A-level’s alumni Kate Madden went from studying a-levels in textiles, art history and photography at our Newport Road campus in Middlesbrough to studying interior design in the creative capital of Italy, Florence! Moving at the age of 17, she is now 20 years old and in her final year. We caught up with her to find out more about her choice to move to study internationally, the practical steps to get there and how her time at the school studying a-levels impacted her higher education experience.

Tell us about applying to your course! How did you apply and how do you fund your studies abroad?

“Honestly it sort of found me.” Kate said when reflecting on her choice to study abroad “I came across a post of information about a university in Madrid and decided to search for creative courses at universities around Europe and stumbled on The Florence Institute of Design International. I could instantly picture myself living there and decided to apply!”

The process for my university was very easy and straightforward. I applied on a google docs form, sent over my GCSE results and was offered a conditional place. I believe the minimum requirements regarding a-level results were BCC, but after talking to others on my current course they were able to get in with varying other things like a portfolio.

Unfortunately, unlike in England there are no student financing aids. So I was fully supported by my parents throughout my entire course which I am very grateful for. When I applied the tuition was about 11k a year, but this does not include any sort of accommodation, software’s, supplies etc. which is obviously a major downside.

Tell us about the Visa process and moving?

I moved to Italy a few weeks before turning 18, meaning the legal process was a bit tricky as I needed parental consent. I applied for a student visa and had to go to the Italian visa office in London. I had to provide documents of my conditional place, apartment and also bank as they required proof that I could support myself. I found this process quite difficult as Italian bureaucracy is awful and no one provides a straight answer.

This visa lasted a year and was put into my passport which took a few weeks. Once I entered Italy, I had to apply for Italian residency which the university explained, when I applied it took me two years to obtain as they were so backed up but typically you apply for a new one every year. I made friends quite fast, especially ones in the same legal process as me and this made it a lot less stressful.

Did you need to learn the language?

I found it challenging and exciting at first as I could not understand anyone or where anything was but soon realised that most people speak English and due to the amount of tourism there are a lot of people around to help. My course is taught in English, and I have a huge range of classes learning multiple skills and software’s. I have classes of art theory, art history, architecture, photography, interior design, 3D visualisation, furniture design, 3d printing and modelling and analytical drawing. All my classes have been taught by architects and designers that are still currently working as designers in their respective fields, as well as having guest lectures from influential designers from across the world.

Tell us about the experience of living in Italy!

Moving somewhere new, especially one of the most influential artistic cities, gave me a great new perspective. I have learnt from some of the most influential designers and have visited a multitude of places. Florence is so diverse with art that you will meet people studying a range of different things you didn’t even know existed! I also took away the fact that the world is so open and in the arts its so common to travel and explore new cities and countries all the time. This is also one of my favourite aspects of living in Florence, obviously the city is so beautiful and rich with history, but the people and artists are what truly bring it alive.

How do you feel your time on your A-level course impacted you?

I really loved my time at college; I enjoyed the courses and made some lifelong friends. It helped me learn new skills and time management that has definitely helped me in university. But most of all, college gave me the confidence to carry on perusing an art-based pathway. Everyone in my life prior to college made me feel that an arts career is less important or doable than any other ‘normal’ pathway- so college was a whole new world of inspiration and passion that I found in peers, subjects and teachers.

What’s your advice to students looking to move abroad for university?

My best advice is to go for it! Its scary at times and can get confusing to navigate but it has taught me so much about my career and life in general. There are lots of information posts regarding how to move on the universities websites and they will typically provide you with the base information you will need! So, creating a portfolio and applying to many different places as possible is your best bet.

After graduating I will be moving back to the UK, living with my boyfriend and working around York and Lincon for a few years before hopefully transferring over to Canada or America- politics and work depending.

Keep up to date with Kate’s work on her IG: @Kate_ellen05 @Madden.interiors0

Find out more about our A-level pathways here.