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Foundation Year in Art, Fashion and Design 

University preparation courses for students interested in studying Visual Arts, Design and Fashion in Italy.

 

Learn Italian language and develop essential skills and knowledge to successfully enrol to undergraduate degrees in the best Universities and Design Academies in Italy.  Focus on your areas of interest while improving your technical skills in a friendly international environment.

This pathway program provides a broad understanding of art and design in Italy. It helps you develop your portfolio and prepare for entry tests, while helping you to find out which art or design field of studies is right for you. The Foundation Year certificate also grants students direct admission to local Fine Arts and Design Academies.

Your Pathway to Studying in Italy

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The ideal preparation for your degree in Art, Design, Fashion or Architecture in Italy

The Foundation Year program gives the opportunity to international students that wish to enrol in Italian university to enhance their knowledge of the Italian language and culture while learning fundamental concepts of art, design, and architecture in Italy.

The program is offered in 2 options:

  • September or January start
  • 9 months on-site 
  • 660 academic hours

    Both options include: pathway courses, Italian language classes, a CILS exam preparation course, arts and design practical labs, cultural excursions.

    Upon successful completion of the program, students will take the CILS B1 or B2 level exam (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) and receive academic titles with legal value, accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education, valid for enrolment into Italian undergraduate degree programs in Fine Arts and Design Academies in Italy.

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    Pathway Courses & Workshops

    • Pathway workshops
    • Introduction to European Design and Architecture
    • Italian Art History
    • Technical Drawing

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    Italian Language Courses

    • Italian: beginner to intermediate
    • Italian Culture
    • CILS Italian Exam preparation

    Students will take part in a series of practical labs and hands-on workshops, guided by expert faculty that will help to develop the core skills and techniques for art and design studio work and mastering artisanship with different materials.

    The Pathway workshops will also expand the student’s portfolio which is an essential requirement for enrolment in design degree programs in Italy.

    Italy has been one of the most crucial centers of discovery in art and culture and the main phases of its art, especially from the Renaissance to the Baroque and Neoclassical periods, have influenced and still fascinate the world. The course is defined as a dynamic path towards the knowledge of the historical/theoretical phases of the most important profiles that characterize Italian history from the Middle Age to the most recent trends in art, including Futurism, Conceptual Art, Arte Povera and the Transavanguardia.

    Students learn about the history of Architecture and Design in Italy from the early 19th century to today. After an overall introduction to the European artistic and cultural context, the course will develop the topics of the architect and designer’s role in Italian society and its transformation from the pre-industrial to the post-industrial age.

    The Italian language course is offered as:

    9-month on-site program

    – 6-month on-site program

    The program is intended to allow students starting at beginner levels to achieve the required intermediate (B1) or upper intermediate (B2) level of Italian language competence required for enrolment into Italian university programs. Such language objectives require commitment and dedication on behalf of each student, our instructors and student service team are here to support to create an optimal learning enviroment for students to succeed.

    Students are taught by expert, highly qualified native Italian language instructors that implement the communicative method in the classroom to achieve the best results in all 4 linguistic skills: speaking, writing reading and listening comprehension.

    Students take part in a 30-hour intensive CILS exam preparation course, which will cover the best practices for academic writing, preparation tests with CILS past papers and oral exam simulations led by instructors that are University of Siena CILS examiners.

    The Italian Academy is a CILS exam centre. Students will be able to enroll into the exam session at the end of the academic year in order to achieve the B1 or B2 CILS certification which is recognized by all Italian and international universities and design schools.

    The course aims to guide students through the main historical events of Italy as represented by Italian filmmakers from the 40’s to today. Through a critical approach and group discussion, themes, directors and actors that characterize the tradition and innovation of Italian movies will be analyzed in relation to various national events, thus depicting a social history of Italy.

    “This incredible experience has helped me to explore my passions and find my true interest in the field of design, to have a clear idea on the degree specialization and career path I want to follow. The staff and professors at the Academy were incredibly supportive and made me feel welcome in the sunny city of Siracusa as from the first day of the program. I have made friendships with students from Italy and all over the world during the workshops and language exchanges events, it is an invaluable experience for my personal and professional development!”

    Top Reasons to Join our Foundation Year program

     

    Students who wish to choose carefully which discipline of art and design they want to work, while developing their practical skills and personal portfolio:

    ✓  Graphic design 
    ✓  Fashion design
    ✓  Product design
    ✓  Interior design
    ✓  Architecture
    ✓  Creative Art
    ✓  Photography
    ✓  Drawing
    ✓  New Media
    ✓  Visual Communication
    Students with less than 12 years of schooling that wish to enrol into Arts or Design degree programs in Italy.
    Also, students who studied in the American or British school systems and do not have the three Advanced Placement exams or A-Level exams required to enrol at an Italian university.

     

     

    Students that need to improve their Italian language skills.
    The achievement of a recognized B2-level (upper intermediate) certification of Italian language is required to take part in Italian undergraduate degree programs.

    #1  Helps Fill the Gaps for Italian university

    The Italian university system requires at least 12 full years of primary and secondary education for enrolment to all degree programs.  Universities and Design Academies also require a certificate for Italian language  B2-upper intermediate level and a personal portfolio (for design undergraduate programs) .

    #2  Designed for International Students

    Our students come from a range of countries, age groups and backgrounds. We welcome intelligent, creative, motivated people who are interested in moving into an art and design vocation.

    #3   Select the specialization that fits you

    Besides allowing you to become familiar with the language and culture of Italy before starting your degree, the Foundation Year also provides the opportunity to visit universities and academies throughout the country and decide which program is right for you.  

    Program Information

    What are the program fees and dates?

    Application Fee: € 60

    Student Services Fee: € 290

    Tuition Fee: € 7,500 (paid in installments)

    Program Duration: 9 months

    - September  to  June

    - January to September

      Complete your application and upload documents here:

      What are the prerequisites to enroll?

      1. Must have completed at least 11 years of schooling (from primary school to high school diploma) and have obtained a high school diploma (final certification) accompanied by a transcript or report card of the last year.
          • An official translation should be provided for original documents that are not in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish or Portuguese.
          • if the student is still studying at the time of application, they can submit the diploma at a later stage
      2. Must have an independent level of English language. Native English speakers and students who have completed their secondary education in English are exempt (in some cases, a remote oral competence test can be requested). All other students are required to provide proof of certification with a minimum level of:
        • IELTS Academic 5.0
        • Cambridge Scale: 150 points (Preliminary B or higher)
        • Duolingo English Test: 80 points, or equivalent)
        • TOEFL iBT: 45 points 
        • equivalent certified tests from recognized assessment bodies
      3. Must be between 17 and 30 years old by the start of the program.
          • For minor students, a legal guardian is required. During the enrollment process, it is necessary to fill out and send via email to admissions@theitalianacademy.com a form confirming that the student will turn 18 by the end of the program.

      What are the enrolment deadlines?

      Review the Application Deadlines here

      To apply to the program, students should follow the following steps:

      1. Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM and upload the documents
      2. Complete payment of the Application Fee (€ 60)

      Students that complete the application will receive an offer and the program contract. To complete the enrollment students should then:

      1. Make the payment of the 1st installment of the tuition fee
      2. Sign the Program Agreement document

      NB. non-EU students that require a study visa should pay the 1st instalment of the Tuition Fees at least 60 days prior to the start of the program in order to receive the letter of enrolment for the Italian consulate. In the unlikely case of visa denial, the Tuition Fees are fully reimbursable.

      Syracuse, Sicily

      WARM-WELCOMING COMMUNITY

      While the outgoing nature and warm hospitality of Italians is appreciated worldwide, international students living in the small and safe city of Syracuse are always surprised at the open arms welcome they receive from local people, which helps to create the friendly and comfortable atmosphere that all our students gladly recount.

      A STRATEGIC STARTING POINT TO EXPLORE ITALY & EUROPE

      Syracuse is also a strategic base for those who wish to enjoy all the beauties of Sicily, just a stone’s throw away from all the other major attractions of the island: the Valley of the Temples and the Scala dei Turchi in Agrigento, Mt. Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, and the hill-top city of Taormina. It is also very easy to reach all main Italian locations: the nearby Fontanarossa Airport connects Syracuse with all major cities (Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples), daily and with low cost flights.

      THE CAPITAL OF THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN WORLD

      Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove located on the southeastern coast of the Italian island of Sicily. Over 3 millennia, it has collected a wealth of art and precious architecture, which bears witness to the passage of many glorious civilizations.

      SMALL, LIVELY CITY

      Today the city of Syracuse is a warm-welcoming, lively city with much to offer to adventurous souls and culture vultures alike: one may choose to explore the labyrinth of narrow streets of the historical center, take a stroll around the medieval castle that overlooks the natural harbor or explore the pristine beaches and marine reserves that surround the city.

      MAKE FRIENDS WITH LOCAL STUDENTS

      The Italian Academy regularly organizes cultural exchange events to allow international students to meet and make friends with local students. It is easy in a city like Syracuse to make long-lasting connections and build friendships with Italian peers. We acknowledge that engaging with locals plays an essential role in developing confidence in the spoken language.

       

      Student housing

      Student Residence: Private rooms

      Students may choose to live with other international students attending language and culture courses at The Italian Academy. All accommodation is at a short walking distance from the Academy.

      Homestay: Private Room, Half-board

      Students may choose to live with a Sicilian host-family in comfortable apartments close to the school with private bedrooms. Homestay accommodation includes 2 meals per day, breakfast and dinner.

      This type of accommodation guarantees a safe, comfortable and fully immersive experience, which enhances our students’ linguistic and cultural learning.

      About The Italian Academy

      The Italian Academy is an international school specialized in offering language and culture programs with a focus on Mediterranean Studies. The Italian Academy is a University of Siena CILS local center.

      Located in the city center of the city of Syracuse (Sicily), next to St. John’s Church, which gives access to the Catacombs and the Crypt of St. Marcian: the first place of Christian worship in the West, where St. Paul is said to have preached.  The villa is also adjoining the Archaeological Museum and the Basilica of Our Lady of Tears, while the Greek Theater and the island of Ortygia are at a short walking distance.

      Your Pathway to Art and Design Studies in Italy

      Take the first step and contact our team. We are here to help! 

      Our team of student advisors is glad to support you every step of the way: from enrolment and visa application, to departure preparations, orientation and settling into your new city and home.

      Address

      Head Office: Piazzale San Marziano, 1, Siracusa, Italy

      Call Us

      Phone: +39 0931 61424

      Email Us

      admissions@theitalianacademy.com

      Ready to Apply?

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      Ready to Apply?