[MeganPatricia]

aldo, i'll reply to your questions as best I can- I integrated into their 3rd year after winning a competition which gave me a scholarship to go there, so I don't have the absolutely typical students view of it, but I don't have the impression that it is super super difficult to get in. Schools like Chambre Syndicale are private, and very expensive for a typical french person, which cuts down on competition and demand somewhat.

I have been in class an average of 32 hours a week, not including homework, which there is a lot of. They work a lot there, and whether you will have time to work a job on the side is a matter of your time management skills.

On the whole I am pleased with my experience there- they are very strong on technical things like draping and prints/embroideries. They are less strong on the design end. The teachers are nice, and helpful. The studios close at 6 pm sharp and on weekends, so any sewing or draping you want to do outside of that you have to do chez vous. Whether there is a chance of your finding work in Paris afterwards I dont know. If you are not from the European Union, it is very very difficult with visas and all that. There is also the fact that everyone comes to Paris looking for work from all over Europe.

All in all, I am sure if you go there you will gain a lot from the culture and education, but I don't see many people acknowledge how incredibly tough the fashion industry is, even at the school level. It's not for the faint of heart. I wish you the best of luck and fabulous adventures!