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Careers for Youth

Vocational design program in Italy for young people: what parents need to know

written by
Natasha Machado
21/9/2025
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5 min
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Deciding to send your adolescent child to study design in another country raises a lot of questions. Especially when we talk about a vocational experience in Milan, the world capital of fashion and design. How to ensure that it's safe? Does the program really prepare for the future? Is it worth the investment?

The vocational design program in Italy offers two intensive weeks of immersion in Milanese creative culture. 15-18 year olds explore Interior Design and Product Design through a methodology that combines theory and practice in balanced proportions.

Why is Milan the ideal destination for design?

Milan isn't just a beautiful city. It is the global epicenter of contemporary design, home of the famous Design Week and home to renowned institutions such as Raffles Milano International Design Institute, the program's official partner.

The city offers a unique environment where Italian tradition meets technological innovation. Its creative districts, specialized museums, and world-leading companies create the perfect setting for young people who want to understand how the international design market works.

Unlike other options of exchange for teenagers, this program focuses specifically on the development of creative and technical competencies in the area.

Program structure and security

Academic organization

The program works with a well-defined structure:

  • 15 hours of theoretical learning with specialized teachers
  • 15 hours of practical laboratories where young people create real projects
  • Limited classes to ensure individualized attention
  • International certification recognized by the European education system

Supervision and monitoring

Safety is an absolute priority. The program includes:

• 24-hour supervision

• Team specialized in young people

• Selected and monitored accommodations

• Constant communication system with families

• Organized transfers for all trips

Many parents are concerned about aspects such as Culture shock at the exchange, but the program offers preventive psychological support to facilitate adaptation.

Requirements and necessary preparation

Basic criteria for participation

To participate, your child must meet some fundamental requirements:

  • Age between 15 and 18 years old
  • Intermediate level of English (B1+ proven)
  • Be attending high school
  • Well-structured motivation letter
  • Valid international documentation

Pre-program preparation

Proper preparation makes all the difference in making the most of the experience. We recommend starting at least 4 months in advance, following a schedule similar to the one suggested in How to prepare for your first exchange.

Language preparation: Even with intermediate English, intensifying the technical vocabulary in the design area helps a lot.

Cultural preparation: Familiarizing yourself with Italian culture, especially Milanese, reduces anxieties and enhances the experience.

Emotional preparation: Talking about expectations, fears, and goals is fundamental to success.

Unique educational benefits

Differentiated practical learning

The program goes far beyond theoretical classes. The participants:

• Create their own interior design projects

• Develop real product prototypes

• Visit leading companies in the sector

• Participate in workshops with renowned professionals

• Explore the famous Milanese Design District

Development of soft skills

International immersion develops competencies that no Brazilian classroom can offer:

  • Independence and emotional maturity
  • Intercultural communication
  • Adaptability and problem solving
  • International network from an early age
  • Global vision of the creative market

These skills are increasingly valued in the professional market, as highlighted in our analysis of career programs for young people.

Differential of the Italian program

European university credits

A little known but extremely valuable aspect: the program offers up to 4 university credits recognized by European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

This means that your child can take advantage of this experience in future applications to European or Brazilian universities that recognize the international system.

Italian design methodology

Italy has developed a unique approach to teaching design, which balances:

  • Artisanal tradition Millennial Italian
  • Technological innovation contemporary
  • Sustainability as a fundamental principle
  • Functionality Without giving up beauty

Early networking

Unlike traditional courses, this program connects young people directly with professionals active in the market. Saint specialist speakers, visits to Real studios and interaction with students of other nationalities.

Family support during the process

Transparent communication

Be Easy maintains constant communication with families through:

  • Weekly progress reports
  • Photos and videos of the activities
  • Direct channel for emergencies
  • Virtual meetings with coordinators

Investment in the professional future

Proven educational return

Data from the program shows that 95% of participants return with clarity about their professional vocation. This means less time wasted on university course changes and greater career direction.

Impact on university education

Young people who participate in vocational programs present:

  • Better performance in selection processes
  • Higher engagement in higher studies
  • International networking From an early age
  • Differentiated portfolio for applications

Lasting competitive advantage

The creative market values more and more professionals with Global vision and international experience. Your child will have this advantage long before the competitors.

Be Easy: your partner on this journey

Choosing the right agency makes all the difference in the quality and safety of the experience. Be Easy has proven experience in youth programs, with thousands of families served and consistent positive feedback.

Want to learn more about how the vocational design program can transform your child's future? Contact us and discover why thousands of families trust Be Easy for this important decision.

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy