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Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
Spring Semester Elective 2022
12 - 18 credits
Semester study abroad students at NABA have the opportunity to delve into design fields under the mentorship of leading industry professionals in the design capital. SAI NABA students choose 4 to 6 elective courses, earning 12 – 18 credits, from the following design-based departments: Fashion Design and Marketing, Graphic and Visual Design, Interior Design, and Product Design.
Application: now open
Closes: November 15, 2021
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after closing as space permits
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- We’ve made our cancellation policy more flexible! See here.
- Learn under the mentorship of leading industry professionals
- Small class sizes provide direct and open dialogue with instructors.
Program Dates
January 11, 2022 – May 5, 2022
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Freshman (1st year) or above
Cumulative GPA:* 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Art & Design
Communication & Graphic Design
Design
Fashion Design
Fashion Design, Marketing, Styling, Forecasting
History
Interior Design & Product Design
Italian
Communication & Graphic Design
Design
Fashion Design
Fashion Design, Marketing, Styling, Forecasting
History
Interior Design & Product Design
Italian
Coming soon
Contact Hours: 45
Coming soon
Contact Hours: 45
The relationships between consumers and brands are increasingly based on symbolic, relational and emotional values consistent with the brand identity and its evolution. The "Brand Identity" creates a relationship with the consumer and therefore the perception the consumer has of a company is closely tied to the image he will have to that company, that brand. The course is dedicated to the acquisition of tools for research, analysis, strategy and visualization of brand identity, in order to transform symbolic, intangible and irrational values that a brand expresses into a project of visual communication conscious and creative, able to integrate the analytical, conceptual and technical skills in line with the new role of visual designer the professional market requires.
Contact Hours: 45
The course, consisting of theoretical lessons and practical exercises, aims to develop knowledge of the tools and methods of work of Indesign CS5 in relation to the demands posed by the professional world of printing and publishing.
The functions and tools of the program will be analyzed while introducing the basics of graphic design and technical issues related to it.
Through a path marked by projects, the course will pay particular attention to the use of lettering and composition in creating editorial layouts creative and effective. The comparative learning of technical and creative notions connected to graphic design will enable students to acquire an adequate knowledge of softwareâs applications to graphic design fields, publishing in particular.
The course will be developed simultaneously on a theoretical and practical basis
- InDesign basic tools
- How to use and manage the text
- How to use and manage the image
- How to use and manage colors
- How to use and manage layouts
The functions and tools of the program will be analyzed while introducing the basics of graphic design and technical issues related to it.
Through a path marked by projects, the course will pay particular attention to the use of lettering and composition in creating editorial layouts creative and effective. The comparative learning of technical and creative notions connected to graphic design will enable students to acquire an adequate knowledge of softwareâs applications to graphic design fields, publishing in particular.
The course will be developed simultaneously on a theoretical and practical basis
- InDesign basic tools
- How to use and manage the text
- How to use and manage the image
- How to use and manage colors
- How to use and manage layouts
Contact Hours: 45
coming soon
Contact Hours: 45
Coming Soon
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Interior Design | Course #: DD NB 265 | Open
Pre-requisite: This course is intended for students without any academic background in the specific subject area and for students attending their first year of university studies in Art and Design. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
A full-immersion course that will provide students with an overview of the Italian design methodology. Students will be introduced to the analysis of the elements of space, and they will have the opportunity to focus specifically on interior design, and to dive into intensive project works. Students will use lifestyle, art and design research in Milan to develop an interior space plan.
Contact Hours: 45
The course is based on theory lessons, instant workshops and exhibitions tours (Museums, showrooms and galleries). Aim of the course is to explain the key-elements of an exhibition: these elements are valued in the real context (exhibitions and shows); the last part of the course is dedicated to the project of an exhibition.
The course offers the fundamental notions to design an exhibition or a temporary installation. Students are involved in this design process starting from the analysis of the objects shown during the exhibition to the design of setting, graphics, lighting and any other element useful to build an exhibition. Students are expected to learn how to manage the process that involves the design of an exhibition. They will be able to start from a mood-board to present the first idea of the project, then to communicate the development of the project arriving to devise and communicate a global view of the exhibition (scale model and/or renderings, drawings, sketches, ...)
The course offers the fundamental notions to design an exhibition or a temporary installation. Students are involved in this design process starting from the analysis of the objects shown during the exhibition to the design of setting, graphics, lighting and any other element useful to build an exhibition. Students are expected to learn how to manage the process that involves the design of an exhibition. They will be able to start from a mood-board to present the first idea of the project, then to communicate the development of the project arriving to devise and communicate a global view of the exhibition (scale model and/or renderings, drawings, sketches, ...)
Contact Hours: 45
Coming soon
Contact Hours: 45
The discipline of Packaging Design, apparently composed for the most part from technical skills, is instead the most comprehensive design's training where many other areas of visual design turn out to be fundamental, as a packaging project is made of editorial, graphic / compositional, multilayer and post-production skills. The course aims to help students to develop a general awareness on the matter in order to understand the meaning of "packaging design" as a design path cross on different topics and not only as the single result of the final graphic composition. Through the growth of strategic skills, techniques and compositions, that will be gradually deepened at different levels, the course aims to stimulate a design concept based on the visual and technical knowledge and on a professional approach to the discipline
Course Overview
- Meta-design analysis
- Creative Process
- Structure, Materials Production
Course Overview
- Meta-design analysis
- Creative Process
- Structure, Materials Production
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Accessories Design | Course #: FD NB 305 | Open
Pre-requisite: Introduction to Fashion Design. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
Students will be exposed to the Italian Accessory Design field. In particular they will comprehend the meaning of evolution of contemporary luxury, Italian heritage, bespoke hand craft and modern industry. The universe of accessories (bags, shoes, small leather goods, etc.) is known as one of the most vital and interesting in contemporary fashion from the point of view of creativity. The design of these products is currently one of the most important areas in the economy tied to the worldwide fashion system. Along the course students will learn how to create a concept and develop a specific collection in order to face market requests.
The first part of the course go on upon the knowledge of Italian accessories universe. In order to gain confidence in
accessories basics, students will spend time to visit main accessories brands store, scouting products and taking
pictures of windows and people styles.
The second part of the course will be dedicated to creating the concept from which they will start to design a collection,
using professional features.
Lessons will have a theoretical part, where the teacher will explain the main models of shoes and bags and
their peculiarities, as well as the materials used in (leathers, furs and fabrics). Among the topics that will be studied there are components (such as heels, soles, etc.) and the technical construction of the shoe. The theoretical part will be followed by the practical one in which each student will design different models of shoes and bags after learning the necessary skills, following their subject of inspiration.
At the end, every student will complete their own collection creating the color-materials sheets about every accessory, using some tanneries color charts that the teacher will provide.
The first part of the course go on upon the knowledge of Italian accessories universe. In order to gain confidence in
accessories basics, students will spend time to visit main accessories brands store, scouting products and taking
pictures of windows and people styles.
The second part of the course will be dedicated to creating the concept from which they will start to design a collection,
using professional features.
Lessons will have a theoretical part, where the teacher will explain the main models of shoes and bags and
their peculiarities, as well as the materials used in (leathers, furs and fabrics). Among the topics that will be studied there are components (such as heels, soles, etc.) and the technical construction of the shoe. The theoretical part will be followed by the practical one in which each student will design different models of shoes and bags after learning the necessary skills, following their subject of inspiration.
At the end, every student will complete their own collection creating the color-materials sheets about every accessory, using some tanneries color charts that the teacher will provide.
Contact Hours: 45
During the course each student works on their individual prototype. The fashion design course teaches students how to design a fashion item, including the construction of the pattern and the sewing of the garment with tailoring techniques. An overview of research practice will enable the students to learn how concepts, moods and themes are conceived and developed to provide inspiration for clothing, color and shape. This will include how to draw a garment. They will develop their creative skills through studio and workshop practice and work on the construction of the pattern and the realization of the prototype with handcraft tailoring methods.
Course Overview
1. Introduction to the course; introduction to inspiration, fashion sketches; pattern making, fabrics and
prototypes.
2. Research; inspiration mood, colors, shape and sketches of garments.
3. Selection of garment, which will be realized
4. Pattern making, sewing toile
5. Cutting of original fabric
6. (Sewing of prototype)*
*subject to time constraints and participant's skills
Course Overview
1. Introduction to the course; introduction to inspiration, fashion sketches; pattern making, fabrics and
prototypes.
2. Research; inspiration mood, colors, shape and sketches of garments.
3. Selection of garment, which will be realized
4. Pattern making, sewing toile
5. Cutting of original fabric
6. (Sewing of prototype)*
*subject to time constraints and participant's skills
Contact Hours: 45
The course brings attention to the multiple disciplines that are intertwined with the meaning and significance of a dressed body. By tracing either ancient and modern themes, by analyzing the current social behavior it is possible to demonstrate how fashion is highly linked to culture, economy, political and religious ideas and to human behaviors passed down unchanged from generation to generation. In this perspective, the anthropological discipline is applied to prove that the way you dress is an aspect that deserves an attentive analysis in order to understand the current behaviors and element of primary importance to face an advanced approach to the fashion project in terms of research and development.
Contact Hours: 45
The course brings attention to the multiple disciplines that are intertwined with the meaning and significance of a dressed body. By tracing either ancient and modern themes, by analyzing the current social behavior it is possible to demonstrate how fashion is highly linked to culture, economy, political and religious ideas and to human behaviors passed down unchanged from generation to generation. In this perspective, the anthropological discipline is applied to prove that the way you dress is an aspect that deserves an attentive analysis in order to understand the current behaviors and element of primary importance to face an advanced approach to the fashion project in terms of research and development.
Contact Hours: 45
Fashion Styling is designed to expose students to the understanding of the process of Fashion Visual Image.
With a special focus on Italian Fashion Brands. Milan is a strategic city, the international capital of fashion. The Hub of Image strategy of main Italian Brands. Luxury and Bespoken Craft. Business and wearable creativity.
A perfect place where to explore the whole system, from corporate image, show room buying office, styling
and advertising to retail design and service experience.
The course develops students’ initial understanding and experience in Styles hunting and Image styling as the
foundations of fashion and project approach with the objective to further stimulate their potential skills.
From marketing and social trend: students will learn how to incorporate all information for an innovative
application of the trend skills.
With a special focus on Italian Fashion Brands. Milan is a strategic city, the international capital of fashion. The Hub of Image strategy of main Italian Brands. Luxury and Bespoken Craft. Business and wearable creativity.
A perfect place where to explore the whole system, from corporate image, show room buying office, styling
and advertising to retail design and service experience.
The course develops students’ initial understanding and experience in Styles hunting and Image styling as the
foundations of fashion and project approach with the objective to further stimulate their potential skills.
From marketing and social trend: students will learn how to incorporate all information for an innovative
application of the trend skills.
Contact Hours: 45
The course is a close examination of integrated marketing strategies, processing how to communicate the value of a product or service to customers, for the purpose of selling the product or service. It will also examine promotional tools that can be employed towards marketing goods and services on an international level.
Students will be led through the course by lectures, hand-outs (consisting of relevant information), class assignments, field research, and practical learning by doing. Students are expected and urged to engage in self study and preparation. In conclusion, they will have to present a final project which will connect all of the elements focused on during the semester.
Students will be led through the course by lectures, hand-outs (consisting of relevant information), class assignments, field research, and practical learning by doing. Students are expected and urged to engage in self study and preparation. In conclusion, they will have to present a final project which will connect all of the elements focused on during the semester.
Contact Hours: 45
Fashion is a process of creative synthesis of various stimuli, sensations and references coming from many different fields: art, product design, architecture and communication. Developing a personal innovative vision is the upstream step of designing a contemporary collection and trends research is the tool supporting a proposal that is really creative and innovative.
Research is a crucial step for the design process, and without deep, rich and varied research sources, innovation cannot exist. The more in depth research is, the greater is the potential for idea generation. Cool Hunting as research methodology is a powerful tool to create a new vision of fashion able to give uniqueness to the outcome of the work.
Research is a crucial step for the design process, and without deep, rich and varied research sources, innovation cannot exist. The more in depth research is, the greater is the potential for idea generation. Cool Hunting as research methodology is a powerful tool to create a new vision of fashion able to give uniqueness to the outcome of the work.
Contact Hours: 45
The aim of the course is to provide students a general knowledge of the history of Fashion and Costume. The fashion is a form of language, used to communicate who we are, to describe our society, economy, religion and many other things; it represents The Spirit of the Time. This would explain why clothes are nowadays studied by psychologists, sociologists, economists, anthropologists and art historians. The course starts from the analysis of the origins of Fashion phenomenon at the time of Italian Renaissance and its historical evolution from the French Revolution to nowadays fashion, as a form of individual or group language, as a form of communication within the society. Different fashion styles will be seen from an historical and sociological perspective. Fashion represents what we call Zeitgeistor Spirit of the Time and is always seen in the connection with culture, art, and social situations and trends. The course includes also information on nowadays Italian fashion system and the most important Italian fashion brands.
Contact Hours: 45
The course examines the role of the Italian contribution to the history of modern design. As a result of a long social and formal process that has its origin, more than in other circumstances, in the avant-garde movement of Futurism, design culture in Italy has always been much more than a mere, functional planning approach: thanks to the efforts and the ideas of the many actors that have taken part to its (practical and critical) definition, the word âdesignâ has entered in the core of Italian creativity as one of its most powerful component. Students are introduced into this fascinating world through the analysis of several (cultural, social, artistic, industrial) aspects and a chronological comparison with the international debate and production. The course also intends to provide an overview of the history of graphic design in Italy as mirror of societyâs evolution.
Contact Hours: 45
Coming Soon
Contact Hours: 45
Over the last five decades, Product Design has reached a high level of sophistication and complexity. Different design approaches and perspectives have conceptualized visions in manifestos, and this has influenced the design culture at large. The purpose of the course is to expose the students to complex design challenges, in order to develop their capacity to adapt to different design tasks and to acquire the necessary basics of cultural, conceptual, technical tools. The course is structured as an exploration of research and design experiences, which does not only provide the âÃÂÃÂhow to doâÃÂàtools but helps each and every individual to find the reasoning behind their doing. Emphasis is placed on developing research skills, which will enable students to source relevant materials, assimilating and articulating relevant findings.
Contact Hours: 45
This is an entry level Italian language course designed for students with no previous language experience. The goal of this course is the acquisition of a solid basic understanding of the Italian language structure as well as solid basic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
After a 45-hour Italian language course students should be able to express themselves in the present and past tense, ask and answer questions about daily life, follow a simple conversation in common situations (in a train, in a cafe, in a shop, etc.), describe people and places.
After a 45-hour Italian language course students should be able to express themselves in the present and past tense, ask and answer questions about daily life, follow a simple conversation in common situations (in a train, in a cafe, in a shop, etc.), describe people and places.
Contact Hours: 45
Designed for students who have advanced knowledge of Italian.
Consolidating students' knowledge of the Italian language and improving their communication skills.
Consolidating students' knowledge of the Italian language and improving their communication skills.
Contact Hours: 45
Courses & Registration
NABA courses run Monday – Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm. Students complete their course registration during the SAI application process by selecting their primary and alternate course choices. Course schedules are confirmed 3 weeks prior to the program start. Students receive their official schedule (with days and times) at orientation.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| November 15 2021 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 15 2021 |
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. |
| November 1 2021 |
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. |
| November 15 2021 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| December 1 2021 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| January 11 2022 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive into the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Milan Linate Airport (LIN). SAI airport pickup is provided between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| January 12 2022 |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| January 13 2022 |
NABA Academic Orientation NABA orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities for students to get to know each other and meet professors. |
| January 13 2022 |
Classes Begin |
| May 4 2022 |
Final Exams End |
| May 5 2022 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$15,700 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$2,670 |
| 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
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend an SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Milan |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees. |
$150 | $200 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$25 / course | $50 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$600 / month | $1,000 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $250 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation within Milan area Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $250 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is an SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
- Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
- Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
- Airport pickup and transportation on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- SAI orientation to the host city and school
- SAI staff on-site dedicated to providing personal assistance
- SAI Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities & trips outside host city
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- Access to and assistance with international cell phone plans
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event with all students
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- Assistance with student visa application
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
- SAI Ambassador Program for SAI alumni, with paid internship opportunities
SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.
Welcome Event
SAI welcomes students to Milan with aperitivi at one of the hidden and local trendy spots in the Navigli district.
Survival Italian Language
SAI offers Survival Italian lessons that cover basic conversation and useful phrases. Students learn to ask for directions, shop with local fruit vendors or order a cappuccino at the local cafe. The lessons provide a practical and hands-on approach to learning Italian.
Duomo Rooftop and Milan Walking Tour
Students admire the architecture of the spire-laden Duomo up close as they walk among the buttresses and statues and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop. Following the tour, the group discovers the fashion district including the Galleria, Montenapoleone and La Scala.
Day Trip to Pavia
The group will explore the enchanting city of Pavia, full of history and monuments. The group will discover this beautiful city by foot admiring the Strada Nuova and Vittoria Square and then passing by the Visconteo Castle and the Covered Bridge. After a typical local lunch the students will head to explore one of the wonders of Italy: the Certosa di Pavia, the Carthusian Monastery and Complex.
Cooking Lesson
Students will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of Italian cuisine while creating their own antipasto, primo and dessert!
Wine Tasting in Franciacorta and Lake Iseo excursion
Students will learn about Italian sparkling wines in the Franciacorta region by visiting a local producer. After a guided tour of the wine cellars, the group will enjoy a light lunch accompanied by gorgeous award-winning wines. The day ends at Lake Iseo, the Pearl of Italy’s Lake District.
Visit to La Scala Opera House
SAI students get an exclusive look behind the scenes of one of the most famous opera houses in the world, the Teatro della Scala. The group explores some of the history of this marvelous building, the famous people who have graced its stage and see the set design of the current show.
Farewell Event
Students celebrate the end of a successful term abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious Italian meal.
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 assignments are single gender; other housing configurations may be available under limited circumstances. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
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 information 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.
Other Schools in Milan
About SAI
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.