Fashion, Event & Hospitality Management International Foundation Year in Italy
Explore the management behind fashion, events and hospitality in Milan. This Foundation Year connects creative industries with business foundations, cultural understanding and Italian language preparation for further studies in tourism, experiences and creative management.
Program
information
The Fashion, Event & Hospitality Management Foundation Year in Milan prepares international students for further study where business, lifestyle and creative sectors meet.
The program introduces event management, tourism and creative-industry business models, helping students understand how experiences are planned, organised and communicated.
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Students explore the relationship between fashion, culture and the experience economy. Art and fashion history provide context for understanding creative enterprises, destination identities and hospitality.
Italian language training and academic preparation support the transition from high school to undergraduate study. Milan provides a setting shaped by fashion, exhibitions and international events as students prepare to explore university pathways in creative and experience management.
Admission requirements
Required profile and documents
- Valid passport
- Final high-school diploma or certificate of current enrolment
- Qualification obtained after at least 11 years of schooling
- Official transcript of records
- English proficiency at B2 level
- At least 17 and no more than 27 years old at application
Academics
The curriculum explores management, fashion and event production, building cultural understanding, analytical skills and academic preparation for further study in tourism and creative industries.
Introduction to Tourism & Event Management
Explore the foundations of tourism, event organisation and the management of experiences. Begin considering how destinations, venues and events connect planning with the needs of different audiences.
History of Art & Fashion
Build a historical framework for understanding art and fashion. Explore how cultural references and creative movements help shape contemporary industries and experiences.
Italian Culture and Society through Media
Examine Italian culture and society through media, developing context for the study of tourism, fashion and the ways places and experiences are communicated.
Principles of Creative Industries
Explore the business models and working contexts of creative sectors. Begin analysing how cultural ideas and creative activity are developed into enterprises and experiences.
Intercultural & Global Competence
Develop awareness of cultural differences and international audiences. Build communication skills relevant to tourism, hospitality and creative management in global settings.
Academic Skills & Analytical Thinking
Develop the research, study and communication skills needed for undergraduate learning. Practise analysing information and presenting structured ideas about management and creative sectors.
Italian Language & Culture
Develop practical Italian for everyday life and academic participation, while exploring the cultural context of studying in Italy. Language preparation supports the transition to Italian-taught or international undergraduate pathways.
Program Structure
The program is designed as a coherent transition to higher education rather than a collection of separate courses. Every student combines a common Italian language component with one specialised academic track and ongoing admission support.
600
Italian Language
& Culture
- Beginner to intermediate Italian, with B2 as the target level
- CILS or PLIDA Italian examination preparation
- Academic language development
- Italian culture and practical communication for life in Italy
300
Academic Courses in English
- Subjects selected according to the chosen academic track
- Logical reasoning, critical thinking and academic writing
- Preparation for relevant national or university admission tests
- Practical workshops and portfolio development for creative pathways
Additional services
Program location
Siracusa offers a distinctive setting in which to begin studying business, economics and the social sciences.
Ortigia Study Center
Located on the island of Ortigia, in the 14th-century Palazzo Beneventano, set in the most charming square in the city, Piazza Duomo. The late-baroque style palazzo faces the Municipio, the Town Hall, and the Duomo, the Cathedral, both of which were erected on the ruins of two Greek temples, respectively the temple of Artemis and of Athena.
Neapolis Study Center
The Neapolis Study Center is located in the center of the archaeological district of the city of Syracuse, Sicily, adjacent to St. John’s Church, which gives access to its Catacombs network: considered one of the first places of Christian worship in the West.
Living and studying in Milan
An international student city
Milan offers international students the experience of living in a large, diverse university city, with different neighbourhoods and a wide range of cultural settings.
Developing familiar routines around study, local services and everyday journeys helps students gradually find their place in a new environment.
The Foundation Year provides time to build independence and become accustomed to life in Italy before taking the next step into undergraduate study.
Living is part of the Foundation Year
Living in Milan is part of the preparation for university. Students begin learning how to communicate, organise their time and manage everyday responsibilities in a new country.
Balancing study with life in an international city helps develop confidence, adaptability and a greater awareness of different cultural perspectives.
Why study creative management in Milan
Milan provides a context shaped by fashion, design, hospitality and international events. Students can begin observing how brands, venues and cultural experiences contribute to the city’s wider creative economy.
The city’s exhibitions, cultural spaces and event environment offer starting points for thinking about destination identity, audience experiences and the management subjects studied during the Foundation Year.
Italian in everyday life
Learning Italian extends beyond the classroom into daily interactions, local services and the routines of city life. Students can gradually put their language skills into practice in meaningful situations.
These experiences support confidence in communication and familiarity with Italian life, helping students prepare for the independence expected at university.
Student life in Siracusa
Student
housing
Student housing
Students live in program-provided furnished shared apartments, designed for independent living and study. Standard accommodation is in a shared bedroom; single rooms may be available subject to availability.
Apartments include high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, equipped kitchens, furnished living and dining areas, washing facilities and utilities. Periodic cleaning of shared areas and apartment maintenance support are also included.
Student support
Students receive check-in, check-out and housing orientation support when settling in, alongside help with practical and administrative aspects of studying and living in Italy and ongoing academic support.
Program housing is required for Foundation Year students unless they meet one of the exemption criteria established by the program.
Ask about housingWhat to Expect
Italian Language & Cultural Integration
Intensive Italian language and culture study supports students as they prepare for university and everyday life in Italy.
Academic Skills Development
Dedicated preparation in academic writing, critical thinking and university study methods helps students make the transition from high school to higher education.
University & Admission Support
Students receive guidance throughout their Foundation Year as they prepare for their next academic step.
Student Support
International students receive assistance with the practical and administrative aspects of studying and living in Italy, alongside ongoing academic support.
Housing Services
Furnished shared accommodation, housing orientation and ongoing support help students settle into life in Siracusa.
Field Trips and Activities
Organised visits and activities introduce students to Sicily’s history, culture and everyday life beyond the classroom.
24/7 Emergency Service
Students can contact the team for urgent assistance at any time during their stay in Siracusa.
Information for parents
Explore our dedicated page for parents.
Top reasons to join
Connect Business and Creative Industries
Explore the intersection of management, fashion, events and hospitality before choosing a more specialised undergraduate pathway.
Build Tourism and Event Foundations
Develop introductory knowledge of event organisation, tourism dynamics and the business of experiences, supported by analytical and academic skills.
Begin Your Studies in Milan
Study in a city associated with fashion, exhibitions and international events, providing a context for understanding lifestyle and creative industries.
Understand the Cultural Context of Management
Art and fashion history, Italian culture and media studies help students consider how cultural meaning shapes brands, destinations and experiences.
Develop an International Perspective
Intercultural learning encourages students to think about the needs of different audiences and the role of communication in international tourism and hospitality.
Prepare for Further Study in Italy
Combine subject foundations with Italian language and academic preparation, supporting applications to undergraduate programs in experience and creative management.
Our academic partners · Milan
IULM
University
IULM University in Milan specialises in communication, languages, tourism, fashion and cultural fields, bringing academic study into dialogue with professional practice.
Its approach combines cultural knowledge, practical learning and an international perspective. Campus spaces, student services and connections with creative industries provide a setting for students preparing to explore these fields at university.
Discover IULM UniversityFuture prospects
The Foundation Year prepares students to explore tourism, hospitality, events, fashion business and cultural management through further university study.
The combination of management concepts, cultural understanding and academic preparation helps students identify the area of the experience and creative industries they would like to study in greater depth.
Academic Progression
The track supports preparation for undergraduate degrees in business, tourism, hospitality and creative management.
With academic preparation aligned to IULM University, students can explore degree fields such as:
- Tourism, Hospitality and Experience Management.
- Event and Cultural Management; Fashion Business and Brand Management.
Admission remains subject to the entry requirements and procedures of the chosen university and course.
Career Pathways
Following an appropriate undergraduate degree and further experience or specialisation, students can develop towards areas such as:
- Tourism, destination management and hospitality operations.
- Event production, festivals and exhibition management.
- Fashion business, brand management and communication.
- Cultural projects, experience design and creative enterprise.
The Foundation Year is the starting point of an academic pathway, rather than professional training for a particular occupation.
Transferable Skills
Students develop abilities that remain useful across different academic directions:
- Analysing how events, destinations and creative businesses operate.
- Connecting cultural knowledge with management questions.
- Communicating with international and intercultural audiences.
- Organising research and presenting clear academic arguments.
International Foundation Year
Discover our other
Foundation Year tracks
Explore our other academic pathways in Sicily and Milan and find the direction that best matches your university plans.
Siracusa, Sicily
5 tracks
Business,
Engineering,
Architecture
Medicine
Interior, Product
Communication,
Business,
Science
LifeFAQ
What courses are offered in the Foundation Year Program?
Choose from five specialized pathways:
- Engineering & I.T.
- Architecture
- Business, Economics & Social Sciences
- Medicine & Life Sciences
- Communication, Culture & & Media
- Interior, Product & Graphic Design
- Fashion, event & & hospitality management
Each track includes subject-specific preparation and admission test training (e.g., TOLC-I, ArchED, IMAT), guiding students toward their target university programs in Italy.
What is the duration of the Foundation Year?
The duration of the International Foundation Year program at The Italian Academy is 9 months (Fall intake: September–June or Winter intake: January–September). It includes:
- 600 hours of Italian language and culture
- 300 academic hours of track-specific subjects, entirely taught in English
Is the Foundation Year certificate valid for access to Italian universities?
The Foundation Year is designed in line with the standards set by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and supports students in meeting the academic and linguistic requirements for university admission in Italy. The program equips students with strong preparation in their chosen track and provides targeted entrance exam training.
The Foundation Year program is offered in partnership between the Italian Academy and Kore University or ABADIR Academy, depending on the chosen track. The Italian Academy provides the student services, housing, language training and academic support for students enrolled in the program.
Students receive a Certificate and Academic Transcript issued by Kore University of Enna (protocol n. 12794 of July 7th 2023) for successful completion of the Foundation Year BESS (Business, Economics and Social Sciences), MLS (Medicine and Life Sciences), EAIT (Engineering, Architecture and IT) academic tracks. Students that complete the DFA (Design, Fashion and Art) track receive a Certificate and Academic Transcript issued by MADE Fine Arts Academy.
The Foundation Year Certificate attests:
- the complete course list and number of contact hours completed by the student
- the fulfilment of mandatory schooling and academic minimum requirements necessary to be admitted to degree programs at Kore University and other Italian Universities as defined by the MUR – Italian Ministry of University. Italian and international universities generally accept the Foundation Year certificate to fulfil their schooling minimum requirements, however, students should review this acceptance directly with the admissions office of the university of interest.
Students that obtain the Foundation Year certificate are still required to pass the national Admission Test to enroll in “closed number” degree programs in Italian universities.
Students that choose to take the CILS Italian language Exam during their program will also receive the University for Foreigners of Siena B1 or B2 language certificate, based on successful achievement.
In what language are the courses taught?
All track-specific courses of the International Foundation Year are taught entirely in English.
What are admission requirements for the Foundation Year?
To view admission requirements for the Foundation Year check our application page.
What are the application steps and deadlines?
To view admission requirements for the Foundation Year check our application page.
What are the fees for the program?
The total cost of the Foundation Year program is divided into three manageable installments. Each installment includes a portion of the tuition and housing fees. The first installment also includes the one-time enrollment fee.
Total Program Costs:
- Tuition Fee: €7,500
- Housing Fee: €110 per Week (for the shared bedroom in the shared apartment)
- Enrollment Fee: €400 (one-time fee)
Is housing provided for enrolled students?
Yes, we know that finding a place to live in a new country can be a challenge, so The Italian Academy guarantees housing for every enrolled student. To make your transition as smooth as possible, we manage all placements within our network of student residences and comfortable shared apartments.
What documents are needed for underage students?
Underage students (minors) Students who have not yet reached 18 years old at the time of their application can apply for the Foundation Year program provided they will turn 18 by June 30th of the year of program completion. Underage students who are admitted to the programme are required to send extra documentation:
- Consent form for admission signed by both parents
- Official nomination of a legal guardian residing in Italy for the duration of the Foundation Year programme until they reach legal age
- Parents’ ID
- Legal guardian’s ID
- Delegation form for requesting an Italian taxpayer’s code (codice fiscale)
Who needs a Foundation Year before studying at an Italian university?
A Foundation Year can be relevant for students who completed at least 11 years of schooling, need to reach the academic or language level required by an Italian institution, or want structured preparation for a competitive admission test. Whether it is necessary depends on the applicant’s qualification and the requirements of the receiving university.
What is Universitaly and when is it required?
Universitaly is the official portal managed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. Non-EU students applying from outside Italy use it for the pre-enrolment procedure required before submitting a study-visa application. The process begins after the student receives the official Enrollment Letter.
When should accepted students apply for a visa?
Students can apply for an Italian Type D Study Visa only after completing the following steps of the application process:
- Completion of the application form
- Signing the Program Agreement and any additional required documentation
- Payment of the Application Fee and 1st Installment of the Tuition Fees.
Students will receive an official Letter of Enrolment to be submitted with the required documentation to the Italian Consulate in their country. Students are encouraged to complete their applications and apply for their visa as early as possible, as some consulates may require extended periods of time (up to several weeks) to issue the visa depending on the time of year.
NB. The Letter of Offer issued upon review by the admissions committee of the students eligibility for the program is NOT valid for visa application purposes.
Are there any scholarships available?
No, scholarships are not offered for the Foundation Year program itself. All students must pay the full tuition, enrollment, and housing fees as outlined in the payment schedule.
However, students who successfully complete the Foundation Year may become eligible for dedicated scholarships or tuition reductions when enrolling in selected Bachelor’s programs at our partner universities:
- ABADIR Design Academy: Students from the DFA track may benefit from direct progression with a tuition fee scholarship when applying to ABADIR’s undergraduate programs in design and visual communication.
- Kore University of Enna: Foundation Year graduates who choose to continue their studies at Kore may be considered for special tuition scholarships offered by the university.
Can students work a part-time job while attending Foundation Year classes?
Students who are 18 or older and have a type D Visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week. However, due to the full-time commitment and mandatory attendance required by the Foundation Year Program, holding even a part-time job might not be feasible.