Accademia XXI
Why choose Accademia XXI for your Gap Year in Italy
Discover a unique and transformative experience in the beautiful setting of the Ligurian Riviera, designed for young international students seeking inspiration, personal growth, and direction for the future. Accademia XXI offers an innovative program that combines top-tier education, mentorship, sports, art, and culture to help you discover and enhance your potential.
A transformative Gap Year opportunity
If you’re uncertain about your university or professional choices, our program gives you the chance to take the time you need to explore your interests, laying solid foundations for your future. During the ten or six months in Pieve Ligure, you will discover new passions and skills, develop critical thinking, decision-making, and self-awareness, and immerse yourself in an international and stimulating environment. This experience is not just a Gap Year, but a true personal and intellectual transformation.
World-class mentorship and experience
The strength of Accademia XXI lies in the quality of its mentors and guest professionals. Our experts, leaders in their respective fields, come from all over Europe and will introduce our students in the Art disciplines. Their life experience, their professional lives and their sensibility and perspective can open up our students to a new and wider vision of life. They will be able to convey the importance of having an informed personal opinion, a critical view.
A community of thinkers and creatives
Accademia XXI is not just a place of learning, but also a vibrant community of young talents united by the desire to grow. Surrounded by motivated and curious peers, you will have the opportunity to share ideas and projects in an international setting, participate in exclusive events like masterclasses, orchestral evenings, and cultural visits, build friendships, and create a lasting network of contacts.
Strong focus on etiquette, critical thinking, and beauty
In our program, we place special emphasis on personal development. Through courses in etiquette and communication, we prepare you to stand out both professionally and socially. We believe that education, beauty, and self-care are essential for a fulfilling and meaningful life.
A charming location in the heart of the Ligurian Riviera
Our academy is located in an 18th-century villa in Pieve Ligure, perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. Here, you will immerse yourself in the tranquility of a breathtaking landscape, surrounded by art, nature, and Italian culture. This unique environment is ideal for inspiring creativity, focus, and personal growth.
A complete and stimulating sports curriculum
We believe physical well-being is an essential part of your educational journey. Therefore, we offer a wide range of outdoor activities, including sailing, tennis, yoga, canoeing, and surfing in the crystal-clear waters of the Riviera, as well as hikes along the panoramic trails of Liguria. With a focus on health, supported by the Mediterranean Diet, our sports program not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also encourages a spirit of adventure and exploration.
Which path is right for you?
Two paths, one vision
At Accademia XXI, every program is rooted in the same vision: to cultivate intellect, creativity, and character through liberal arts, mentorship, and cultural immersion. To meet different needs, we offer two pathways. The Full Gap Year Program unfolds over ten months, allowing you to experience the full scope of our curriculum and the transformative power of a year-long community. The Spring & Summer Term condenses this philosophy into a shorter, six months format, perfect for those with limited time who still want a concentrated, high-impact experience. Whichever you choose, both paths lead to the same destination: growth, knowledge, and inspiration.
Which path is right for you?
The best way to decide is to ask yourself a few questions:
1. Are you seeking a foundational, life-changing experience, or a focused, intensive one?
2. Do you have the time for a full year of dedicated study?
3. Is your goal to build a comprehensive skillset or to deepen your knowledge in a few key areas?
Accademia XXI
A place where natural beauty
and history meet.