Information for Educators

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions for educators. For more detailed information, download our latest faculty handbook >>

Who pays for travel expenses getting to and from Pont-Aven?

Faculty are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to Pont-Aven, but will be reimbursed by the U.S. Office for the expense of airfare.

If I teach at PASCA for a semester, do I need a long-term visa?

We advise semester faculty to obtain a long-term tourist visa, in addition to their passport. The International Faculty Identity Card (IFIC) from your home institution is also good to have.

Aside from studio teaching sessions, what other teaching expectations are there?

Professors are also expected to hold office hours (one hour per week), participate in the weekly or bi-weekly post-bac crits, present a lecture on their work and deliver two hour long seminars intended for the post-bac community but open to the BFA students.

What about meetings?

Faculty will attend the weekly faculty/staff meeting.
Faculty will attend all faculty meetings called by the Chair.
Faculty will attend one dinner per week to interact with the students.

Is there a standard guideline to follow when designing my syllabus?

Professors who commit to teaching at Pont-Aven are encouraged to consider the program’s goal of providing an opportunity for students to develop advanced conceptual and cultural skills that represent the depth and breadth of the international art world when designing their syllabi. A syllabus template will be given to you by the Academic Advisor to assure that required assessment tools, learning objectives, course content and grading criteria are clearly articulated. It is expected that a study abroad course includes excursions and other activities which take place outside of the classroom, and which are intended to enhance the student’s overall experience abroad.

Can I bring my family? Will they be allowed to participate in PASCA activities? What access will they have to the studios?

Spouses, significant others, and children may be included in all PASCA activities for the cost of the activity, except the classes. It is important that the presence of family does not interfere with the delivery of the curriculum. Family members are not permitted in the studios during class time and pets are never permitted in the studios. Family and childcare arrangements are the responsibility of the faculty. PASCA will not be able to baby-sit or accommodate them during the working day. Studios are off limits to children and guests except during openings.

What’s the best way to communicate to family and friends overseas?

The cheapest way to communicate and the most recommended is through your computer via SKYPE. Faculty who choose to purchase French cell phones (either pay as you go, or contract) are responsible for their own services. Students and Faculty must turn off cell phones during class, critique, and lecture times.

PASCA is a United States non-profit 501(c) (3) entity fully accredited for undergraduate university-level study.