FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

IN WHAT LANGUAGE ARE THE COURSES HELD?

Both introduction level and intermediate level courses are are taught in English. Although we do not ask you for a specific level of English to be able to do the course you must be able to have good conversational English.





WILL I NEED A VISA TO STUDY IN ITALY?

Non European Union Citizens
You are required to apply for a student visa prior to leaving your home country. Applications should be made at your nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate. When you apply, be prepared to submit the following documents in their original form (no photocopies are accepted):
  • valid passport
  • letter of acceptance at NABA (the International Relations Office will provide it)
  • proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Italy (bank documentation).
  • private health insurance
  • proof of accommodation while in Milan (provided by NABA if it is booked through us)
NOTE: We advise you to contact the Italian Consular Authorities for further information as requirements are often subject to changes. This process can take one month or more, so please make sure you start with all the procedures in time.

Follow this link to find your nearest consulate:
http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/directory.htm





HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY COURSE?

Payment has to be made by bank wire transfer. Please specify the cause of the payment by writing the participant's name and the full name of the course on the wire transfer statement (ex. "John Smith – Summer Courses 2008 Graphic Design Studio").
Please notice that all bank charges are your responsibility along with any charges related to the transfer of these funds.
Please send a copy of the wire transfer payment either by fax to +39 02 97372280.
Here you will find the bank details:
  • Nuova Accademia s.r.l.
  • Via C. Darwin, 20 20143 Milano - Italy
  • Banca Popolare di Novara - Agenzia 10 - Milano
  • Acc. No. 000000020020
  • ABI 05608
  • CAB 01610
  • CIN G
  • Swiftcode: NVRBIT21131
  • IBAN: IT68 G05608 01610 000000020020
Please notice that all bank charges are your responsibility along with any charges related to the transfer of these funds (conditions “OUR” on payment order)





WHAT DO I GET AT THE END OF THE COURSE?

A certificate of attendance will be awarded should you complete 80% of your course.





HOW ARE THE COURSES STRUCTURED?

INTRODUCTION LEVEL COURSES (RESEARCH STUDIO)
An in-depth research process will develop during this 2-week period. Seminars will help students interact with other students from the various courses offered. External visits relating to the course will enable students to connect with the active fashion & design trends within the environment around Milan. These could include either a fashion or design company, a showroom, a gallery or museum, or a particular exhibition of interest.
Students will create an individual sketch-book/personal journal using methods of research that will be taught in the first week. During the second week students will complete this preparation, including a mood & color board that will also be used as the final presentation to the 2-week course. Students wishing to remain for the Design Studio block (15th – 25th July) will use their Research Studio development to begin their Design Studio work. These courses will concentrate on experimentation within the creative design process.


INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (DESIGN STUDIO COURSES)
An in-depth design process will develop during this 2-week period. In general the quality of education should be equivalent or superior to a second year of college studies (BA) in design. Seminars will help students interact with other students from the various courses offered. External visits relating to the course will enable students to connect with the active fashion & design within the environment around Milan. These could include either a fashion or design company, a showroom, a gallery, or an exhibition of interest.
Students will create an individual portfolio using methods of design developing from individual research. Students that have participated in the Research Studio level (June30th – July 11th) will be able to use their work to start this course. Students directly enrolling onto the Design Studio level should already have a basic knowledge in how to collect research and understand trends with Fashion and Design in mind. Students will be expected to present a portfolio of work that will be used as the final presentation to the 2-week course. These courses will concentrate on experimentation within the creative design process.





DOES THE SCHOOL PROVIDE ALL THE MATERIALS?

No, NABA provides basic material required to develop projects (paper, colours, pencils, markers, fabrics ect.). In any case please bring the advised material for each course: students should bring with them basic equipment for drawing, designing, researching and following lectures (coloured pencils, pantone markers, glue/scotch tape, rulers, notepads, sketchbook or personal journal etc..) A digital photo camera is strongly suggested for individual research purposes. Use of individual portable laptop computer would be advisable.





STUDYING IN MILAN: WHY?

The city of Milan is synonymous with cutting edge fashion and design. It is the heart of modern Italy. Surrounded by a centuries old environment it also provides an outstanding opportunity for students to explore the possibilities of tomorrow within the context of an evolving European/world culture. Milan is the place to attend international events, exhibitions and trade fairs such as the International Furniture Fair. The creative industries, embracing international Design studios, cool hunting agencies, communication and graphic design companies, television production companies, theatres, art galleries, museums and industrial production, make Milan a unique place to experience creativity and understand production processes.
Milan’s central location provides easy access to major Italian cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice and historical attractions like La Scala theatre and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are easily accessible from NABA.