Maddalena Catania
Student

Milano
29.07.2023

I spent three fantastic weeks in Troia, and putting into words what I’ve experienced here will surely not do justice to the beauty I’ve found since I arrived. What I treasure the most from this experience are the friendships I’ve formed with people from all over Italy and beyond, and I hope to stay in touch with them even after DIT (Design in Town) is over. Diving into an experience like this requires a willingness to engage with people you don’t know and to take on tasks that often seem beyond your reach, but I can assure you it’s worth it.
I attended courses in videomaking, design, architecture, fashion, graphic design, and communication, and photography. I truly enjoyed all the courses, but some of them particularly captivated me thanks to the professors who conveyed their love for the subject in the few days of class (like our videomaking professor, Leopoldo Caggiano, and the photography professor, Mariano Dallago).
It’s impossible not to connect with the other students, especially since all the courses require working in groups. Personally, I am quite outgoing, but I also saw more reserved boys and girls stepping out of their comfort zones and meeting new people.
From a practical work perspective, we were constantly supported, both by the always available professors and by the tutors who accompanied us throughout the different weeks. Coming from design or art-related faculties, they had all the tools to help us.
Having completed this experience, I can say that anyone has the opportunity to grow in an environment like Design in Town, whether they come from a first-year scientific high school or a fifth-year artistic high school.
I recommend this experience to anyone who has a desire to work but, above all, a predisposition to be amazed by everything that is offered, as it is from wonder that the desire to create and be creative arises.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all the people who accompanied me on this journey, especially all the friends I’ve made, the tutors (Ivan, JJ, and Fabio), the professors (all truly exceptional), and the legendary Pasquale.

Valentina Rossi
Parent of Tessa
Liceo Artistico Orsoline, Milan

Milano
17.07.2023

Tessa attended two weeks at DIT focused on architecture, design, fashion, and photography. She started the experience not very convinced, not knowing anyone and with some prejudices. Let’s say we pushed her to participate, assuming it would be meaningful and outside her comfort zone, parameters we have always used to propose summer experiences to our children. The newly arrived students immediately start working on a project guided by a professional in the field. They wake up early in the morning (very early) for physical warm-up, have an assignment, and must complete it, even working late into the evening. They go around the town (in absolute safety) to gather materials, inspiration, conduct interviews, and take photos. The locals are welcoming and by now recognize them as the DIT kids. That’s why they all have to manage themselves equally and without logos. What I can report as a parent (and therefore not a direct participant) is that the proposed experience is immersive and total and certainly impactful: I must also admit that in the first two days, my daughter Tessa’s voice was a bit tense, as if she was wondering, ‘why did I do this?’ If you don’t let the initial impact scare you, DIT wins you over for the consistency of the project, the professionalism of the staff involved, and the charm and warmth of the Puglian land (a Milanese would notice it!). So what can I say: excellent experience for my daughter, who definitely returned tired but free to express herself and free from many ‘baggage’ that city kids often carry… well done, Pasquale!

Emma Fumagalli
Student

Monza
25.06.2023

I spent two intense weeks here at Design in Town, even though I started with concerns because I didn’t know anyone, I found myself among fantastic people, including tutors and professors, who were welcoming and helpful despite the stressful environment of intensive work during the courses. It’s certainly not easy to live with so many people, but that’s why it’s easy to make friends, especially considering that most of the projects are group-based and involve the city, its history, and its residents. I feel like I learned a lot about the chosen subjects, and even though I spent a lot of time with the people I met here, it doesn’t seem like enough.

Stefania Croce
Parent of Jose David Miccio Croce
Cine TV Roberto Rossellini, Rome

Rome
03.07.2023

Excellent and meticulous organization. They allowed the participants to acquire new knowledge and deepen what they already had, in a playful yet professional atmosphere. They made sure that each student had the right motivation to face the various activities. My son came home enthusiastic and even plans to participate again next year. Thanks to everyone for their attention to the needs of the students.

Matilde Scarpelli
Student

Milano
23.07.2023

Participating in Design In Town is certainly a unique experience, not always easy but one of a kind. Most of the professors were very stimulating, and the projects were interesting. In the three working days, you immerse yourself completely in the project subject, also interacting with the town and its residents. The company you find is a fundamental aspect of the experience; personally, during all three weeks, I found a pleasant environment, light-hearted, with friendly and open-minded girls and boys; some relationships were created that I hope to maintain even after the campus ends. The tutors were also always friendly and ready to help, contributing to maintaining a positive atmosphere. In general, I would recommend this experience, even though you shouldn’t expect it to be easy all the time; there will certainly be moments of difficulty, and you need to be ready to adapt to new routines, but then again, that would happen in any kind of campus. Perhaps I would recommend doing two weeks instead of three, as after a while, the rhythms can be tiring, but despite that, I’m happy I came, and I’m sure I’ve embarked on both educational and personal growth.

Ludovica Fedeli
Student

Milano
31.07.2023

Design in Town is a unique experience that I would absolutely do again. It was an opportunity to meet many people, including students, tutors, professors, and locals. The first days were challenging because of doubts and fatigue from the intense work pace, but then the engagement came naturally and with pleasure. We were guided by skilled professionals who not only generously expanded our knowledge in the chosen fields but also made us feel capable and determined to complete the assigned tasks. Working and spending the day with other students excited me a lot, but I am even happier about the friendships that have developed and that I hope to continue even after the campus ends. The tutors were always friendly and ready to help, contributing to maintaining a positive atmosphere. Every time there was a problem, they were there to assist, in addition to all the fun and laughter moments. In general, I would recommend this experience, even though you shouldn’t expect it to be easy all the time; there will certainly be moments of difficulty, and you need to be ready to adapt to new routines. Maybe I would recommend doing two weeks instead of three, as after a while, the rhythms can be tiring, but despite that, I’m happy I came, and I’m sure I’ve embarked on both educational and personal growth.

Giulio Cesare Solaroli
Parent of Enrico Solaroli
Liceo Scientifico G. Ricci Curbastro di Lugo

Bagnacavallo
09.08.2023

The courses offered by DIT are fantastic; they give students the opportunity to experience the complexity of working on real problems (not simple exercises with the solution readily available) with strict constraints (especially in terms of time and materials) that force students to consider all pieces of their puzzle in a “creative” way. As for me, the topics proposed, as interesting as they are, are just an excuse to encourage students to tackle real design challenges constructively. The fact that everything is done in Troia makes it even more special; the students have incredible freedom of movement (safely, given the town’s layout), and their “uniforms” make them an integral part of the place, whose residents have already learned to recognize them and interact with them in ways that would be unthinkable elsewhere.

Michela Sbardolini
Parent of Lara Bonetti
Liceo Artistico Decio Celeri, Lovere

Costa Volpino
25.08.2023

We learned about this design and creativity Summer Camp from the presentation at our school, and immediately it seemed like a great opportunity for Lara to get closer to the disciplines she loves so much and that could potentially become her future profession. Hence, the decision to enroll her in weeks 9 and 10 of the Campus. We knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park because these two weeks were anything but a vacation. Indeed, from her stories afterward, we could understand and appreciate our choice even more. These were intense weeks where she learned a lot and pushed herself to complete the assigned projects. This experience also helped her address some of her insecurities and fears. She went alone, not knowing anyone, and returned more self-assured with new friendships. We know that the first week wasn’t easy for her, but thanks to Pasquale, the tutors, and her new friends, she tackled the second week with more ease. She told us that this was a fantastic experience, even though it involved sleepless nights to complete the projects. She’s almost certain that she’ll return next year for weeks 9 and 10, so Pasquale, get ready 🫣. A special thanks to Pasquale for everything and to the tutors for guiding her on this extraordinary

Ivan Zoccolan
Parent of Matteo Zoccolan
Liceo Artistico Preziosissimo Sangue, Monza

Muggiò (MB)
08.08.2023

“Design in Town” has undoubtedly left a positive and lasting impression on my son. Although he wasn’t entirely enthusiastic at the beginning, the experience turned out to be very educational. His increased independence was evident, and he made friends more easily than usual. I believe that living in a community with its difficulties and advantages has been a great learning experience for him. The teachers were inspiring, guiding the students through creative challenges and practical exercises. The most remarkable aspect was the dedication to completing projects within tight time constraints, pushing the participants to overcome obstacles and work persistently, even late into the night. This experience has clearly shaped my son’s understanding of the importance of commitment and perseverance. I’m glad I gave him the opportunity to participate in “Design in Town,” as I’m certain the lessons learned will positively influence his future path.

Matilde De Palo
Parent of Emi Okano
Liceo Artistico Boccioni, Milano

Milan
17.07.2023

My daughter returned from two weeks at DIT thrilled! It was a fantastic all-round educational experience: working on a project, teamwork, making new friends, getting help from the locals, and more! Next year, she wants to come back for three weeks! Absolutely recommended and worth promoting!!!

Lorenzo Angelo Crotti
Student

Garbagnate Milanese
09.07.2023

My experience at DIT was exciting, fun, but above all, intensive. Projects start and finish within three days, so the most important requirements for participating in this camp are commitment and perseverance (I strongly advise anyone thinking of coming here for a few weeks of relaxation not to do so). Although I didn’t know anyone, I made friends easily thanks to the presence of friendly and outgoing people. Pasquale, as stern as he may seem, always pushes us to give our best. In conclusion, it was two intense but beautiful weeks. If the opportunity arises in the future, I would definitely come back.

Marina Visconti
Parent of Giorgia Serpone
Liceo Scientifico De Sanctis, Naples

Naples
03.07.2023

Beautiful experience, I had been looking for something like this for years without success. Competent and passionate teachers and perfect organization.

Veronica Lombardi
Student

Rome
09.07.2023

This experience has certainly taught me a lot about commitment and the hard work that goes into every creative project. At the beginning, I was doubtful about the possibility of completing an entire project in 3 days, especially in moments when everything had to be changed at the last minute. Nevertheless, I was surprised and almost incredulous at the fantastic result we were able to achieve in such a short time, and all the efforts made were rewarded by the satisfaction of seeing our work finished and appreciated not only by our peers but also by the teachers. There is a lot of work to be done, and if you don’t have a team spirit or the desire to work, it can be challenging to adapt. However, I can assure you that all the coworkers, teachers, and tutors are available and supportive. I will definitely never forget the friends, teachers, and tutors who made these two weeks of work, as well as laughter and fun, possible.

Pietro Milano
Parent of Angela Milano
Liceo Artistico De Nittis – Pascali, Bari

Bari
11.08.2023

Contrary to what is commonly thought by us southerners, i.e., “since it’s in the south… it can’t be of quality,” “Design in Town” in Troia (FG) turned out to be a real course of “daring” for our young people, rich in emotions, trials, challenges, and personal satisfactions. It was just what my daughter needed to step out of her comfort zone and bring out the best in herself, dormant as it was. I hope that in the future, southern students, especially from Puglia, can see and seize the real opportunity it offers. Thank you to everyone. Pietro!

Alessandro Panza
Student

Mirandola
25.06.2023

Great experience, full of adventure and fun, well organized, and super helpful tutors.

José David Miccio Croce
Student

Ladispoli
28.06.2023

It was fantastic, I can’t find the right words to describe everything I experienced in the two weeks. The tutors are friendly. Pasquale is the top. Thanks for EVERYTHING, I will never stop thanking you.

Alice Colombo
Student

Milan
25.06.2023

A very educational experience with original workshops. It’s useful for making new friends and experimenting with various techniques.

Alice Mauri
Student

Monza
25.06.2023

The experience was overall positive and useful for orientation purposes. The projects helped understand how to work in a team and organize work efficiently, even with respect to deadlines.

Sara Ettore
Parent of Greta Giorgio
Liceo Artistico Casorati, Novara

Novara
18.08.2023

Encouraged by the “technical” aspect of the camp, combined with the fascinating setting in which it would take place, we proposed to Greta to participate for two weeks in July and August. She accepted enthusiastically, and we were completely satisfied: I had the clear impression that I had entrusted my daughter to a serious, well-organized, and trustworthy organization. I didn’t hear from Greta much because she was always very busy but very satisfied and involved in various activities. I am certain that she will want to return, and that this experience was enriching not only from an educational but also a social point of view. Well done!

Camilla Amadio
Student

Milan
25.06.2023

A beautiful experience, but the lessons were challenging. The teachers are very nice and try to help as much as possible.

Arianna Lanza
Student

Rome
24.06.2023

Interesting and challenging work that gives you great personal satisfaction. Some minor issues with crowded bathrooms in the weeks with 50 students.

Nicola Angelini
Student

San Felice sul Panaro
25.06.2023

During these two weeks, I lived wonderful experiences, met unique teachers, and worked on fantastic projects. Design in Town is an all-encompassing experience that allows you to make fantastic friends who will continue to accompany you even after this experience. So I highly recommend trying this experience! Thanks to our tutors who kept our spirits up during difficult moments. Thanks to the citizens of Troia for making us feel at home! Thanks to everyone!

Miriana Cassano
Student

Bitonto
22.08.2023

A one-of-a-kind experience, not suitable for the faint-hearted. Dit is aimed at individuals with a strong desire to create, discover, WORK, and get their hands dirty. It’s not a vacation where you can relax, but a learning experience that exposes you to the fast-paced world of artistic work. Despite late-night revisions, projects to start from scratch, and countless challenges to complete the tasks, you will always have the support of fantastic people who will bring a smile to your face at every moment, and who will also be there for you after the experience, shoulders to lean on. I advise future participants not to give up at the first obstacle, to seek support from the people around them, and not to isolate themselves. Communicate, argue, engage in discussions, and express yourselves fully. P.S. Pasquale may seem harsh at first, but trust that he behaves this way for your own good, to educate you and draw beautiful results from you.