Programs
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FAQ
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Notice Board
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
This project is an educational program where you learn how to make custom-made shoes from the best shoemakers in Italy, the home of the luxury shoe brand 'Ferragamo'. Participants will not only learn basic techniques for making custom shoes but also create their own designs, layering premium leather materials to craft their bespoke footwear. You will acquire unique Italian craftsmanship skills for making high-quality shoes, including how to select leather and use various patterns.
PROJECT INTRODUCTION
■ Activity Details
1. This project will be conducted in English .
English Proficiency ★★★☆☆
Italian Proficiency ★☆☆☆☆
- As the main activities involve learning various techniques and making leather products, a basic level of communication skills to understand the production process is required.
- Classes are conducted in English as it is an international program. Therefore, studying English beforehand will help you understand the class content more easily. However, with enthusiasm, eagerness, and body language, you can manage just fine!
2. This project runs from Monday to Friday ( 5 days a week ), 7 hours per day (from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with a lunch break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)
3. This project is divided into two major levels, and each level allows up to 12 participants.
■ 2024 Schedule
20-week course
Spring Term: February 12 to July 1
Fall Term: September 2 to January 31, 2025
1. Learning the Basics of Handmade Shoe Making
You will learn about the basic tools used in handmade shoe making and how to create shoe models tailored to the shape of the foot.
2. History of Fashion
You will learn about how shoe styles have changed with the evolution of clothing, and how people express individuality through shoes based on their race and personality. Additionally, you will explore the changes and history of shoes according to social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the role of shoes as accessories in the 20th century.
3. Shoe Pattern Analysis and Production
You will learn how to create shoe models for various foot shapes and the detailed process of making each part of the shoe.
4. Sewing Techniques
You will learn about the sewing techniques used in handmade shoe production, including both machine sewing and hand stitching.
5. Practical Training with Artisans
You will have the opportunity to create shoes under the guidance of Italian shoemakers. Most of the practical training consists of exercises and projects focused on shoe making. This hands-on experience with top Italian shoemakers provides a chance to learn new things beyond theoretical knowledge.
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* Graduation Collection
This is the graduation collection of participants from the 20-week course, showcasing handmade shoes designed and created by them. |
* This project has a fixed start date and is open to participants regardless of their background or experience.
For detailed consultation on participation eligibility, please contact us via KakaoTalk @GapYear or email koreagapyear@gmail.com.
SUPPORT
 Local Orientation |
 Online Orientation |
 Online Consultation |
 Local Institution Completion Certificate |
 KGY Certification |
 Pre-Departure Care |
 KGY Consultation |
 KGY Mission |
 24hr Emergency Care |
 Flight Ticket Booking Assistance |
 Real-Time Consultation Service |
 KGY Note Book |
 Project and Participation Costs |
 KGY Mission Scholarship |
 OT Documents |
 Project Progress and Training |
 Studio Use |
 Cost of Leather Materials and Equipment |
 Cost of Participant's Shoe Production |
 Insurance (*Limited Coverage) |
Exclusions
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Other local expenses
- Accommodation and meals during the project period
* Note: Depending on the time of participation, there may be individual equipment and preparation items required, which must be brought according to separate instructions.
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
The artisans teaching this project are known as some of the most exclusive shoemakers in the world. They continue to create bespoke handmade shoes for clients worldwide and are dedicated to passing on their crafting skills to aspiring shoemakers.
This organization was founded in the 1930s by two leathercraft artisans after World War II. The goal of establishing the leathercraft school was to provide a means of livelihood for orphans and those struggling to find work in the post-war devastated country by teaching leathercraft skills. This organization is recognized for its dedication to teaching craftsmanship solely focused on handbags and shoes using leather.
Additionally, it has become renowned for being sought out by presidents and famous actors from around the world. Its products are well-regarded for their quality, attracting individuals from all over who wish to learn leathercraft.
Message from the Local Institution Representative
We gather only the best instructors in each field to offer a training program for you, coming from around the world. Through various programs, you will learn numerous techniques from handmade to digital, and be able to think in creative and cultural ways, blending traditional and modern skills. We are committed to imparting uncompromising craftsmanship. Your hands are the primary and most important means of designing and realizing all forms of beauty, and they will continue to be so.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Participants can freely choose accommodations within Florence that match their personal preferences and budget. For those having difficulty finding accommodation, Korea Gap Year will recommend nearby accommodations (guesthouses/hotels).
1. Homestay
Staying with a typical family in the host country allows you to learn the country’s culture and language. You can improve your language skills through communication, understand the way of life, values, and culture of the people in the country.
2. Guesthouse
A guesthouse is a type of accommodation where the kitchen, bathroom, and shower are shared. Rooms are assigned for 4, 6, or 8 people, allowing multiple friends to stay in the same room. Guesthouses are a good option for meeting various travelers and sharing travel information during short trips abroad.
3. Apartment Share
In an apartment share, 5-6 international students rent a house and live together. Depending on the house's condition, you can choose a private room or share a room with one friend. Unlike homestays, this option does not involve a family but requires sharing household chores like cooking, cleaning, and laundry with friends. It offers the advantage of interacting with friends from various countries.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location: Italy, Florence
Florence is renowned among all Italian cities for its luxury goods. It is also the birthplace of famous luxury brands like Gucci and Ferragamo. Many large and small leather workshops that create luxury brand products are gathered in Florence. In particular, Florence's leather market produces and maintains a range of high-quality leather products that attract travelers from around the world. Many students and leather specialists from around the world come here to learn traditional Italian leather crafting techniques.
Additionally, Florence is known as the city of geniuses, with many brilliant artists and artisans actively creating art. Visitors line up to see attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Michelangelo Square sculptures, which offer countless artistic works to delight and captivate tourists.
Top 3 Recommended Travel Destinations by the Planner
- Anyone 18 years or older is eligible
- Must be able to submit a high school graduation certificate
- Must be able to communicate in English/Italian
- Anyone with a strong interest in leather craft
- Anyone aspiring to be a fashion designer and learn leather crafting techniques from Florence, the birthplace of luxury leather
- Anyone with good manual skills who wants to make handmade leather items
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The participation period for this project is at least 20 weeks .
■ Participation Fee
20-week course: 13,800€ + Registration fee 500,000 KRW
* For popular projects, there may be no available spots Please apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
* The above project fee is for the apprentice (beginner) course, and for inquiries regarding the artisan/maestro course, please contact us separately.
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn more)
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay in full, please make an advance payment of 500,000 KRW. The remaining balance should be paid within 2 weeks. Based on the date of the registration fee payment, the process for confirming participation in the project will proceed, and we will check the availability and spots. To participate on your desired date and period, securing your spot early is important! (No refunds once participation is confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the payment schedule for the remaining balance may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information
For all Gap Year projects, it is recommended to apply at least 3 months before the project start date due to normal processing procedures and preparation time. The principle is to apply at least 2 months in advance. However, if you need to participate urgently, you can pay an additional fee for the emergency application service, which will help expedite the processing as much as possible.
* While we will assist with the fastest possible processing, please note that there is basic time required for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. Emergency applicants need to actively cooperate with the Gap Year operation team, as the process will be the same as for general applicants.
** If you apply at least 180 days before the start date, you can receive an Early Bird Discount.
*** Emergency application service can be selected from the options above. For inquiries regarding the emergency application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- Provided services: Automatic application for Gap Year missions and notes / Full materials provided upon confirmation / Additional emergency staffing / Support for document preparation if needed, etc.
* For those having difficulty with date calculations, please refer to the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
**Note: For extremely urgent applications, there may be no available spots depending on local circumstances, and the Gap Year refund policy will apply to subsequent procedures. Furthermore, any issues arising from the participant's lack of cooperation are the participant's responsibility.
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