Sustainable Development
Summer Program (Italy)

Gain hands-on experience in sustainable and regenerative business and project development in the mountains of Italy!

Interested? Let’s plan your perfect summer adventure:

Dates

21st-31st July

Location

Italy

Application Deadline

June 1st

Resources

E-course

Become a Sustainable Innovator!

Our 10-day Summer Program invites people like you from around the world to co-develop technologies and business solutions for a sustainable future. During the program, you’ll work closely with certified experts and local business partners, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable and regenerative practices and frameworks that you can apply to your businesses or projects.

Are you an emerging Sustainability Innovator or Regenerative Agent looking to get your hands dirty? Join us in Italy, and build a climate-positive future with Aula Future!

  • "What a wonderful experience! I learned so much about alternative pathways to build with the Earth and humanity in mind. The lessons were practical and gave the opportunity to connect with locals. My only wish...that it were longer! 💖"

    Namarah

  • "I had a great time! I made some great memories and learned a lot about how different people lived. I'll never forget the friends and people I've met through the program."

    Ken

  • "From hiking a mountain to making a pizza, Aula Future curates experiences that will last me a lifetime. We come there to exam our collective future as humans on Earth, and in the end it gives you hope that the world can be a better place."

    Omar

  • "I've participated in many other programs and extracurricular activities, and this is the first time I have ever had the opportunity to not just freely come up with ideas that I am passionate about, but to actually build and see them manifest in front of my eyes."

    Tino

  • "This was an amazing experience. It was a great opportunity to travel and to learn from the instructors and the locals about biodesign and regenerative practices. We were deep in the valleys of Italy, so we got to see a side of it that you wouldn't typically see. On top of that we had time to explore the touristy cities like Bergamo and Milano. It was worth it!"

    Samantha

Skills gained:

🌱 Develop an understanding of the principles and approaches of biodesign, regenerative design, and sustainability, and their potential impact on the economy, environment, and society

🔎 Gain experience researching and conceptualizing sustainable solutions in collaboration with local stakeholders

🌐 Gain frameworks for better understanding the socio-economic, emotional, and physical needs of people in a foreign community in a thoughtful and collaborative way

🗣 Learn how to effectively communicate complex ideas and designs to stakeholders

Program highlights:

💻 Online Pre-course: During this self-paced e-course, we introduce you to your cohort, facilitators, and important regenerative development topics ahead of your trip

👩‍🏫 Mentor learning: Build new relationships as you collaborate and engage with local business leaders to explore innovative solutions

🎤 Live lessons: During the 10-day program, experience engaging live workshops from experts such as foraging and pizza-making

🔨 Project creation: Apply learned skills as you tackle real-world challenges and leave with a tangible report, prototype, or presentation that you will present to local stakeholders

Program topics and Activities

Explore some of last year’s activities! Please note that they are subject to change.

Bio-Based Materials

Discover the role of biomaterials in fostering sustainable and regenerative projects, while crafting your own materials firsthand.

Mobility

Hike trails and visit the city to explore the future of mobility as we work to generate solutions for greener, more efficient transportation.

Project Creation

Conceptualize and share your own regenerative and sustainable projects with guidance from your local mentor and our experts.

Food Systems

Uncover the secrets behind nurturing our planet through food while getting hands-on in crafting your own unique pizza flavor and foraging.

Agriculture

Collaborate with local businesses to understand and embrace sustainable agricultural practices, forging a path to more resilient systems.

Sustainable Building

Dive into sustainable building and architectural practices where you'll explore the art of traditional Italian dry-stone wall building.

Pricing

€950

General tuition for the Regenerative Design Lab Summer Program is 950 Euros. To enable participants from all backgrounds, we reserve two scholarships. If the regular price is beyond your means, you can apply for the reduced price in your application.

The price includes:

- Class materials

- Accommodation

- Meals

- Transportation

Not included:

- Travel expenses to and
from Italy

- Any additional personal expenses (for example, when we go into the city or if we eat at a restaurant).

Payment details will be provided via email once your registration is confirmed.

Application Process

(It doesn’t cost anything to apply)

  • You are able to apply to participate until June 1st, 2024. Once you apply, we will reach out with more information and to schedule a video call. There are only 12 spots available, so please apply to save your spot.

  • Once you’ve applied and had your video interview, we will confirm your acceptance. This is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

  • We will inform you via email about the status of your application during the first week of June. You will then have 7 days to confirm your participation.

    To avoid issues, please add hello@aulafuture.org to your email contacts.

  • In June, we will send you an invoice via email and help facilitate your payment. You will be able to split your payment into 2 partial payments.

    Your registration is confirmed once your payment is complete.

  • In the weeks leading up to the program, you’ll receive access to our e-course. Here, you’ll meet your cohort and facilitators, get to know the region, and get an intro to sustainable and regenerative development.

Stone streets of Corna Imagna
Hostel Bedroom
Hostel Kitchen

FAQs

  • Have you ever thought about what’s beyond Sustainability?

    Regenerative development is an approach to urban and rural planning, design, and development that aims to create systems and environments that not only sustain themselves but also contribute positively to the surrounding ecosystem. It goes beyond sustainability by seeking to restore and enhance the natural environment, social well-being, and economic prosperity of a place.

    Regenerative development focuses on creating resilient, adaptive, and thriving communities that work in harmony with nature, often incorporating principles such as circular economy, biodesign, and holistic design.

    During this program, we will explore how Regenerative Design principles can be applied to regenerate the local community and environment of Valle Imagna and beyond.

  • Your registration ticket covers accommodation and meals.

    It does not cover travel expenses or any additional personal expenses (for example, when we go into the city or if we eat at a restaurant).

    *If you have dietary restrictions or a food allergy, please note in your application

  • The program will take place in Corna Imagna, a small town in Valle Imagna.

    You will need to purchase your own travel ticket to BGY airport (Milan Bergamo), MXP airport (Milan Malpensa), or LIN airport (Milan Linate).

    The pick-up time and place will be shared with the participants after acceptance.

  • Accommodation and meals will be provided at the new hostel, “Ostello il Sentiero” located at:

    Via Castagni, 14, 24030 Corna Imagna Italia.

    Each room is equipped with its own bathroom, shower, lockable cubbies, and beautiful panoramic views of Valle Imagna.

  • You must be at least 21 years old to participate in this program.

  • English! You will not need to speak Italian, but learning a few words is always encouraged ;)

Interested?
Let’s Chat!

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Schedule a call with us by clicking the button below, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.