Art, intellect and refinement
A unique program, designed for exceptional educational and personal development.
Accademia XXI, in the peaceful setting of Pieve Ligure, is a haven for aspiring young leaders aged 17 to 25 seeking a transformative Gap Year experience. Inspired by Plato’s Academy, this institution fosters intellectual exploration and personal growth, providing a singular program of humanistic studies and sports for a unique professional career preparation.
The Academy Gap Year
Cultivate clarity, refine your vision, and acquire the skills to lead your future.
The transformative journey at Accademia XXI
Our program
At Accademia XXI, we cultivate critical minds and an appreciation for beauty through the liberal arts, sports, and cultural immersion. Guided by world-class mentors, our students explore humanistic disciplines, while experiencing the Mediterranean lifestyle through tailored sports and wellness activities.
Masterclasses, orchestral evenings, and visits to cultural institutions complete a journey designed to inspire excellence and personal growth.
Our program does not award formal academic credits. Instead, Accademia XXI offers something rarer: the chance to cultivate cultural literacy, self-knowledge, and resilience, qualities that distinguish our alumni in their university applications, professional pursuits, and leadership roles.
Within this vision, students can choose between two unique pathways:
Full Gap Year Program
(September – June)
Spring & Summer Term
(January – June)
Accademia XXI: a comprehensive approach to culture, sport and professional development
Accademia XXI provides a holistic programme, blending culture, sport, and insights into professional life. Expert-led masterclasses and visits to leading institutions offer students a unique glimpse into various career paths, complementing our fine arts and sporting curricula. We prioritise well-being with water sports and a Mediterranean diet, while etiquette courses prepare students for success in professional and social settings.
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the courses
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ORCHESTRAL CONCERT NIGHTS
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Etiquette and protocol
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Which path is right for you?
Your educational pathway at Accademia XXI
There is no single way to experience growth, discovery, and transformation. That’s why Accademia XXI offers two distinct programs. The Full Gap Year Program is designed for those who want the most comprehensive journey: a complete immersion into ten subjects, cultural life, and community. The Spring & Summer Term, on the other hand, provides a condensed but equally enriching experience, focusing on a selection of disciplines within a shorter timeframe. Both options give you access to world-class mentors, masterclasses, sports, and the vibrant life of Villa Ceriana—what changes is the pace and depth of your experience.
Learn more about how to decide which program is right for you.
According to the American Gap Year Association, 98% of students returning from a Gap Year abroad say the program allowed them to grow personally and helped them focus on their academic and professional paths.
An unforgettable experience: sea, culture and beauty
Imagine waking up every morning in a 18th-century villa with a swimming pool, perched on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean sea, where the salty air mixes with the scents of the Ligurian mountains behind it. A unique blend of sea and mountains, typical of many areas of Liguria, where the mild climate greets you every day, surrounded by a landscape that combines the beauty of nature with the elegance of Italian art. ACCADEMIA XXI is not just a Gap Year, but a journey of transformation, allowing you to develop your potential and discover your passions in an environment of extraordinary beauty. Here, education is not just the transmission of knowledge, but a celebration of thought, action, and surroundings, so that each student can build a meaningful, purposeful life while contributing positively to society.
Admission to ACCADEMIA XXI
takes place through a selection process, ensuring a stimulating environment made up of young talents from all over the world, eager to grow and discover their potential.
The italian experience: live the Dolce Vita for ten or six months
Studying in Italy means immersing yourself in a unique way of life, filled with culture, elegance, and conviviality. During your year at Accademia XXI, you will taste authentic Italian cuisine, explore picturesque villages, discover the country’s great artistic and musical tradition, and experience the passion for beauty in all its forms. An experience that combines the best of Italian culture with an international-level education, allowing you to gain self-confidence, sophistication, and an open mind. Walks through historic alleys, sunset dinners with a sea view, and cultural exchanges with students from around the world will make your ten or six months in Italy an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
Our Partners
We are proud to collaborate with leading organisations and professionals in their respective fields to provide high-quality training and real opportunities for our students.
