Schooling Question to Americans, Londoners, and Italians.

[Tatiana]

I am Brasilian and I have the opportunity to study in the US at a well known Fashion school but it will take me 2 years to finish there but it is cheaper because the school is a state run university. Or I can travel to Italy for 5 months total for the same courses but it does not teach 2 of the areas but I only want the 2 taught in Italy. Italy course is far more expensive but it is well known school all of this is in Fashion. I can also go to London for one year but it is hard to get into the school very hard or I can go and take like basic classes that do not give a degree to learn the same thing it is still expensive. What would you do? I have the plan to live in NY for 2 years but the course is just so long. I am 27 years old now I have a degree already from university in Brasil but this is a career change and doing what I love. My husband is American he is open to what I do he does not really care about the choice as long as I am happy.

Please I am looking for honest opinions. I am not that young but what would you do? I am only trying to find out if some people might see some things better obrigada.

[Guest]

Let me say the reason why I ask is because I am really excited about the new career I do not mind the 2 years but I will be 30 years old when start and I think that might be too old. I am taking up the fashion design most of the things I know from past experience but to get into the better jobs you need to say I have the education also.

[Guest]

That was me Tatiana.

[rosa]

I say go to New York I assume you are talking about FIT? It is way cheaper than any other school you will attend even as an international student. Stop worrying about your age you will be fine. I am a Brasilian transplanted here in New York and there is a good opportunity here especially if you do well in the course. So what you will be thirty in two years, FIT is a well known school for Fashion and a degree from them can only help you in the world of Fashion, plus its in the heart of the fashion world in New York. I say go after your dreams and stop worrying about age none of that matters. Have you seen the old men who make clothes for women? It is not hollywood it's fashion. I am into computers myself and I love working on computers so I know the feeling to finally do something you love and to make money from it.

[Saci]

Inspiring stuff, Rosa.

Why can't this board be more like this more of the time?

I second your advice. I'm also a Brazilian in the West Coast doing what I love. Follow your dreams. As for age, I have a friend in her mid 40s who has jut come to the US and is giving herself a new chance in life studying Food and Hospitality, something she always loved, but never had a chance to develop.

[Boricua]

I'm with Rosa and Saci on this. But if you could, can you give us perhaps more details, like what is the cost factor for the schools in Italy and London?

I think you should follow your dreams despite your fear about age. I understand you are in your late twenties and don't want to make any mistakes. Plus based on what you've said you're married, so I know that's like triple the pressure to not make any wrong moves. But don't let that stop you. I think if you look at all your choices with cost and time taken into consideration whatever choice you make will be the best for you.

My opinion:

I live in NYC and like Rosa said FIT is the world-renowned in fashion and is very well known. I know the Cordwainer's is an excellent school in London, and there is other one. But money wise FIT is extremely inexpensive if you ask me. Here is the website if you don't already have. Check it out and compare. I know the two year thing might discourage you, but hey if you love it you will work for it.

Be sure to come back and tell us what you decided. Also I will try and more information on different fashion-related colleges/universities.

http://www.fitnyc.suny.edu/html/dynamic.html