The Foundation Semester is designed for high school graduates who need to improve their language skills and intend to enrol in one of NABA’s three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees.
 
The semester gives students a basic introduction to our curricula in Painting and Visual Arts, Graphic Design and Art Direction, Design, Fashion Design, Media Design and Multimedia Arts. For international students that desire to enter the Italian BA pathway, the foundation program will develop proficiency in Italian language so they can get the most out of studying at NABA and in Milan.
 
Carefully calibrated modules facilitate a gradual acquisition of increasingly advanced language skills. The program includes a strategic combination of intensive Italian language classes (290 lessons), workshops in the major NABA BA degree disciplines (Basic Drawing, Visual Arts, Graphic and Media, Fashion Design, Design), and cultural field trips in Milan.
 
A welcome orientation with intro to life in Milano, safety, lectures from NABA faculty on main discipline and specific field trips. Following this five-month program, a 45-hour Summer Course allows students to focus on the discipline they believe they want to pursue for their NABA BA degree. Throughout the Semester, a tutor will assist students in the creation of a portfolio that will be presented as part of the admission testing process for the Bachelor of Arts program.

Learning Outcomes

Intense academic and non-academic cultural activities will enhance students’ independent critical thinking and help them decide which academic path suits their ability, aspiration and potential.

Students will also achieve a good working knowledge of the English or Italian language.
This is vital in order for them to benefit completely from studying in Milan and from integrating fully in the Italian cultural environment. A final test will be administered for admission into the NABA Bachelor of Arts programs. Students who complete the Foundation Semester acquire the skills to pass the entrance exam.

Schedules, Deadlines and Requirements

The Foundation Semester is available only from January through mid-July. The application deadline is mid-November of the preceding year.

Admission requirements:

* 450 TOEFL score or IELTS 4.5 required for English Foundation
* High school transcripts
* Visa
* Health insurance

Curriculum

 
Italian Language
A total of 290 lessons spread along the curriculum, starting with a four- week intensive Italian course together with other International students to begin the language learning process in a multicultural environment. A final test will be considered valid to fulfill NABA Italian language requirement to be admitted into the BA programs.
 
Orientation
A full week of orientation on life in Milan, safety in Milan, transportations. An introduction to the main NABA disciplines will be provided, lectured by NABA instructors. Field trips to major Design and Fashion exhibition or events in town will be offered in the afternoon. 15 hours
 
Basic Drawing
How to draw. Introduction on basic drawing techniques that provides the foundation for all the Design and Fashion courses. A course that will focus on sketching, manual and free style drawing. 35 hours.
 
Visual Arts Workshop
How to draw. The students are introduced to the different drawing techniques with the presence of a real life model. Students will learn the basic academic design practices as well as building real drawing skills while having fun. 24 hours.
  
Graphic and Media Workshop


Fashion Design Workshop
Milan fashion and design styles. Studying and analysing trend setters in Milano by visiting showrooms, gallery, exhibitions. Students will be taking pictures to monitor, comment and research the step toward trend settings. 24 hours
     
Design Workshop
Thinking about, talking about, and making objects. A workshop where the students will explore different stages of observation and experimentation with a range of materials. They will focus on various facets of objects toward the creation and construction of an object in 3D. 24 hours
 
Portfolio creation
A group and individual support will be provided to our students in order to prepare a successful and valuable portfolio. The students will create the portfolio during our workshops and then revise it and adapt it to NABA standards with a NABA specialized tutor. 20 hours. 
 
Summer Courses
A two-week intensive summer course in the fields of Design, Fashion, Graphic or Media that the students can choose from NABA offer. 45 hours,