Typical Schedule of Fellows at the Coubertin Foundation

The schedule alternates between classrooms sessions and workshop sessions, and to implement this alternation fellows are divided into two groups, A and B.

Classroom sessions

The classroom sessions total 20 weeks over the duration of the fellowship. They take place from September to November and February to April for group A; from November to February and April to June for group B.

Workshop sessions

The workshop sessions total approximately 1080 hours of production over 27 weeks. They take place in December and January for group A, in March and April for group B, and from mid-June to end-July for both groups combined in the workshops. The workshop hours depend on the specific craft. Usually the day begins at 730am.

Typical workweek schedule

This is not a rigid schedule.  For example, during the first five weeks of the fellowship the fellows are taught modeling for 4 hours each week, alternating with computer-aided design.  Also, specific training classes replace the regular classes for 3 to 5 days, focusing on perspective, descriptive geometry, national heritage, sodering and wrought-iron design (for metalworkers only).   The program also organizes numerous visits to cultural landmarks (Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel) led by curators and specialists who provide privileged access to the monuments.

The day is not over at 530pm.  On Monday evenings from October to May, lectures take place from 8pm to 10pm.  Once or twice every month on Wednedays, Mr. Jusselme gives an evening talk particularly intended for members of the Compagnonnage.  Optional theater classes are organized on Thursdays from 730pm to 930pm.

Finally, fellows take advantage of local clubs (sports, dance, etc) for their spare time.  They are encouraged on week-ends to supplement the cultural field-trips of the week with their own visits in Paris and its surroundings.