From Berghs Bachelor to Fashion Management at Istituto Marangoni in Milan

Hi Clara! Could you tell us a little about yourself and what made you decide to apply to the Berghs Bachelor Program in the first place?

Hi! I’m a 23 year old girl who grew up in a small town in Jämtland, Östersund. I have always spent lots of time in the mountains, which led to my two gap years after high school in the Swiss ski resort Verbier. Meanwhile, me and my dad started a clothing brand - LEDKRYSS, inspired by our shared passion for skiing and the mountains. After my second winter in Verbier, I felt it was time to develop my creativity on a professional level, which made me apply for the Berghs Bachelor.

How would you describe your semester at Berghs — what were your biggest takeaways or favorite parts?

The diverse mix of courses, everything from graphic design to public speaking, provided me with lots of fundamental skills and, as we say in Sweden, “some meat on the bones”. What I appreciated most was the balance between the creative and strategic aspects, which made every course feel relevant and complementary.

How did your time at Berghs help you prepare for your studies abroad?

After the foundation semester at Berghs, I felt eager to continue my studies abroad. Linking to what I mentioned earlier, the broad range of subjects gave me both creative and analytical tools, along with valuable experience in teamwork and project development.

Why did you choose Istituto Marangoni and Milan as your destination?

During my semester at Berghs, I realized that I wanted to study fashion. Istituto Marangoni wasn’t one of the partner schools at the time, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. After some research, I applied directly for a bachelor’s degree there and went through the process independently. Beyond the school itself, Milan as a city was everything I was looking for - a vibrant yet authentic European city (and being close to the mountains was definitely a big plus, haha).

How was the transition from Berghs to Istituto Marangoni — in terms of learning environment, culture, or pace?

The main difference was narrowing my studies focused on fashion. Otherwise, the learning approach felt quite familiar, both schools emphasize close interaction with teachers who are active in the industry, as well as small, engaging classes that encourage discussion and collaboration. 

What degree are you pursuing, and which parts of the program have inspired you the most?

I’m studying for a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Management, Digital Communication & Media, which goes under the fashion business sector. I chose this program because of its wide scope, where it provides both creative, strategic and analytical perspectives. We do everything from physical creative research books to excel and analyzing balance reports. To me, it feels kinda cool to be able to master lots of contrasting skills!

What’s it like to live and study in Milan — any favorite neighborhoods, cafés, or routines?

I absolutely love living and studying in Milan, it truly feels like home now. My favourite neighborhood is, of course, Brera, where I also live. I have a genuine passion for discovering new cafés and restaurants, which feels like an essential part of Italian culture. Besides that, I enjoy simply walking around in the city. Something I do everyday is walking around my neighborhood, people watching and chit chatting in Italian with the old Milanese people.

How do you feel Milan’s creative or fashion scene influences your studies or inspires you?

Being immersed in the heart of fashion, like Milan actually is, is incredibly inspiring and developing. It feels like I breathe, eat and live fashion every day. The opportunities here are amazing, and being part of such a dynamic environment keeps my creativity constantly flowing. From observing people on the streets to learning from teachers who share real industry experience, I feel inspired on a daily basis.

Have you experienced any cultural surprises or lessons since moving abroad?

Definitely! Coming from structured Sweden, Italy can feel like a complete contrast in some ways. Italians have such unique energy - full of confidence, expression and passion. I really admire how they generally view life, being way better than us Swedes at appreciating small things in life. I absolutely try to become a little more Italian every day!

What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

Of course, this is much more than just a professional journey. It's refreshing to change your environment and adapt your lifestyle to a new country and culture. Something that I already know from spending two winters in Verbier and a longer period in Los Angeles. Being immersed in new surroundings always brings fresh perspectives, allowing you to discover new things about both yourself and others. In my opinion, stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for both personal and professional development. One thing I've learned is that you are capable of almost anything you set your mind to, the only limitations are your mindset and not being surrounded by the right people who supports you.

How do you think this international journey will shape your career?

I believe my studies abroad are shaping a strong foundation for my future in the fashion industry. Being under the lead by amazing teachers with real industry experience provides invaluable insights and inspiration. Having aspirations of continuing my career abroad after my studies, being already in place in Milan, will make the transition into the field much more available and easy.

What advice would you give to future Berghs students thinking about joining the Bachelor Program and studying abroad?

Studying and moving abroad will push you to grow in ways that you can’t even imagine before. Stay open-minded, connect with people and try to absorb every bit of insight or experience, that’s what truly makes the difference. And most importantly, don’t forget to explore the city and live a little, because that is what makes it fun!