Programs
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FAQ
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Notice Board
PROJECT INTRODUCTION
In this project, held in Florence, Italy, the birthplace of art, you will have the opportunity to grow into a world-class ceramic artist and creator under the guidance of experts. If you dream of becoming a ceramic artist, take part in this journey that opens up new horizons in modern art.
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Q. What is Ceramic? Ceramics refers to non-metallic solid materials made by heating, such as glass, pottery, and cement. * This project mainly focuses on pottery crafts using clay. |
Are you familiar with the comb-patterned pottery that appears in prehistoric history studies? It’s not just a practical vessel but also an artistic piece that doesn’t miss out on aesthetic beauty with its comb patterns. It reflects the ancient people's desire for beauty.
Crafts, like this, prove that humanity has had the ability to create things with their hands for a very long time. Taking a part of the earth and recreating it anew is akin to having the power to design the world.
Today, creative and innovative modern artists continue the long history of crafts that have been cherished for centuries. Embark on your journey as a new-generation artist in Florence, where tradition and modernity blend, and where the spirit of the artists thrives!
* Master Ceramic Crafts Directly from Florence’s Artisans!
This project takes place in a small class of 12 selected students. You will learn both theory and practice from teachers who are experts in their respective fields. Since the class size is small, instructors can focus on each student individually.
Take this opportunity to master Italian techniques with your own hands, and unleash the artist within you. After completing the 10-week professional course, you will discover a bright, new path that shines as brilliantly as the ceramic art pieces you’ve created!
* A Time with Passionate Aspiring Artists from Around the World!
Living a life without change can sometimes turn you into a frog in a well, without you even realizing it. To explore a broader world, you must continuously look at life from a new perspective.
Meet people who think differently in an unfamiliar environment. The foreign friends you meet in Florence, who have gathered to become future artists, are all brimming with passion for new challenges. By sharing ideas, visions, cultures, and identities with your friends, you’ll gain a new perspective that you’ve never had before.
* This project is held for a small number of participants at a set time. If you wish to apply, please do so quickly!
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Florence, known as the city of geniuses and the city of art, is a place where the whole city feels like a museum, with the breath of artists felt in every corner. From globally renowned leather and metal crafts to fine arts and design, artisans in various fields live as part of the city.
This project focuses on ceramic crafts, combining theoretical studies with practical training in ceramics, sculpture, design, branding, and marketing. Develop your skills as a creative artist in the heart of Made in Italy!
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Q. Do I need experience in ceramic crafts? Even beginners with no knowledge of ceramic crafts can join the project. Step-by-step guidance from instructors will make it easy to follow along! |
In this 10-week course, you will learn the basics of ceramic crafts using clay. Participants will be introduced to a wide range of fields, from traditional wheel techniques to 3D digital design, sculpture, mold making, and handcrafted production. The course is led by experienced professionals, and some workshops may be conducted in groups with students from other courses.
(*Both 10-week and 20-week courses are offered in the first half of the year, but only the 20-week course is available in the second half.)
01. Rhino
Learn 3D modeling software. You will learn how to develop basic shapes for simple pottery made using a wheel or by hand with 3D digital design in Rhino.
02. Clay Modeling
Learn how to work with clay using hand movements and a wheel, the concept and operation of the wheel, and some basic sculpting techniques. For beginners, simple forms are used to get comfortable with the wheel and clay.
03. Finishing Techniques
Learn how to decorate surfaces with glazing for shine, relief for three-dimensional patterns, and participate in the basic firing process.
Additional Information
- This project starts in the spring and fall every year. The spring course begins in early February, and the fall course starts in early September.
◼︎ 2024 Course Schedule - 10-week/20-week courses
Spring Semester: February 12 to July 1 (10 weeks, 20 weeks)
Fall Semester: September 2 to January 31, 2025 (20 weeks)
- Classes are held Monday to Friday (5 days a week) for 6 hours and 30 minutes each day. (* from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with lunch from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM) Classes generally follow the designated schedule, but may change based on the instructors’ and local circumstances. Please keep this in mind when planning your schedule!
* Specific details about the course will be provided at the start of the project.
- Participation is limited to 12 people. There are no specific requirements for joining, but your motivation and vision are the most important factors in determining participation.
- You may be interviewed by the local staff. This is to assess your language skills and understand your motivation for joining.
- The 10-week course is a basic course, while those who wish to take an advanced course can apply for the 20-week course. Since this course requires a visa for long-term stay, please allow sufficient time for inquiries and preparation before applying.
(Inquiries | Email: koreagapyear@gmail.com, KakaoTalk: @갭이어)
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English Proficiency ★★☆☆☆
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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 Management and Education |
 Class Materials Fee |
 Equipment Provided During Project |
 Insurance (*Limited coverage) |
Details of Support
- Project Registration and Participation Fee
- Dispatch and Assignment Processing Fees
- Orientation Costs
- Korea Gap Year Domestic Experience Certificate
Exclusions
- Round-trip Airfare
- Other Local Expenses (Accommodation, Meals, Transportation, etc.)
- Airport / Terminal Pickup Fee
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Additional Class Materials and Tools
- Additional costs for materials and tools will not apply to the 10-week course. For the 20-week advanced course, an additional cost of under 100 Euros may be incurred.
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
This educational institution in Florence, Italy, is run by a family of artisans who have been passionate about their craft for three generations. With a tradition spanning about 100 years, they have been producing high-end ceramic works that remain valuable over time.
The institution helps students grow with a young, creative, and innovative mindset, exploring ways to become modern artisans who view tradition from a new perspective and align with contemporary standards. By imagining and experimenting with diverse approaches, they provide students with a unique and inspiring learning experience.
A Word from the Local Institution Representative
We offer a training program with the best instructors in each field, gathered from all over the world. Through various programs, you can learn numerous techniques, from handmade to digital, think with a creative and cultural approach, and fuse traditional and modern techniques. We are also dedicated to instilling uncompromising craftsmanship in you.
Your hands are the first and most important tools for designing, creating, and realizing all forms of beauty, and they will continue to be so in the future.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
In Florence, where the project takes place, there are various accommodations available such as homestays, guesthouses, apartment rentals, and hotels. Participants are free to choose accommodations in the project area according to their preferences and budget.
■ Homestay
This type of accommodation allows you to stay with a local family, providing an opportunity to directly interact with the host and other guests. You can stay in a local host's home or in a place run by a Korean host living in the area. Depending on the accommodation, various services, such as meals, may be included, so you can choose a place that suits your preferences. Typically, you will share the house with the host or other guests staying at the accommodation.
■ Guesthouse
This type of accommodation features shared kitchens, bathrooms, and showers, and usually assigns multiple occupants to a single room, ranging from 2 to 8 people. Staying in a guesthouse allows you to meet various travelers, share stories, and exchange travel tips during short encounters.
■ Apartment Rental
This accommodation type is preferred by those who value personal space or wish to live with a group. You will stay in a local apartment, allowing you to experience living in your travel destination. You will manage meals, cleaning, and laundry independently in a private space. Alternatively, you may choose a shared house arrangement, where about 5-6 people rent a house together and live communally. In this case, depending on the condition of the house, you may select a private room or share a room with a friend as a roommate.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location : Florence, Italy
From the majestic cathedral and the towering ornate bell tower, to the museums and galleries that house world-famous works of art you've only seen in pictures, Florence has countless attractions to offer. You can enjoy gardens that are a pleasure to walk through, hilltop plazas with beautiful skylines, and, of course, the world-renowned Italian cuisine and the local gelato that each shop takes pride in.
Though Florence is not a large city, about 1/6th the size of Seoul, the entire city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and every street and alley is filled with captivating elements. Walking through the streets of Florence, you may even feel like you're stepping into a meticulously crafted work of art. As a global tourist destination, Florence also serves as a place where you can encounter countless people and cultures.
Decorate one of the most beautiful chapters of your life in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Recommended Travel Destinations
01 Duomo Cathedral
Located in the center of Florence, the official name of the Duomo Cathedral is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. "Duomo" is the Italian word for cathedral. The massive dome built of red bricks and the towering bell tower are practically symbols of Florence. Many tourists line up to climb the dome, but be prepared—there are 463 steps to the top! However, the view of Florence from the dome is an unforgettable spectacle, so it’s worth the challenge.
02 Michelangelo Hill
What comes to mind when you think of "Michelangelo"? The Italian painter, sculptor, architect, and poet left behind many great works, including the famous Pietà and the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Michelangelo Hill offers a panoramic view of Florence and features a bronze replica of one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. The original marble statue is displayed at the Galleria dell'Accademia, about a 30-minute walk from Michelangelo Hill—why not visit both?
03 Leather Market
If you visit the birthplace of "Made in Italy," a stop at the leather market is a must. You can find a variety of high-quality leather goods, including wallets, handbags, and jackets, at affordable prices, making it a popular spot for tourists. Even if you're not planning to buy anything, markets are vibrant places where you can experience the daily life of the locals, making it a worthwhile visit to immerse yourself deeper into Florence.
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ This project starts twice a year, in February and September.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 10 weeks.
■ The following fees include the project fee, insurance (limited to the project activities), and more.
- 10 weeks: 5,200 Euros + 500,000 KRW registration fee
- 20 weeks: 9,500 Euros + 500,000 KRW registration fee
■ Eligibility and Qualifications
- Intermediate to advanced English proficiency
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Individuals aspiring to be artists
- Those who wish to start an artist's life in the city of art
- Individuals who want to engage in cultural exchange with friends from around the world
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn More)
■ Installment Payment Information
If full payment is difficult, you can make a deposit of 500,000 KRW for the registration fee and pay the balance within 2 weeks. Once the registration fee is deposited, the process to confirm your participation will begin, checking the availability and whether you can join the project. Securing your spot early is crucial to ensure participation on your desired date and duration! (Non-refundable upon confirmation)
* Please note that if the start date is imminent, the payment schedule for the balance may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information
We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date, and ideally, no later than 2 months prior. However, if you need to join a project urgently due to unavoidable circumstances, we offer an emergency application service. By paying an additional fee, we will assist you with the fastest possible process.
* While we strive to expedite the process, certain basic time requirements are necessary for communication with local institutions and project confirmation. All procedures follow the same process as regular participants, so those using the emergency application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year Operations Team.
** Those who apply 180 days before the start date are eligible for an Early Bird discount.
*** Emergency application services can be selected from the options above. For inquiries regarding emergency application services, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- Provided: Automatic application for Gap Year Mission and Notes / Immediate provision of OT materials upon confirmation of participation / Additional emergency staff allocation / Preparation support if documents are needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating the date, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Go to Naver Date Calculator
** Note: In the case of ultra-urgent applications, there may be no availability due to local circumstances, and the procedure will follow Gap Year's refund policy. Additionally, any issues arising from the participant's lack of cooperation are the participant's responsibility.
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