Fashion design is a really fantastic career, opening up students to a world beyond just fashion. Business, media, photography and theatre all await those who have a fashion design degree behind them. But deciding on what to study can be as difficult as choosing where to study. There are so many incredible institutions worldwide, but South Africa is fast becoming an in-demand student destination. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of studying fashion design in South Africa.

 

1.     Welcoming climate and scenery

South Africa is renowned for its incredible weather, with warm summers and temperate winters allowing for all manner of outdoor activity. And when it comes to activities and adventure, students will be kept busy on weekends and holidays hiking through the nature reserves, visiting iconic sites like Table Mountain and Kruger National Park, tanning on the white, sandy beaches of Cape Town or shark cage diving in the warm waters off KwaZulu-Natal. There is so much inspiration to be found in the natural wonder of South Africa.

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2.     Enhance your network

Students who take the opportunity to study in a country other than home enjoy a really diverse education while gaining a global outlook. When working in an industry like fashion, it’s important to network with internationals in the industry, draw on cultures other than your own, and get a much more unique perspective on the world. Studying in South Africa will open up students to both the South African influences, as well as those untapped markets across the continent. This will not only positively impact your world-view, but have a long-lasting impact on your fashion career.

 

3.     No language barrier

While South Africa is a diverse and multi-cultural society, the majority of educational instruction will take place in English – particularly at renowned fashion institutions. Being an international language of instruction, students from across the world will be able to study fashion in South Africa, unimpeded. And for those who would like to learn a new language, there are 11 official languages in South Africa with many willing instructors. This will broaden your scope even further.

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4.     Personal growth and confidence

Many people go into fashion with a set of skills that they’re looking to develop, but one skill that is required in the industry is confidence. By embarking on an adventure to study fashion in South Africa, you will benefit from learning new cultures, discovering a new perspective, and discovering a measure of self-confidence you never knew you had. The personal growth experienced when travelling and studying can only better position you in the fashion industry.

 

5.     Discover alternative career opportunities

You might be going into tertiary education with preconceived ideas of what you want to pursue when you’ve finished your studies, but when you study in South Africa, you might find alternative career opportunities in the fashion industry. The country has a vibrant theatre scene which combines the African influences with Western past. There is also film, photojournalism, design and entrepreneurial opportunities that might not be found elsewhere.

Read More: What can I do with a fashion certificate?

 

6.     Experience a different style of teaching and learning

The unique history and multicultural society found anywhere in South African translates into a different way of teaching and learning. Fashion is an industry that is largely impacted by socio-economic factors and South Africans don’t shy away from expressing their concerns, beliefs and interests vocally and in their artwork. It’s an incredibly unique space to discover and learn, with less focus on the individual and more on the ‘ubuntu’ notion of working with and helping others.

 

7.     Impress employers

Prospective employers are much more impressed by students who take the initiative to leave the comfort of home and explore the world. It shows that they’re in the right industry! By studying fashion in South Africa, you’re helping to launch your career as your showing you’re open-minded, resourceful and adaptable – all the qualities an employer wants.

Read More: Where can I study to become a fashion designer?

 

8.     It’s cost-effective

For most international travellers, South Africa is an incredibly cheap place to visit. And for those looking to study here, you’re going to benefit from an international-level education without the exorbitant costs. Rather put that money towards adventure and travel while still coming away with a world-class degree.

 

Why Villioti Fashion Institute?

 

Villioti Fashion Institute is an accredited tertiary education institution based in Johannesburg that takes pride in making the ordinary extraordinary. Led by Spero Villioti, who has run a successful fashion brand for more than 30 years, Villiot will secure your future in fashion. The institution has international affiliations with Parsons New York, FIT (NY) and London College of Fashion, offering an international benchmark and opportunity to study further at another institution.