to deal with a lot of paperwork beforehand nor being surprised by cultural differences. That’s right, you’re supposed to remain quiet during a movie! Unless it’s a silent film of course, in which case one is legally obliged to whistle along to the music. (Bad) Jokes aside, I had the rare foresight to look for – and the good fortune to find – accommodation a few months in advance; now that I’ve properly settled in, Paris feels like a home that I can always come back to. Disclaimer for fellow (former) medium-sized-town dwellers: It did take me a while to make peace with the fact that I will necessarily miss out on most of the exciting cultural happenings on account of their sheer ubiquity.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

To follow up my previous statement: Relax and discover everything at your own pace. At the same time, embrace that this is a great time to meet people and explore whatever interests you – or, if you’re unsure, to find out what that really is. Be willing to learn some French! You can get the basics down with any school book or online tutorial, aided by the weekly free lesson on campus. Then gather all your courage and start getting through your everyday life – and ideally, beyond – in the local language as best as you can, even when you’re being replied to in English (which happens a lot in the beginning). Eat and drink well, go for walks and hop on a rental bike from time to time to get a feeling for the city outside of your commuting routine. Lastly, there is not much left to say concerning the course apart from the obvious (choose modules that you’re curious about, not just by subject but content!). One bit of practical advice I think, speaking from personal experience, would be to use some extra time to do research throughout the term, so as not to be in a rush once the essay deadlines are around the corner. Time flies in Paris!

Valentin in the courtyard garden at Reid Hall, University of Kent Paris School.

Graduate Profile: Journalist Sinéad McCausland

In the latest edition of our Graduate Profile series, we are pleased to introduce an alumna who remained in Paris after her studies. Since graduating from the University of Kent’s MA in Film Studies, Sinéad McCausland works as a journalist for France’s newspaper of record, Le Monde, in addition to producing written and video work for various media platforms.

Where are you from and what originally brought you to Paris?

I was born and brought up in South Wales. A draw to cities is what originally brought me to Paris. Having spent my childhood in rural towns, cities became hubs of art, culture, connection, opportunity, change – everything I wanted to be a part of. Truthfully, I could’ve ended up in any city, but, fully immersed in my French New Wave obsession when I made the decision to leave, I think it was only natural that Paris was the place I ended up.

What attracted you most about studying with Kent in Paris?

The fact the courses offered were in English was number one. Moving to a new country is tough, and not speaking the language is even tougher, so this was my primary concern. I remember being drawn to the Film modules Kent in Paris offered thanks to the scope of what was taught, from the beginnings of cinema in France through to the New Wave, and Kent in Paris’ interdisciplinary approach to learning. Being given the opportunity to study and sit in on art history and creative writing classes was a big plus.

What were some of the highlights from the course?

Being given introductory tours to the Cinémathèque Française and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France were definitely highlights. What stands out most from the course is how well each professor incorporated Paris into their classes. I think we spent more time outside of the classroom than inside it, exploring the city and its people in relation what we were learning – there was even one class [covering psychogeography] where we were encouraged to take our shoes and socks off and walk around the 6th arrondissement barefoot (I did). And working and socializing in the beautiful Reid Hall building, which I still visit regularly, is something I’d encourage all students to take advantage of while doing their programme.

How did your Master’s programme at Kent in Paris help with your career prospects?

My Master’s at Kent in Paris was invaluable. Thanks to the opportunities the programme gave me, I began an internship with Columbia University’s Paris Global Center, which then turned into a full-time position, meaning I could stay in Paris. I subsequently learned French and embarked on my career as a journalist, working for France 24, Agence France-Presse, and Le Monde.

What is your current role and how did it come about?

I’m currently a video and text journalist for Le Monde in English, the newspaper’s digital English-language version launched in 2022. I was originally a pigiste, a special freelancer status granted to journalists, for Agence France-Presse’s video service and France 24’s 24 hours news channel before joining Le Monde.

What are the most rewarding and the most challenging aspects about your current role?

While there are a lot of them, the rewards far outweigh the challenges in journalism. I appreciate that a key part of my job involves staying informed on events, big and small, happening around the world, from the war in Ukraine to the Iranian protests, and so on. Still, it’s hard to switch off – the newsroom is addictive. But the best thing about journalism is that it’s a job where you never stop learning; there’s always something new to discover.

What is it like looking for work in Paris as a native English speaker? Any advice for current students?

It’s easy to see being a native English speaker in Paris as a limitation if you’re not bilingual, but I would encourage students to see it as a plus. It’s hard to give specific advice because it depends on the work a student may be looking for, but I think if you really want to stay in the city and are proactive enough, there’s always a way to make it work. Let everyone know that you want to stay in Paris and that you’re looking for a job. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. It takes a couple of years to settle into a new country and make it feel like home.

You can view Sinéad’s work for Le Monde in English here.

Student Profile: Sam, MA in Creative Writing

What attracted you most about studying at the Paris School of Arts and Culture?

Probably the opportunity to practice writing in a creative environment, meet like-minded people and professional creatives, and also a really good excuse to spend a year in a city like Paris.

How has the course influenced your writing practice?

I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in the overall quality of my writing – mainly thanks to the workshops put on by the tutors here. There’s so many opportunities to practice and improve both technique and content, within the university and outside it. Personally, I try and write as much as I can first thing when I wake up, then get on with whatever work I have to do for the rest of the day, or go to class. Once I’ve done that I write some more, and usually end up in a bar somewhere in the evening. My Baar on the Boulevard Montparnasse, just round the corner from Reid Hall, is a student favourite after class – 3€ for a blonde (lager). There’s also some really cool open mic nights in various bars around Belleville we’ve been going to which are good fun.

What was your favourite module?

Very hard to choose between them, but I think it’s been Paris: Psychogeography, which mainly handled the relationship between the physical space you’re writing in and the writing itself, and Paris: Portfolio, which had some really great outings. Heather Hartley is a wonderful teacher, and it was a real pleasure to have her talk us through her own practices as an editor and writer herself and how we can incorporate some of those techniques into our own work.

Dr Rosa Rogers, who taught Paris: Portfolio, took us to some really interesting places, my favourite being the Musée Rodin, wandering around the gardens and museum filled with beautiful statues and paintings and then writing about them over a Ricard afterwards.

Describe your cohort.

We’ve come from all over, and everyone brings something different to the table. Some had written prose previovus to the course, some wrote poetry, some wrote music, some hadn’t written much at all before they came (not that you’d know it from some of the things they produced). But everyone pulled together and it made for a really nice environment. We tended to bond most over a drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) after Psychogeography classes on Wednesday evenings.

What has been your most memorable Paris moment?

Either wandering the streets of Paris at night with my housemate and stumbling across a sparkling Eiffel Tower almost on accident, or Sam’s (there are two Sams) magazine launch – shameless TWI ST plug – or an old school friend’s gigs in various bars and clubs in the north of Paris. Or open mic nights at the jazz bar round the corner from where I live. To be honest, there’s too many to chose from. There’s always something going on, and no two weeks seem to be the same.

You’re from Hertfordshire in England. What was the transition from your home country to Paris like?

Very interesting – I’ve never lived in a big city before, so it was quite the adjustment. I’ve lived abroad previously so I wasn’t too worried about leaving the UK, but I had no idea how rich and diverse life in Paris would be. It’s a very liberating place. The term metropolis gets bandied about a lot, but Paris really is wonderful– every arrondissement has its own character, and is almost like a small city in itself. Where I live, in the 13^th, is quiet and pretty, and you could wander around it for a while and still not see everything, and then there are nineteen other arrondissements to explore as well. There’s something for everyone. And obviously, having friends from the course helped enormously, because you already have a network of people you know you can reach out to, as well as Frank and Naomi, the Kent at Paris administrators, who are always happy to help you out with any questions or queries you might have, be that print shops or paperwork or party spots. Also, the baguettes are unreal.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Just come with an open mind and you’ll be fine. You don’t need to have been a professional writer, or even have written anything at all before you come, so don’t worry about that aspect of it. Practice will start to come naturally once you start writing regularly, which you’ll do in class anyway, and your tutors and classmates will help you with that.

Remember to try and make the most of the other aspects of Parisian life as well, all the museums and exhibitions and galleries and concerts and things. But mainly, that you get out of it what you put in, and you’ll meet some amazing people and experience some incredible things once you put your mind to it.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I’ll be teaching English at the Sorbonne University come September thanks to some connections the University of Kent have with that particular establishment, for which I’m very grateful, so I’ll be in Paris for another year. Feel free to reach out when you get here! After that, who knows – whatever happens, I’ll still be writing and playing music and things, no matter where I’ll end up, but I’ll always have fond memories of Reid Hall, the Paris School campus. Especially of Youki, the cat that lives in the library.

Youki, Reid Hall’s resident cat, on her constitutional.

Student Profile: Lauretta, MA in Creative Writing

What attracted you most about studying at the Paris School of Arts and Culture?

Undertaking the MA in Creative Writing was a huge change for me. My undergraduate degree is in Accounting and Finance and I had a successful career in finance before coming to Kent. A common question I was asked was “why don’t you keep your job in finance and write after work and on weekends?” I knew I would be doing myself an injustice if I didn’t enrol in a programme that allowed me to dedicate a significant amount of time to my dream.

I had the opportunity to study at another, equally prestigious school but what swayed my decision was the course structure at the Paris School of Arts and Culture. The most important thing was for me to able to create and work on a novel idea. Kent’s programme has allowed me the headspace to explore my new city, perform research, and play with new genres. I had to ensure that if I was going to take one of the biggest risks in my life, it would be at a place like Kent, where I knew my ideas would be nurtured and my boundaries pushed.

How has the course influenced your writing practice?

A lecturer I worked with during the autumn term gave me the support to polish my pieces but also enter them into as many competitions as I could. During my time in Paris, I have had sections of my novel published in literary magazines and read out loud at numerous events. And I was recently shortlisted for a Penguin Random House competition!

As I worked away at my career in finance, I knew that what I needed the most was time. Time to push myself, which is what the Paris School offered me. I owe much of my success to the course structure, which allowed me the breathing room to not only develop my ideas but also put pen to paper.

What was your favourite module?

Identity, Trauma and Sexuality in 20^th and 21^st Century Narratives was my favourite. It appealed to the part of me that loves books. Every week I was able to pick up a new text, which covered some really hard hitting material. After every text, I felt myself getting smarter and my view on the world shifted and became more textured. Certainly, a module I would recommend!

Describe your cohort.

We were thrown together initially but soon I found we had so much in common. On the first day, I heard people laugh over a pub they both visited in Birmingham as another group squeezed together to look at photos of someone’s hometown in Italy. There are some stars who burn blinding bright and some quieter types who brood mysteriously out of windows, but everyone has a place. We are all so willing to support each other whether it’s sharing recipes, a place to stay or bringing over a specific brand of all-purpose seasoning from England. We’re a family.

What has been your most memorable Paris moment?

It has to be at one the first house parties I went to in Paris, hosted by a fellow student. I sat by a window, clutching a glass of wine as I spoke with violent passion about that day’s metro experience, and I laughed. I laughed because I finally felt settled in a city where I didn’t speak the language and where six weeks before, I knew absolutely nobody.

Either that or the day I learnt the correct terms to order a perfectly baked baguette from the boulangerie: pas trop cuite!

You’re from London. What was the transition from London to Paris like?

I stand firm in my belief that London is the capital of the world. I can, however, entertain conversations around New York or Paris also being the capital of the world. So, in my mind, I was moving from one world capital to another. This allowed for the ease of certain things, such as using a metro system and the mechanism of the economy. However, in other places I had less surefootedness. For example, the etiquette around payments and phone calls and the slower nature in which things run in Paris was an adjustment for me, but I did adjust.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

As a creative writing student, I found that myself and other students who had an idea of what they wanted – to spend the year writing – took more away from the course. I was able to ask targeted questions about my work and propel myself towards my goal. Modules such as Fiction and Psychogeography allowed for exploration of new forms, genres and styles which ultimately only strengthened my core focus, my novel. The idea you come with doesn’t need to (and in fact shouldn’t) be set in stone but knowing what you want to leave the year with will ensure you are not simply being blown by the wind.

Paris is a city that must be approached with adaptability. Even if you’re from a huge city, or you’ve visited Paris before, living here is wildly different. The ability to adapt will make it easier to thrive. Things occur unexpectedly but that’s what makes things exciting and the more willing you are to bend, the more fruitful your time here will be.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I am moving to Medellin, Colombia after graduation to embark on other life changing adventures. I’ll also be trying to get my book over the finish line with the help of all the tools I gathered this year!

Alongside her studies, Lauretta works as a barista in Paris’ 3rd arrondissement.

Merci beaucoup, Lauretta!

Graduate Profile: Art Gallery Director Lorenzo Barone

In the latest edition of our Graduate Profile series, we are pleased to introduce an alumnus who is still living in Paris. Originally from Italy, Lorenzo Barone came to Paris to pursue our History and Philosophy of Art Master’s Degree Programme, the first step to broadening his horizons and career path in the Paris and international art scene. Learn more about Lorenzo and his current activities in our interview.

Where are you from and what originally brought you to Paris?

I first came to Paris to study at PSAC in order to raise the level ofmy education in an international foreign language like English, as wellas learn a new language like French, and live in a wonderfulinternational capital as Paris.

What attracted you most about studying at PSAC?

What attracted me the most was the difference between PSAC’suniversity approach and my past experiences in Italy. More concretely,the debate and free exchange of ideas between professors and students,which I firmly believe is a more solid method for the academicmaturation of the students.

What were some of the highlights of your experience?

Not only is the environment magical at PSAC, where you can reallybreathe history, but I also had the opportunity to express mystudy proposals, and my creativity in front of professors and alumniduring lectures and events. The best moment? The tango lessons!

What are you currently doing and how did that come about?

Right now, I am director of the PIGMENT art gallery in Paris. Ibecame director after several internships in art galleries in Paris andworking in an international gallery in Milan as an in-house curator andlogistic manager.

Do you think that your studies at PSAC helped with your career orcreative endeavours?

Absolutely. The open-mindedness, the language, together withextensive studies, and the support of professors toward my interest incontemporary art, what I call “living art,” allowed me to develop acreative sense and rigorous approach, now indispensable in my work. Butalso, the contemporary poetry course, has spurred me to keep expressingmyself creatively and keep writing!

Would you recommend PSAC to potential students and if so what would you tell them?

I would absolutely recommend PSAC to all students who want tocontinue an excellent education in a stimulating environment and amagnificent city that offers not only culture but opportunities forcreative self-expression. If I had to give advice to future students, itwould be to not only think about getting an excellent education, but tomake the most of everything that staying at PSAC can offer, because thetime is not only books and classes, but human and cultural relationshipsthrough the city and events!

Merci Beaucoup, Lorenzo!

You can connect with Lorenzo on LinkedIn or Instagram. Learn more about PIGMENT art gallery and its exhibits on its website or Instagram.

Graduate Profile: Digital Content Producer Nina Starner

In this edition of our Graduate Spotlight series we meet Nina Starner. A graduate of our Creative Writing Master’s programme in Paris, Nina’s current position as a Digital Content Producer for Static Media began during her time at our Paris School. Discover how her time in Paris, even during the difficult era of COVID, was transformative for her in our interview with her below.

Where are you from and what originally brought you to Paris?

I’m from Philadelphia, and before enrolling at PSAC I had visited Paris three times. One of my closest friends and I came up with a scheme to move abroad in 2018 or so, and ultimately, we both found graduate programmes in fields we wanted to study in Paris (my friend studied at Institut Français de la Mode and now works in fashion). Thankfully, I was accepted into PSAC’s programme and began my time there in January of 2020 (what timing!).

What attracted you most about studying at PSAC?

Paris – no question! I had always wanted to live in Paris, and the history of PSAC’s space (I loved Reid Hall) as well as its Montparnasse location drew me in. I looked at other creative writing programmes in other cities but applied to PSAC first before even finishing the other applications, as it was my clear first choice.

What were some of the highlights of your experience?

I may have been seriously impacted by COVID during my time at PSAC, but I still made friends I am still close with to this day. My very first Fiction class, taught by Amy Sackville and Yelena Moscovitch, was a real highlight, as the chemistry during workshops was fantastic. Graduating at Canterbury Cathedral in 2022 was also an unbelievable, unforgettable experience!

What are you currently doing and how did that come about?

I moved back to Philadelphia and work for a company called Static Media in one of their companies called Looper, where I’m a digital content producer. I appear in and help write a show called Okay, So Basically, where a colleague and I use cartoons and snark to explain pop culture properties to each other. I was working part-time as a freelancer for Static during my time at PSAC and was offered a full time position after I completed my thesis.

Do you think that your studies at PSAC helped with your career or creative endeavours?

The big reason I wanted to study creative writing was to learn more discipline about writing and take time for myself to be required to write creatively; since I write for a living, it can be hard to get creative projects going after the workday ends. The creative writing program at PSAC definitely taught me a lot about my own writing process, and it also helped me seriously grow as a writer, since I was able to pinpoint specific issues and hurdles in my writing and work to overcome them. I left PSAC as a better writer without a doubt.

Would you recommend PSAC to potential students and if so what would you tell them?

Don’t hesitate: apply right now. The opportunity to study writing in what is, in my opinion, the best city on the planet is absolutely incredible. Despite COVID and crazy visa issues and the normal adjustment of moving to a foreign country, I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. Even if moving to Paris feels impossible, it isn’t — I moved back and forth several times with my dog in tow, and if I can do that while surviving on an initially rough French skillset, you can too. Also, living in Paris is not at all like Emily in Paris. That show is not realistic in the slightest… to say the absolute least.

Merci beaucoup, Nina!

If you would like to get in touch with Nina or learn more about her work, see her website www.ninastarner.com or follow her on Twitter.

Alumna and Poet Megan James Publishes her First Work, Womb Fruit

In the latest edition of our Graduate Profile we connect with alumna and poet Megan James. A graduate of our Master’s in Creative Writing, Megan’s work has been featured in The Hellebore, Molly Bloom and Ache magazine, amongst others. She has recently published her first work, Womb Fruit, a long format poem which she began in Paris as her MA dissertation. In this interview Megan tells us more about her experience at our Paris School, the creative process behind Womb Fruit and her current projects.

Where are you from and what originally brought you to Paris?

I grew up in a small town just outside of Oxford. A combination of health and homelife made going to university feel like a distant and unattainable thing until I was an adult. I was working as a Teaching Assistant in a Primary School when I had the realisation that I had so much more to learn myself; I studied to retake my A levels and bagged myself a place to study English at the University of Exeter. I’d always enjoyed playing with language – diaries and poems had been a large part of my coping and processing chronic illness – but at Exeter, I took all the Creative Writing modules possible.

When my degree ended, my writing didn’t. In my final few months, I scoured the internet for creative post-grad options when I found the courses offered at the University of Kent’s Paris School of Arts and Culture. Studying literature had highlighted Paris as a city of art and creativity; when I saw the Creative Writing MA offered at PSAC, I knew I had to make it happen.

What attracted you most about studying at PSAC?

Above all, being able to live, write, work and study in Paris was a dream come true. I wasn’t ready to stop learning, and PSAC offered the opportunity to continue doing just that in the best place for it. The city’s rich history as a place of reaction and revolution fuelled my writing; every cobbled corner had a story to tell, and I wanted to tell it.

The pull of Paris was strengthened by my desire to learn a new language. Living in France forced me to practice in a way that my French GCSE didn’t! Using the language every day was the best way to improve, and the free French classes offered by the PSAC built on these skills and helped me hone them.

What are you currently doing and how did that come about?

My love for learning has come full circle: I am now teaching English at a Secondary School near Oxford. The demands of my job are many, but the satisfaction is constant. My job allows me to continue my own learning journey too. Teaching is learning; learning is teaching – the older I get, the more I value this truth. There is a reciprocity to learning that benefits everyone.

**Could you tell us about Womb Fruit and your writing process?**

At its core, Womb Fruit is an excavation of the myths of womanhood; those we are told and those we tell ourselves. It focuses on the circles and cycles of the body and the processing of trauma.

Womb Fruit is a long-form poem addressed to an unborn daughter, sharing the complicated histories of the inherited and uninherited. Womb Fruit explores themes of pain, illness, and miscarriage, and is woven with female histories of Greek mythology. As a chronically ill person, I’m concerned with the eugenic attitudes of medicine, society and culture regarding a woman’s choice/ability to reproduce, as well as the stigmatisation and pathologising that often comes with living in a sick body.

I wrote Womb Fruit while living in Paris and it was my final project at PSAC: my MA dissertation. Being a poem about womanhood, there was an irony in the writing process feeling like a labour of sorts. The narrative is punctured, confessional, at times chaotic. It is writing as therapy.

You hand-stitched its cover, was this an important complement to the artist process of your writing?

Yes! As well as working with words, I’m also an embroidery artist and have often used this form of expression as a therapeutic process. At first, I’d hoped to stitch the entirety of the poem, however, I settled on another, less time-consuming method. Instead, Womb Fruit is infused with the language of embroidery. I attempted to translate the physical techniques of embroidery – layering, weaving, shading, knotting – into language.

I knew I needed to incorporate this ancient practice of expression into my writing. Sewing is an art form that has stood the test of time; it predates written language. It is also something that has been historically associated with women. I wanted to flip the use of this as a practice to silence women, and instead use sewing as a symbol of permanence, of history, of recording expression by any means available.

Are you working on your next book?

I continue to write (and sew!). My recent writings are concerned with the notion of home. Starting with the age-old dilemma – is home a place or a feeling? – the poetic fragments track the politics of home and homelessness; the body as home; the mind as home; and end with the coming-home of spiritual peace. This work-in-progress is yet untitled, but I look forward to sharing it soon.

Do you think that your studies at PSAC helped with your career or creative endeavours?

Definitely. Continuing my education at MA level gave me the creative space to focus on my writing. My year in Paris was defining; it gave me the perspective and clarity to spend time on my crafts and do so in a place that was constantly inspiring.

Would you recommend PSAC to potential students and if so, what would you tell them?

I would recommend studying at the PSAC whole-heartedly. Paris is full of grand buildings with huge, locked doors hiding secrets behind. The PSAC opens those doors, allowing you to access so much more of the city than you would otherwise. From the staff and lecturers to the links and connections to other institutions, you’ll never be short of opportunities. From the open evenings and readings to the organised events and activities, you’ll never be bored.

As perfect as my year in Paris may sound, it wasn’t easy making it happen. The practicalities involved in moving abroad, even temporarily, are challenging. I took out a personal loan to pay for the course fees and worked full-time as an au pair while in Paris; I highly recommend doing something similar if you want affordable living costs during your stay. I had my own apartment to accommodate me, and while the extra workload was intense at times, it made my stay possible.

Even if it seems impossible, and sometimes it might, if you want it bad enough, make it happen.

Merci beaucoup, Megan!

Womb Fruit was published by Litmus Publishing in April 2022. You can learn more about and acquire a copy at this link.

Connect with Megan on Twitter: @MeganHJames or Instagram: @meganhannahjames.

Graduate Profile: Communications Professional Laura Cunliffe-Hall

In this edition of our Alumni Spotlight series we meet Laura Cunliffe-Hall. A graduate of our former English and American Literature programme, Laura’s experiences at our Paris School have helped her forge a wonderful career in communications and public affairs. Discover how her time in Paris, and the art of the flaneur, was transformative for her in this recent interview.

Where are you from and what originally brought you to Paris?

I’m a Kent local, I grew up and went to school in Dover, before moving away to the Midlands/Warwickshire to do my undergrad at the University of Warwick.

I’d spent many good times in Canterbury and was impressed by the University of Kent’s reputation, particularly for student satisfaction – but it was the opportunity to study English and American Literature abroad for a term in Paris that made it the location of choice for my Master’s degree.

I’d studied French at A Level and loved it – plus being in Dover, it was closer to get to France than to London! I’d also always wanted to live in France and particularly in the beautiful city of Paris – therefore, the stars aligned when I found the English and American Literature PSAC course!

What attracted you most about studying at PSAC?

PSAC is a very special place – it was the opportunity of a lifetime to get to study there. The course provided an in-depth overview of Modernism in Paris – focusing on legendary authors such as Jean Rhys and Gertrude Stein, alongside examining the experience of cultural diaspora in France. We could also continue learning and improving on our written and spoken French through language classes. The teaching staff were incredibly helpful and experts in their field.

In addition to this, we could contextualise our studies through visiting the many incredible galleries and museums across Paris (often for free or at very cheap student rates) which brought what we were learning to life so much more vividly.

Moreover, Reid Hall is a stunning building with great facilities and a beautiful garden – ideally located. It was also exciting to be able to use it as a base and meet students from Columbia University and all over the world.

What were some of the highlights of your experience?

Spending my days in the Palais du Tokyo, Musee de Picasso, l’Orangerie and Musee d’Orsay to name but a few! I’ve never felt as culturally enriched as I have in my time in Paris – a truly unique city to learn from and understand the world around you.

Inspired by the idea of being a flaneur, I also have fond memories of experiencing the city on foot in all weathers – taking in the beautiful sights by the Seine. We had a fantastic tight-knit group of expats from all over the world that hung out together and always had some memorable outings to bars and clubs – spending my 22nd birthday partying at Point Ephémère and a few wild jazz nights in Montmartre are some slightly foggy but still treasured memories! Meeting some fantastic friends I have for life and living with my flatmate Rosa (now a Dr and Creative Writing lecturer at the University of Kent) in Barbès also helped shape what was an incredible life experience at PSAC.

What are you currently doing and how did that come about?

I’m currently working in communications and public affairs, specialising in the development of sustainable economic and social infrastructure as a Senior Account Manager at Copper Consultancy. I’ll be moving on to focus on policy and public affairs in Westminster later this year, in my new role as a Policy Manager at the Institution of Civil Engineers. Alongside this, I’m the Chair of the Young Fabians and the Social and Digital Media Lead for Labour in Communications, running a mentoring programme for people entering politics from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds called IMPACT.

Strong communications is essential in politics, and working closely with communities reminds me constantly of the power of using your voice and standing up for what you believe in. Being a Young Fabian is all about being able to share ideas and work together in an inclusive, non-factional and vibrant environment. I’d strongly recommend anyone interested in left-wing politics and policy to join us! As Chair, my focus is on empowering and supporting our members as we focus on our theme of the year – ‘What does a Labour Britain look like for young people’.

I’d always been fascinated by the interconnection between Literature and politics and wrote my dissertation on the performativity of Jacobean power in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure and Coriolanus. Therefore, combining my love of politics and writing through public affairs, policy and communications was the natural next step.

A month after graduating, I applied for a temporary job as a Junior Account Executive at Copper – moved to London and started my post Paris chapter!

Top tip – I found my jobs through a very useful website called www.w4mpjobs.org

Do you think that your studies at PSAC helped with your career or creative endeavors?

Absolutely. Social and digital media are key aspects of my career – and acting as the Social Media Manager and Co-Organiser of our 2017 ‘Boundaries’ Conference in Paris was an important training experience from a communications and stakeholder management perspective.

Likewise meeting so many different people, each with a unique story, particularly in the aftermath of a Brexit vote that had been so divisive, was extremely helpful in reminding me why politics is so essential and gave me the confidence to use my voice and get involved.

Would you recommend PSAC to potential students and if so what would you tell them?

Always – PSAC was the time of my life and I miss it very much!

You’ll meet friends for life and expand your intellectual horizons in a stunning historically and culturally significant city (just stay away from the one euro wine you can buy opposite Rue Poulet!) So many fond memories of my time there – take a chance on Paris, you won’t regret it!

Merci beaucoup, Laura!

If you would like to get in touch with Laura, you can follow her on Twitter @LauraHall1995, connect with her on LinkedIn or check out our work at here.

Graduate Profile: Writer Steve Sohmer

In the latest in our Alumni Spotlight series we connect with Steve Sohmer. A person of many talents, from Shakespearean scholar to television producer, Steve pursued a Master’s in Creative Writing at our Paris School, an academic experience which he is currently continuing as a PhD candidate of the School of English at Kent in Canterbury. In this interview we learn more about Steve’s career path, why he chose to study in Paris at PSAC and more about his experience with Kent, both in Paris and Canterbury.

Where are you from and what originally brought you to Paris?

I was born in Savannah, Georgia (US of A), raised in New York, and had been living in Los Angeles (where I squandered my childhood in film and television) before enrolling in the Kent Paris Creative Writing Masters Programme. My son was studying for a Bachelors and Masters at American University of Paris. So, Kent in Paris offered me the twin opportunities of studying in an excellent program while sharing digs in the 7ème with David. It was a splendid year on all counts. Papa was right; Paris is still a moveable feast.

What attracted you most about studying at PSAC?

I’d read a good deal about the PSAC program. And after reading their books, I was impressed by the instructors who would be available to me – particularly Dragan Todorovic and Amy Sackville. I’d urge every prospective creative writing student to read the work of the instructors they’ll study under and work with. Really good writers don’t always prove to be exceptional teachers. But at least you can be confident they know their onions. That’s important. Because as well as tutelage, you’re going to rely on them for that all-important criticism.

What were some of the highlights of your experience?

The classes I sat were, by and large, outstanding. And the pleasures of the classroom were delightfully augmented by the bright and interesting students with whom I shared them. They hailed from New Orleans and Moscow and Ho Chi Minh City. They were sharp and cosmopolitan. The conversations ranged every-which-way. And they had opinions about everything. So, the down-time between and after classes was as lively and thought-provoking as the classes themselves.

What are you currently doing and how did that come about?

The Kent PhD in Creative Writing caught my ear while listening to Dragan Todorovic describe how the programme worked. Then he turned to me and said, “You should think about doing it.” I did. And right now, I’m in the thick of a Kent PhD with Dragan as my primary supervisor and Amy Sackville as overseer. There’s one great thing about this program I would hammer home to anyone who wants to learn to write a novel: Enrolling for the Kent PhD gets you an editor (or two) who will work with you, stick with you, and give you their best for up to four years and even longer. You’ll never-ever enjoy that luxury again, not with any publisher or agent, not in the book publishing environment of this day and age. Not when manuscripts are supposed to arrive camera-ready at the editor’s desk. The era when Thomas Wolfe had Maxwell Perkins as a tenacious and belligerent guiding angel for seven years are long gone. At Kent, for the long run you’ll have an experienced, multi-published author to work with you, advise you, challenge and console you. That is certainly worth the price of admission.

Do you think that your studies at PSAC helped with your career or creative endeavours?

After I published my first novel, I took 20 years off to have a career. Then I went back to the keyboard, wrote of pair of political thrillers, produced one for television, then took another 20-year sabbatical to read Shakespeare at Oxford and write books about him. When I wanted to return to fiction, I was sure those chops would be rusty from disuse. Which is why I enrolled in the PSAC Creative Writing program as a form of literary body-building for a return foray into fiction. I’d say it’s worked out well. If the novel I’m writing is published, I’d say quite well.

Would you recommend PSAC to potential students and if so what would you tell them?

Were a kid of mine coming to PSAC to study, I’d give them this advice: Steep yourself in Paris and the literature of France – from Rabelais to Stendhal to Sartre, Camus, Perec, de Beauvoir – even Romaine Gary and Jean Simmons. Think of the year(s) you’ll spend in Paris as an immersion, mind and soul. Infuse yourself with Parisian life and French lit until it oozes out of every pore. Learn to speak French if you’re capable, and speak it to everyone from your instructors to the doorman. At best, it will imbue you with a personal renaissance. If nothing else, the experience will throw the rest of your life into high relief so you’ll can recognize it for what it is and isn’t.

Merci beaucoup, Steve! You can find a list of Steve’s books here (ask for them at your local independent bookshop!). If you would also like to develop your own writer, learn more about our Creative Writing MA in Paris at this link.

Graduate Profile: Recent Alumna Hana Szobonyova

This latest edition of our Graduate Profile series focuses on a recent graduate of History and Philosophy of Art programme, Hana Szobonyova. Originally from the Czech Republic, Hana completed her MA degree at our Paris School of Arts and Culture in September 2021. In this interview Hana shares her experience during of her studies at our Paris School, which were enhanced by getting involved in our extracurricular activities as well as exciting internship opportunities and future prospectives gained thanks to her degree.

What is it like living and studying in Paris?

There is no better place to study history and philosophy of art than Paris. Although the past year was difficult and complicated with cultural venues being closed, Paris still remained an inspiring place to live. Since restrictions were lifted, there has not been a single week I haven’t go to a museum or a new exhibition. Now, more than ever, I can truly appreciate what this city can offer. Studying in Paris is a valuable experience especially for all those who are strongly interested in design and art.

What did you particularly enjoy about your studies?

The course’s structure perfectly fit my personal interests which are focused on art and history of the 19th and 20th century. Another great thing about the program was the possibility of auditing. Taking additional classes is a great way to expand one’s horizons and to learn more (for example about areas you know very little about). Although, with extra classes there is much more work and readings to do, nevertheless, the rewards are priceless.

How do you think postgraduate study differs from undergraduate study?

It is very different. For me maybe even more as my undergraduate program was mostly focused on business and practise rather than on theory and research. Also, postgraduate studies are very independent and they are also driven by your own personal interests. That is highly advantageous as you have the possibility to expand your knowledge in topics and areas you are truly interested in through your own research and independent studies.

How do you think your studies will affect your employment prospects?

As my education is quite diverse I hope to find a suitable place where I could use and combine all of my skills and knowledge. The last year spent in Paris has definitely impacted me in many ways; It expanded my interests and knowledge in art and philosophy, it also helped me to perceive and comprehend French culture and French history from a new perspective, and lastly, it changed and shaped my future career perspectives and aspirations.

Could you tell us about your internship experience?

During my studies at Kent I participated in the organising committee for the annual postgraduate festival as the art event curator. I was also part of The Menteur team where I helped to shape the visual identity of the magazine for the academic year 2022-2021 as the head of design. When the academic year ended I started my internship at The American Library in Paris as a Communications and Program intern where I stayed until the end of August. That was definitely a valuable experience as it enabled me to perceive the organisation’s structure internally, while working with the Program Manager on upcoming cultural events that the institute runs.

What are you planning to do next?

This week, I am starting my internship at UNESCO, where I will work as an intern for the Permanent Delegation of the Czech Republic. I am very excited to start my new position there as it will be very different from any other previous work experiences I’ve done so far.

Any advice for those thinking about taking this course?

I think it is good to think in advance about what you would like to study and where your interests are. If you want to study history and philosophy or art particularly focusing on the 19th and 20th century, then the Paris School of Arts and Culture might be very suitable.