About AI

International Student Body: Approximately 40% of the student body is Italian, 20% is American and the remaining 40% are from countries throughout the world. This diverse make-up contributes to a unique learning environment in which students have an opportunity to exchange ideas and express their individual creativity within an international forum. The diversity also presents a unique level of immersion and the opportunity for students from multiple cultural backgrounds to explore the Italian language and culture together. All classes are offered in both Italian and English. You do not need to speak Italian to study at AI.

 

Unique and Diverse Course Offerings: At our schools in Florence and Rome, students may choose from more than 100 courses in fashion design, textiles, interior and product design, graphic design, photography and new media, jewelry design, studio art, Italian language and culture, art history and much more.

Faculty and staff:  Accademia Italiana’s international faculty are all prominent, well-connected designers, artists and scholars who are working professionals in their chosen fields. Our staff has decades of experience in student services and advising and is ready to assist students from many diverse cultures to settle in and make the most of their academic experience. 

Emphasis on Practical Experience: Accademia Italiana’s teaching philosophy embraces the importance of practical, “real-life” experience. Faculty utilize the host city as a living classroom and incorporate into their lesson plans weekly visits to local museums, businesses, studios and centers of industry. With an average class size of 12 students, individual attention to student development is guaranteed. 90% of AI’s bachelor’s degree students are employed within a year of graduating. Alumni have worked for famous names in fashion and design (Gucci, Prada, Calvin Klein, Roberto Cavalli, IKEA) and have opened their own successful businesses.

World-Renowned Guest Speakers and Class Lecturers: Each term, numerous successful designers and artists visit Accademia Italiana to share their personal backgrounds and knowledge about the field and offer advice useful to up-and-coming young artists and designers. Recent guests to the Accademia have included Oliviero Toscani (photography), Ermanno Scervino (fashion), Eva Cavalli (fashion), Vivienne Westwood (fashion), Riccardo Dalisi (architecture), Silvio Cocco (graphic design), SWATCH Italy, Ikea and more.
AI Alumni are Part of an International Network of thousands of scholars, designers and artists who enjoy an exchange of ideas, project collaboration, career mentorship and professional development opportunities for a lifetime.