Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
Spring Semester Elective 2024
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 closed

Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Italian privacy consent form

Highlights

  • Live and learn in the fashion and design capital of the world.
  • Learn under the mentorship of leading industry professionals.
  • Hands-on practical courses

Program Dates
January 9, 2024 – May 4, 2024

Eligibility Requirements

Age: 18+

Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd 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
Fashion Design, Marketing, Styling, Forecasting
History
Italian

Art & Design

3.0 Credits
Art & Design | Course #: AR NB 290 | Open
The Illustration course aims to stimulate and improve the student's graphic representation skills through progressive exercises and in-depth studies aimed at learning new methodologies and developing a personal style in drawing. The course aims to lead students to identify their own graphic style and to develop their own visual language in the field of drawing.

The course aims to lead students to identify their own graphic style and to develop their own visual language in drawing through exercises and discussions in the class.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Contemporary Art | Course #: AR NB 305 | Open
Art history as an interdisciplinary study of 20th century artistic production (visual arts, cinema, television and new technologies). The course focuses on a historical-anthropological approach with the examination of numerous materials (images and documentaries). Through the study of artists and movements, cultural trends and fashions, the teaching illustrates the transition from modernity to contemporaneity.

Course Overview
-theoretical and practical classroom lessons
-use of tutorials, videos or other in-depth multimedia material
-active involvement of students in the classroom through discussions and presentations
Contact Hours: 45

Communication & Graphic Design

3.0 Credits
Visual Design | Course #: GD BI 310 | Open
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
3.0 Credits
Visual Design | Course #: GD ED 300 | Open
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 software’s 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
3.0 Credits
Visual Design | Course #: GD NB 280 | Open
Course Description
This course provides theoretical, conceptual and practical competences that are propaedeutic to the design of communication elements within graphic design: from the scientific study of shapes and signs (basic design), to the visual identity of companies/services (corporate identity), with attention to the use of typography and to the right balance between aesthetic, strategic and technological components.

Course Overview
The course will focus on the following topics:
-Introduction to the scientific study of signs and shapes: basic design
-Presentation of the designing methodology aimed at creating brand identity (brand, logotype, naming, colourpalette, etc.) including the graphic and typographic elements that are necessary to the creation of a coordinatedimage.
Contact Hours: 45

Design

3.0 Credits
Interior Design | Course #: DD NB 260 | Open
The course deals with the design of space for human life. The learning purpose of this course is to reach full awareness and command both of individual and group design projects, through the understanding of the methodologies as well as the tools used for analysis, development and communication of interior design projects. Course Overview This course is based on the development of projects through a dialogue between the students and the teacher, during the class. Students are asked to use their whole range of design and communicative tools, from drawing to verbal communication.

The course will focus on the following topics:
-Reading and understanding space
-Interpreting briefs and building up ideas
-Relation between form and function
-Organizing paths within a given space
-Dimensioning rooms and furniture
-Materials, colours and light: the sensorial dimension of space
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Interior Design | Course #: DD NB 365s | Open
Pre-requisite: Interior Design I. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
Students will have the chance to analyze contemporary interior spaces and develop a designer’s professional attitude searching for materials, inspired by city exploration. The project-based work will be geared toward the creation of a model of interior design, using only regenerated or discarded materials. Final results will be presented in a final class exhibition.

At the end of the course, students shall be able to:
- Analyze contemporary interior spaces through observation based on personal research of Italian art and design into the city of Milan
- Develop a professional attitude in acting an interior designer and searching for materials as source of inspiration
- Develop a project with physical model of interior layout, using different materials and technique
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Interior Design | Course #: IN NB 309 | Open
This course explores the typical tools and techniques of a contemporary experience design project, in the intersection among people, spaces, strategies, digital services, artificial intelligence and the basic idea of "information". This is the real and virtual space based on the production and diffusion of data, their transformation, the interfaces that make them intelligible, navigable, manageable and editable, the new scenarios, the reprogramming of existing models and the implications of all that in the perception and use of the real space. Nowadays, the information society paradigm permeates culture and design: complex systems, networks, exchanges between real and virtual systems, mixed realities, new ecosystems and new concept of ecology. During the classroom activity, the course will develop a strategic project of a service or experience based in a hybrid real and digital space, from a user-centered perspective, that could also require an extension of the project in the fields of interface design and interaction design.

Course Overview
The course will focus on the following topics:
›User experience
›Customer experience (retail, multi-platform systems)
›Service design
›Interface design
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Interior Design | Course #: IN NB 310 | Open
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 "how to" tools 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
3.0 Credits
Interior Design | Course #: IN NB 355 | Open
The aim of the course is the development of a design consciousness through the exposure to different issues about the transformation of interior and relational spaces. The course is articulated in two projects: an individual project and a small group project. Students will have to create physical models of interior layouts, using different materials and techniques with the aim of stressing the ability to interpret and represent spaces and environments in a quick, easy and very effective way, to support concept generation and project proportion.

Course Overview
This course is based on the development of projects through a dialogue between the students and the teacher, during the class. Atelier-like classes are integrated with lectures about specific topics. Students are asked to use their whole range of design and communicative tools, from drawing to physical modeling to verbal communication.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Product Design | Course #: PD NB 290 | Open
The program aims to provide students with the basic tools to approach a project in the field of product design, through the complexity, diversity and plurality of the design strategies within the contemporary context of the global transformation of the industrial paradigm. The students will acquire a full understanding of a methodology to approach increasingly complex design issues, in very different professional contexts and market sectors.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Product Design | Course #: PD PK 300 | Open
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
Contact Hours: 45

Fashion

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.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Culture | Course #: FD FD 310 | Open
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
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Fashion Styling | Course #: FS FA 300 | Open
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
3.0 Credits
Fashion Styling | Course #: FS NB 300 | Open
coming soon
Contact Hours: 45

Fashion Design, Marketing, Styling, Forecasting

3.0 Credits
Fashion Marketing | Course #: FS MM 320 | Open
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.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Trend Forecasting | Course #: FD FT 330 | Open
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.
Contact Hours: 45

History

3.0 Credits
History of Italian Design | Course #: FD FC 300 | Open
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 Zeitgeistor 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
3.0 Credits
History of Italian Design | Course #: ID DH 310 | Open
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 “design” 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 society’s evolution.
Contact Hours: 45

Italian

3.0 Credits
Italian | Course #: IT IT 101 | Open
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.
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
October 15 2023
 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 1 2023
 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 2023
 SAI Scholarship Application Deadline
Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date.
October 29 2023
 Enrollment Closes
Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date.
November 15 2023
 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 2023
 Balance of Total Program Fee Due

On-Site Calendar
January 9 2024
 Arrival & Housing Check-in
Students arrive at 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 10 2024
 SAI Orientation
Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture.
January 11 2024
 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 11 2024
 Classes Begin
May 3 2024
 Classes End
May 4 2024
 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).		 $17,750
Optional / Additional Fees:  
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement
Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.		 $3,500
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 a 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 a 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 fostering a welcoming community for all students by providing assistance to diverse needs
  • SAI Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities & trips outside host city
  • Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
  • 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
  • SAI Student Visa consulting
  • 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 lunch at a hidden gem in the historic city center of Milan.

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.

Gallery Visit to Fondazione Prada and Bar Luce
Students will visit Fondazione Prada, which offers a captivating journey through contemporary art and architecture. This cultural institution showcases innovative exhibitions, installations, and performances by both established and emerging artists. Bar Luce, a whimsical cafe designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson Bar Luce and it exudes retro charm with its pastel hues, vintage furniture, and quirky decor.

Day Trip to Turin
There’s a whiff of Paris in Turin’s elegant tree-lined boulevards and echoes of Vienna in its stately art nouveau cafes, but make no mistake – this elegant, Alp-fringed city is filled with everything that makes Italy charming. The industrious Torinese gave the world its first saleable hard chocolate and Italy’s most iconic car, the Fiat. Students will spend a day discovering this royal and industrial city.

Wine Tasting
Students will meet at a Milanese Enoteca to learn about Italian wines. A local sommelier will give students a background to each wine, which will then be paired with suitable appetizers.

Day Trip to Lake Como
Students visit the beautiful and serene Lake Como, which promises a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Students will wander through narrow cobblestone alleys lined with quaint shops and will be able to visit one of the lake’s most loved lakeside villas.

Pirelli HangarBiccoca Gallery Visit
Students experience the Pirelli HangarBiccoca, a contemporary art space in the Biccoca district of Milan. Formerly a factory that manufactured train cars, the complex is comprised of various areas: reading room, bookshop, cafe, and three exhibition spaces which highlight the original architecture of the factory. One of these rooms is dedicated to a site-specific permanent installation by Anselm Kiefer (‘Seven Heavenly Palaces’). Built over 9 years, this is a staggering piece of work and an absolute must see.

Mindfulness and Clay Moulding
Students will experience a serene and enriching journey of mindfulness and creativity at a small local studio. Throughout the session, students will have the opportunity to pause and reflect on their experience and take home their clay creation as a tangible reminder of their time in Milan.

Farewell Event: Campari Tour & Aperitivo
Students tour the Campari headquarters and “toast” to the end of a successful term abroad.

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.

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.

Depending on the consulate, students will either mail in their student visa application or appear in person to present their application to the consulate. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in preparing for the appointment; SAI Student Visa Consulting is part of the SAI 360° Services included in the program fee. SAI Student Visa Processing Service is available for select consulates only, for an additional fee.

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