Fontainebleau Summer Academy
“While most study-abroad experiences can be described as opportunities for self-growth, studying at the École de Beaux-Arts at Fontainebleau was an invaluable experience that opened my eyes to the diversity of contemporary design perceptions. During my five weeks in France, I was not only exposed to the more general aspects of French culture (cuisine, music, art), but specifically to the non-American’s perception of architecture. From the French and American professors who led our courses, to the French non-designers who owned the array of chateaus and gardens we visited, I was made expressly aware of differences in American and French architectural values. I studied with students from around the world and our discourse spanned several contrasting design pedagogies. The Beaux-Arts school includes a music program; having international music students as our clients allowed for real-time non-designer feedback. Through discussions about the rapport between the two arts, both musicians and architects were asked to consider the art-world beyond their specific fields. Studying at Fontainebleau was an incredible opportunity to learn about architecture as both non-Americans and non-designers perceive it, knowledge that is invaluable to a designer in this global and interdisciplinary market.”
Ms. Amrita Raja
B.S. ITDS., Virginia Tech
Fontainebleau Scholarship [PDF]
Previous Recipients
2004 Nicole Cavanaugh
2006 Wei Loon Ooi*
2007 Amrita Raja
2008 Matthew Van Wagner
*Did Not Attend