The Inp recognises the importance of reaching out internationally and has introduced this aspect into the heart of its institution policy. It covers the departure and arrival of individuals, targets action plans or long term partnership arrangements. Through these different measures, the Inp has developed, in parallel, a significant European and International presence.

Initial training of students

The international approach forms an integral part of the programme and is thus encouraged within the training departments as part of the mandatory traineeships abroad, for student curators (7 weeks) and student conservators-restorers (6 months). Foreign languages are taught in support of this along with input given by the teaching staff and the Inp international network. Each year, 50 or so students are sent to cultural institutions (museums, archive departments, research centres, etc) all the world over.

Furthermore, the Inp, through its field-schools for student conservators-restorers, conducts expertise missions abroad on heritage sites of international interest.

The Inp is part of the European conservation-restoration training network ENCoRE (European Network for Conservation-Restoration Education) and the conservation-restoration department benefits from the Erasmus programme. 

Welcoming international trainees

Since the 1990s, the Inp has welcomed more than 170 international trainees, all from different continents. Each year, students and professionals present their portfolio in order to integrate all or part of the two training department programmes. Each year, international professionals avail of the structure known as « Profession Culture ». Its role is to promote exchange schemes with foreign heritage professionals but also with other training structures related to the Inp. 

Institut méditerranéen des métiers du patrimoine (I2MP)

The Institut national du patrimoine (National Institute of Cultural Heritage) and the Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM) - (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) joined forces in 2013 to create the Institut méditerranéen des métiers du patrimoine (Mediterranean Institute of Heritage Skills), dedicated to the training of heritage professionals and focusing on the challenges of a Mediterranean cultural heritage. The training programmes developed by the Inp cover all areas of conservation, restoration, management or mediation. Sessions last 3 days on average. 

Expertise and training for an international audience

The Inp international approach is also in the service of French cultural diplomacy through its teaching activities and its training missions of heritage professionals. The Inp is regularly requested to develop specific programmes. These programmes can be planned in collaboration with other French heritage institutions.

According to the needs identified, Inp activities can take place in France or in the requesting country. Certain sessions are tailor-made with an appropriate interpreting service. This type of action is generally part of projects supported by the embassies.