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FUA Career Certificate programs are subject-intensive and offer pre-determined coursework for a full immersion and professional experience in a particular field. Career Certificate programs are open to traditional undergraduate students as well as nontraditional students interested in pursuing a new career path. The FUA Career Certificate program, Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Media is an introductory Year 1 program offering a foundational core of classes. Students can go on to complete Year 2, which provides specialization in one of four areas. The Year 1 Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Media program provides a complete introduction to fundamentals in the field of the Italian and global fashion industry and contemporary practices.
SAI Services
SAI 360° Services & Select Services available
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Passport scan (photo page)
USF student conduct form
Italian privacy consent form
Application: now open
Closes:
Academic yr: June 15, 2022
Fall term: June 15, 2022
Spring term: Nov 15, 2022
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after deadline as space permits
Program Dates
Academic yr: Aug 30, 2022 – May 12, 2023
Fall term: Aug 30, 2022 – Dec 16, 2022
Spring term: Jan 24, 2023 – May 12, 2023
Dates may vary as a result of add-ons
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate or above.
English Language: Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 500+ (paper-based), IELTS: 5+, OOPT: 50+, or equivalent.
Program Overview
The career certificate program in Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Media (Year 1) offers a general overview of Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Media fundamentals applicable to one of four specializations in Year 2:
The Year 1 program includes a block set of courses that provide a structured learning experience and introduction to the field, with a focus on experiential learning and hands-on projects.
Program Objectives
This program will provide the student with a solid foundation to build and grow a diverse skillset in the fashion field, from design to marketing, through a common core of introductory courses in fashion retail management, sewing and construction techniques, accessory design, fashion marketing, and fashion, media and culture.
Special emphasis will be placed on understanding and developing skills needed to successfully operate a fashion retail enterprise, while simultaneously growing the students’ knowledge of Italian fashion icons, culture, and the global fashion industry, through a combination of lectures, projects and site visits to well-known luxury brands in Florence.
The program focuses on community engagement and experiential learning within FLY (Fashion Loves You), the school’s non-profit retail store, one of FUA’s unique CEMI organizations (Community Engagement Member Institutions) which are run by the university and provide practical learning opportunities for students. FLY is open to the local community, and showcases a luxury vintage collection, local, emerging designers, and a student-produced brand. Students directly apply skills and knowledge to this professional setting, and are mentored throughout the program by accomplished faculty that directly represent the industry.
Duration and Certification
Students can enroll in one semester (Fall or Spring) or complete two consecutive terms for a full academic year. Students who complete the full academic year will earn a certificate in “Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Media.” All students receive undergraduate course credit and a US transcript issued by the University of South Florida upon successful completion
Prerequisites
Year 1: To enroll in this Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Media Year 1 program, students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate fluency in English. Students wishing to enroll in the Spring Semester only, must submit a transcript demonstrating successful completion of courses equivalent to the Fall term courses.
Year 2: Students wishing to begin at the Specialization Year (Year 2) can qualify for Year 2 with one of the following:
Direct Access Track: completion of 2 required, pre-determined courses in the sessions prior to the Year 2 start date. For more details about Year 2 programs, please refer to the Year 2 pages under Program Structure.
Optional Internships (fee applies)
Students who complete a full academic year can supplement their program with either a non-credit 3 week internship or a 3-credit 6 week internship in their field of study. This internship can be added in the summer sessions after the regular program has ended. Contact SAI for more details.
Optional Italian Language (fee applies)
Career Certificate program students can supplement their program with a 3-week 3 credit, intensive Italian Language course that takes place prior to the fall and spring sessions. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of intensive Italian language are offered. Contact SAI for more details.
Year 1: Certificate in Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Media
Starting in the Fall semester, the Year 1 Certificate in Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Media comprises two academic terms. Please note that students also have the option to enroll in a single semester. Each term features a set of four 3-credit courses and one 6-credit course, with a 1-credit Health and Safety seminar at the start of the Fall semester. In addition, there is also a mandatory, non-credit, experiential learning project during the January intersession prior to the start of the Spring semester.
The Year 1 Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Media courses are:
Optional intensive Italian Language (August intersession)
Fall Semester
Sketching and Rendering Accessories and HACCP Seminar (Session I)
Fashion Retail Management Experiential Learning (Session I)
Fashion Design Studio I (Session II)
Sewing and Construction Techniques I (Session III)
Faces, Facts, and Places in Italian Fashion (Session IV)
January Intersession
Special Project Experiential Learning
Spring Semester
Introduction to Accessory Design: Shoes, Bags, and Belts Experiential Learning (Session I)
Flat and Digital Patternmaking (Session I)
Visual Merchandise and Display (Session II)
Fashion, Media, and Culture (Session III)
Introduction to Fashion Marketing (Session IV)
For the full detailed course descriptions please contact us.
Year 2: Specialization Certificate
Students can continue (or begin, see Pre-requisites) their studies in one of four specializations:
Career Certificate program students are offered the choice between SAI’s two services models: 360° Services, which includes our full services and housing; and Select Services, designed for more independent students and no housing. The program fee differs for the two service models (see Fees & Budgeting).
SAI 360° Services includes our full services!
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
SAI Select Services includes the important on-site services!
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
---|---|
June 15 2022 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (per term, applied toward program fee) $600 Security Deposit (refundable) |
May 1 2022 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
June 1 2022 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
July 1 2022 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
---|---|
August 30 2022* |
Arrival & Program Start (360° Services Only) 360° Services students arrive into Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) between 9:00am and 6:00pm for SAI airport pickup and transfer to SAI housing. |
August 31 – Sept 2 2022 |
Orientation Events SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
September 5 2022 |
Academic Orientation & Health & Safety Seminar Academic orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities to meet other students and professors. |
September 6 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
September 10 2022 |
Health & Safety Seminar |
September 22 2022 |
Classes End: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
Sept 26 – 30 2022 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
October 4 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
October 20 2022 |
Classes End: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
October 24 – 28 2022 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
November 1 2022 |
Holiday: No Class |
November 2 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
November 17 2022 |
Classes End: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
November 21 – 25 2022 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
November 29 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
December 8 2022 |
Holiday: No Class |
December 14 2022 |
Classes End: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
December 16 2021 |
Housing Move Out for Fall 360° Services students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
January 3 2023* |
Arrival & Program Start (360° Services Only) 360° Services students arrive into Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) between 9:00am and 2:00pm for SAI airport pickup and transfer to SAI housing. |
January 4 2023 |
Orientation Events SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. Academic orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities to meet other students and professors. |
January 5 2023 |
Classes Begin: Intersession Special Project: Experiential Learning hours only. |
January 6 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
January 19 2022 |
Classes End: Intersession Special Project: Experiential Learning hours only. |
January 23 – 27 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
January 31 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
February 16 2023 |
Classes End: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
February 20 – 24 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
February 28 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
March 16 2023 |
Classes End: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
March 20 – 24 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
March 28 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
April 10 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
April 13 2023 |
Classes End: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
April 17 – 21 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
April 25 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
April 26 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
May 1 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
May 10 2023 |
Classes End: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
May 11 2023 |
Graduation Event |
May 12 2023* |
Program End 360° Services students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
*Please note: Arrival and Departure dates differ if Optional Italian Language and / or Internship courses are added. Please contact our office for dates.
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
---|---|
June 15 2022 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (per term, applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
May 1 2022 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
June 1 2022 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
July 1 2022 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
---|---|
August 30 2022* |
Arrival & Program Start (360° Services Only) 360° Services students arrive into Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) between 9:00am and 6:00pm for SAI airport pickup and transfer to SAI housing. |
Aug 31 – Sept 2 2022 |
Orientation Events SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
September 5 2022 |
Academic Orientation & Health & Safety Seminar Academic orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities to meet other students and professors. |
September 6 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
September 10 2022 |
Health & Safety Seminar |
September 22 2022 |
Classes End: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
Sept 26 – 30 2022 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
October 4 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
October 20 2022 |
Classes End: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
October 24 – 28 2022 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
November 1 2022 |
Holiday: No Class |
November 2 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
November 17 2022 |
Classes End: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
November 21 – 25 2022 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
November 29 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
December 8 2022 |
Holiday: No Class |
December 14 2022 |
Classes End: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
December 15 2022 |
Graduation Event |
December 16 2022* |
Program End 360° Services students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
*Please note: Arrival and Departure dates differ if Optional Italian Language and / or Internship courses are added. Please contact our office for dates.
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
---|---|
November 15 2022 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (per term, applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
October 1 2022 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
October 15 2022 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
December 1 2022 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
---|---|
January 24 2023* |
Arrival & Program Start (360° Services Only) 360° Services students arrive into Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) between 9:00am and 6:00pm for SAI airport pickup and transfer to SAI housing. |
January 25 – 27 2023 |
Orientation Events SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
January 30 2023 |
Academic Orientation & Health & Safety Seminar Academic orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities to meet other students and professors. |
January 31 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
February 4 2023 |
Health & Safety Seminar |
February 16 2023 |
Classes End: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
February 20 – 24 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
February 28 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
March 16 2023 |
Classes End: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
March 20 – 24 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
March 28 2023~ | Classes Begin: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
April 10 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
April 13 2023 |
Classes End: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
April 17 – 21 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
April 25 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
April 26 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
May 1 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
May 10 2023 |
Classes End: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
May 11 2023 |
Graduation Event |
May 12 2023* |
Program End 360° Services students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
*Please note: Arrival and Departure dates differ if Optional Italian Language and / or Internship courses are added. Please contact our office for dates.
SAI Program Fees* | USD |
---|---|
Application Fee | $120 |
Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
Program Fee: Fall Semester Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Program Fee: Spring Semester Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Program Fee: Academic Year (2 Semesters) Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Optional / Additional Fees: | |
Optional 3 week Italian Language Course Before regular term, includes housing (shared room). |
Coming soon |
Optional Non-Credit Internship (3 weeks) After regular term, includes housing (shared room). |
Coming soon |
Optional 3 Credit Internship (6 weeks) After regular term, includes housing (shared room). |
Coming soon |
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
Coming soon |
Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Price varies by single/double occupancy and meals. |
contact SAI |
International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
SAI Program Fees* | USD |
---|---|
Application Fee | $120 |
Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
Program Fee: 1 Semester Includes tuition and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Program Fee: Academic Year (2 Semesters) Includes tuition and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Optional / Additional Fees: | |
Optional 3 week Italian Language Course Before regular term, no housing included. |
Coming soon |
Optional Non-Credit Internship (3 weeks) After regular term, no housing included. |
Coming soon |
Optional 3 Credit Internship (6 weeks) After regular term, no housing included. |
Coming soon |
International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Housing is only included in SAI 360° Services programs. Students selecting SAI Select Services are responsible for securing their housing independently.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a shared or single bedroom in the family home with basic furnishings. Breakfast and/or dinner daily are included. Please note that some homestays may be outside of the city center and require a commute to reach school.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law students studying in Italy for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for details on student visa requirements.
Students must appear in person at the Italian Consulate to present their student visa application. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for the appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all our students at no cost
SAI is dedicated to providing academic and cultural learning experiences abroad that enhance global awareness, professional development and social responsibility. We concentrate our programs in Europe, with a focus on in-depth learning of individual European countries and their unique global role in the geopolitical economy, humanities, and in the arts.