1. What are the Academy’s core values?
The Academy exists to make humane people using the sport of fencing. Our belief that excellence in fencing corresponds to excellence as a human being is the central belief of our values. Built into fencing’s traditions, we extend this with Olympic values which look to create a globally aware society in which gender, race, creed and ability are put aside for the pursuit of personal excellence and mutual support. The Academy exists to recognize the athlete and the person, helping our members to achieve their goals in all areas. We believe that as a community we are stronger than as individuals and the path to excellence is balanced with attention to the athlete as a whole person in a community.
2. Does the Academy train all three Olympic weapons?
Yes, the Academy supports and trains in epee, foil and sabre.
3. Can I visit and train on a daily pass or stay for a longer period? Can my group or team come?
Yes, the Academy has daily rates, weekly and short-term rates for individuals. If you are a larger group, or national team touring, then please contact our manager for information.
4. Who are the coaches?
The Academy’s coaches are the coaches of Piccolo Teatro, all internationally recognized for their weapons, and draw further from the coaches of Future Champions Camps. Given that our camps have more Olympians and World Champions than any other camps, we are certain that our coaches are among the top in the world but able to teach all levels.
5. Do I need to speak in Italian to attend the Academy?
No, our coaches speak English. However, if you are applying to a school or university program that is taught in Italian and not a native speaker, you must have the certification of proficiency required by the school or University.
We do have relationships with top Italian language schools and if that is your desire while training with us, we can facilitate this.
6. Will I learn only the Italian School of Fencing?
Our coaching staff is international and ‘speak’ the language of fencing. While there is indeed differences in accent, the root of the language is similar. Our coach certification follows the French School in description of actions.
7. Can I attend one of the schools/universities as Dual Career without belonging to the Academy?
Membership in the Academy is necessary if you wish to access the contracted advantages from each institution as Dual Career identified. These were negotiated by our leadership as means to add value to the fencing program. They belong to the Academy and the academic institution as an agreement. Those not in the Academy cannot access them. You can, however, train or study in Milan without being a dual career student in our program. Milan has many schools and colleges to help you.
8. Can I come for one academic semester, either in university or for the u18 school?
It is possible to come for one term, but this depends on agreements between your university or school board in accepting credits. In most situations, this is pretty normal, but it remains your responsibility to make sure such transfer of academic credits are acceptable. The international IB for high school is considered universal - meeting or exceeding standards - in most schools.
For university, there may already be formal arrangements for studying abroad with our partner universities. In addition, there may be fees associated if there is no formal agreement.
9. I am interested in the school (u18 program). What do I need to know about living in Milan, finding housing, Visas and English as a Second Language requirements.
The academic institutions in our partnerships all have different resources to help their students/families navigate through living and visas in Milan. These resources are standard to each unique institution, and they are the primary resource to use in finding housing, visas and general information pertaining to all things not fencing. For non-native English speakers, schools have different resources and requirements for English proficiency which are internal.
FCA does have agreements with some safe, secure professional residences that house international students with first rate accommodation and services. Please contact us for the list.
Schools may also have contact with host families, this is ad hoc and contact them or us for help.
10. I am interested in the university/master’s programs. What do I need to know about living in Milan, finding housing, Visas and English as a Second Language requirements?
The academic institutions in our partnerships all have different resources to help their students/families navigate through living and visas in Milan. These resources are standard to each unique institution, and they are the primary resource to use in finding housing, visas and general information pertaining to all things not fencing. For non-native English speakers, schools have different resources and requirements for English proficiency which are internal.
FCA does have agreements with some safe, secure professional residences that house international students with first rate accommodation and services. Please contact us for the list.
11. I am interested in the university/master’s programs. Are all programs open for me to study? When should I apply?
All programs are open to study should you meet the requirements of the University for that program. However, and importantly, the closing dates for very popular and competitive programs may be different than some others. Our contact person at each University (Director of Dual Career programs (undergraduate and graduate)) will give directions on these matters and fully explain Academy benefits for that program or the University itself. The Academy has two special programs at Cattolica University that are fast tracked in the Master of Arts in Sports Management or Sport Psychology and at IULM’s Masters in Communication, and Public Relations assuming that students meet the requirements of admission.
12. Can I compete in Italian and European Tournaments?
All members of the Academy are members of the Piccolo Theatro Fencing Club and have right to compete in Italy and further. For those competing in FIE level tournaments, permission will need to be given by home-country as normal.
13. What kind of Athlete Protection can I expect?
The Academy’s staff all have training and certification in Safesport or equivalent. They are professionally certified coaches. In addition, all members sign a code of conduct which is strictly enforced that protects athletes, promotes our values as community and is inclusive and open to all persons regardless of gender, race, creed or ability. There is a zero-tolerance policy on matters of abuse or harassment. Each school or university has its own set of standards.
14. Can the Academy help us settle or move?
Of course, our leadership can help as they can. However, for those coming to study in Milan – please be aware that the schools/universities are the primary resources for such matters and do this kind of thing annually for its students. Each has its own department dedicated to just such things. But please, feel free to ask us to help point in each direction.
15. What is the relationship between the Academy and Schools?
The Academy carefully selected and cultivated our relationships with each. The jurisdiction between the Academy and School/University is logical and clear. In matters pertaining to academic and everyday life in Milan, this belongs to the school/University. In matters pertaining to fencing, this belongs to the Academy. However, we have agreed to be collegial with our partners and each offering support to the other.
Our Dual Career Director, Prof Dr Darren Marks, is also a resource to help.
16. What is Milan like to live or to visit?
Milan is an amazing city with vibrant life and culture. It has easily accessible public transport, a wide range of hotels, private for rent apartments and rooms that suit all needs. It is served by two international airports (Linate and Malpensa) and has major rail in and out of it to access Europe. It is a very safe city to visit with lots of public green spaces. It is environmentally sensitive. The weather is seasonal, with hotter Summers and cooler winters.
