Our Fashion Design & Merchandising Program offers a holistic fashion experience. Encounter the sources of global trends in business, design, tailoring, fabrics and materials, modeling, and marketing. Learn about the business of fashion from local experts and professors from the best universities in Milan. Join the Milanese design and tailoring scene through practicum courses at professional fashion institutes offering hands-on lessons in clothing and accessory creation.
Milan, Italy
Fashion Design & Merchandising
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Fall 2025: September 01 - December 12
- Spring 2026: January 19 - May 09
- Spring 2027: Mid January - Mid May
- Fall 2026: August 31 - December 16
- Academic Year 2026-2027: Early September - Early May
Credits:
15 to 19 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$20,995
Visa Required:
Yes
Housing:
Apartment,
Homestay,
Residence Hall
Language of Instruction:
English,
Italian
Language Prerequisites:
None
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in Program Fee
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
August 31 - December 16
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Chrissy Tyndall, Kaylee Brezinski & Rachael Grochowski
Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
About the Destination
Why Milan?
Fashion is in the air in Milan. As one of the “big four” fashion capitals (along with London, New York, and Paris), Milan is home to many high-end fashion houses such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and many others; and nearly all of the “big names” are represented. Prepare to be inspired by the Milanese standards of elegance and obsession with style—from the runway to the street.
The Student Experience
What's in Milan? A List of my Must-Sees
What’s in Milan? There is this social media joke that there is nothing in Milan, besides the Duomo. Milan is a little different than other major European cities...
Program Dates
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
September 01 - December 12
Application Deadline:
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 19 - May 09
Application Deadline:
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
Mid January - Mid May
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
August 31 - December 16
Application Deadline:
Academic Year 2026-2027
Program Dates:
Early September - Early May
Application Deadline:
Academics
Partner University Disclaimer
Due to recent changes, we will not be able to offer partner university courses at Istituto Europeo di Design during the Spring 2026 semester. We are currently working with Milano Fashion Institute (MFI) to determine if partner university courses will be available during the Spring 2026 semester. More information regarding MFI will be available later this Fall.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses in Fashion, Italian language, and culture, along with a wide array of electives taught by our world-class professors. Course options at prestigious local universities enhance not just what you learn, but how you learn it, and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Partner Institutions
Milano Fashion Institute
Fashion (Spring Only)
A number of English-taught courses are available at the Milano Fashion Institute (MFI). MFI classes have a strong focus on product development, brand design and communication, and textiles. Established in 2007, MFI is a specialized interuniversity graduate school, coordinated by POLIMI (Politecnico di Milano, one of the top-rated Engineering, Design, and Architecture schools in the world) in partnership with Milan’s Università Cattolica and Università Bocconi. Choose from courses in:
- Press Communication and PR
- Brand Communication Strategies
- Merchandising and Buying
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15-19 credits per semester. Language courses are taught in Italian, and all other courses are taught in English or Italian.
- IES Abroad Italian language course at your proficiency level (required, 4 or 6 credits)
- English-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)
- Fashion-related courses (in English or Italian) at local universities (optional, credits vary)
- English- or Italian-taught IES Abroad elective courses (optional, 3 credits each)
- Internship and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
- Community-based learning placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
IES Abroad Courses
Architecture (1)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES/AT/US 315 - Urban Design and Sustainability | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution Courses
Enrolling in a partner institution course is a great way to meet Italians and experience the Italian education system first-hand. As a student in the Fashion Design & Merchandising program, two partner institution courses are included in the program cost, provided that you meet the institution's requirements. Any additional enrollments will carry an additional fee.
Most partner institution courses are worth 3 credits. Specific course listings and descriptions are not available on the institutions' websites until shortly before the beginning of the term and may be updated frequently. The IES Abroad staff will assist you with the partner institution enrollment process.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins - some local university courses may not be available to sophomores
- No Italian required
About the IES Abroad Milan Center
IES Abroad Milan
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
Our long-standing presence in Milan got an upgrade in 2024: welcome to the brand new IES Abroad Milan Center. It has architectural history, over a dozen classrooms, a 280-seat auditorium, onsite gym, plenty of study spaces, and more. This cutting edge center will be your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Milan Staff
Luca Blumer
Student Affairs Manager
Amanda Swain
Assistant Director
Marta Brambilla
Internship Coordinator
Laura Carrera
Center HR Administrator
Giorgia Cima
Academic Advisor
Giulia Glouchtchenko
Student Affairs Assistant
Teresa Keller
Academic Assistant
Manuela Nigrelli
Housing Coordinator
Alessia Palmieri
Student Event Coordinator
Lorenzo Rossetti
Housing Assistant
Anna Salandini
Accounting & Budget Manager
Housing
Apartment
Live in a furnished apartment located in a safe and lively district. Located on main public transportation routes, apartments are within a 40-minute commute to the Center, and each apartment offers fully equipped kitchens, Internet access, a dishwasher, and a washing machine. These apartments are single-sex. Premium location units may carry an additional cost. Apartment life can be enhanced by a live-in Italian roommate called a Community Assistant (CA). These Assistants can help you improve your Italian language skills, get to know the city of Milan, and integrate more fully into the local culture. Meals are not included, so you normally eat lunch at a local café or a university cafeteria, and prepare your own breakfast and dinner at home.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Milan, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Parma & Vineyards
Want to find out the difference between "parmesan cheese" and Parmigiano Reggiano? A trip to the wonderful city of Parma, in the Emilia Romagna region, will teach you that and more. Guided tours of the Duomo, Baptistery, and the Farnese Theater will follow a visit to a state-of-the-art vineywards, in the rolling hills west of Parma.
Luxury Cars & Food of Italy
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Learn what's behind these two cornerstones of the Italian economy. How did Enzo Ferrari build such iconic sports cars and balsamic vinegar become a World-renowned delicacy? You'll find out from the source!
Turin
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Experience the city of cinema, royal palaces, and chocolate. Once the capital of Italy, Turin is a refined, elegant metropolitan city of great historical interest, with a touch of contemporary, cosmopolitan buzz. Explore its baroque architecture and some of...
Lake Maggiore
1 Day
Fall & Summer
Visit the charming city of Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Get the full scenic tour on a private boat that will take you to see the three marvelous Borromean Islands, along with their museums and botanical gardens, situated in the heart of the lake.
Cinque Terre
1 Day
Fall & Summer
Get inspired while hiking the trails of this UNESCO World-Heritage site and visiting its picturesque towns overlooking the Mediterranean sea. If that wasn't enough, you'll also get to enjoy a boat tour to see the colorful villages from the sea.
Verona
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Take a trip to the Veneto region to see the famous location of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, also known as the "City of Love."
Part-Time Internships
Kristen W. • Villanova University
Did you know that, while in Milan, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a mandatory 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Placement Examples
Business
Fashion
Law
Experiential Learning
Community-Based Learning
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Milan is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience first-hand some of the social issues that affect Milan, while applying your skills toward a community-driven solution.
A community-based learning placement consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by a weekly academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community.
IES Abroad Milan partners with the local city government’s immigration department to provide a range of community-based learning opportunities from working to grant asylum to immigrants to developing job-training programs. Additional partners include: a community soup kitchen, food bank and tutoring services for children in need.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Fall 2025
Academic Year 2025
Spring 2026
Fall 2026
Academic Year 2026-2027
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
PRO-TIP
Apply for your passport today!
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Contact a Previous Student
Student Ambassadors
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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