Marbella Design Academy — Local services in Monda

I enrolled at this institute for the summer course in Screen Printing + Photoshop (2 weeks and 3 weeks resp.). But I found that their course was a bit disappointing. After all the promises that they made on their website and the fees they charged us, I thought that the quality of teaching was a bit lacking. The Screen Printing course was fairly good, with the teacher working with us hands-on and going through the different techniques and giving us a project as well, which was a lot to do given that the course was 2 week-long. Only thing I would like added would be a little more knowledge regarding the equipment and a printed guide/manual which we could keep with us for future reference. The Photoshop course, though, was much more disappointing. It felt as if it was forced upon the teacher. Firstly, there was no planned syllabus - which I felt essential, even if it is a rough outline. We did learn a bit of the basics, and of course, we did useful stuff. But it was much less than I expected for the money we paid. Time management was also bad, with the last 4 DAYS (which is a lot) kept only for the 'final project', which was (quite vaguely), titled "Dream"(I finished mine within 2 days so I asked if he could give me another assignment, but the reply I got was - 'No'.) Also, no handouts, no notes at the end and no homework assignments, which I thought was the worst because Photoshop is a software which needs continuous practice to learn properly. Anyways. On the positive side (yeah, that's why the 2 stars), he used to help us with whatever problems we had in the software personally, and always answered our doubts well. But only when WE asked. One more plus, is that the institute has good facilities, is well-equipped (especially the screen-print section), and good overall infrastructure and a really nice environment. I would have given plus half a star for that if it was possible. And Monda is a great place to stay.

But, overall, I would not recommend this institute for anyone who would really like to learn. But if you have a lot of money and would like to chill out in the summer and get a certificate while doing that, enrol here.

If the institute is reading this, PLEASE know that you have the facilities for a great Design Program; I hope you review yourselves and get better in the future.

PS - Another thing I would like to mention - although this is my personal opinion, that of my classmates was also fairly similar, including those doing the...

I only agree with few people right here. I enjoyed studying at this Academy and it was an inspiring experiences I had in a long time and I liked the teachers I've known. I made the smumer course. I also had an experience in Italy too, in my city (Rome), but it wasn't the same thing, they promised me so many things, so many important contacts, places where I could go to work etc., they also told I had a huge style, technique, a potential.. but the truth was that when I finished the course and I had the certificate, anything happend after that. I studied a lot for being a PRO illustrator and now I' trying to be a painter and a graphic designer too, because I have a clear idea of what I really wanna do. I think that in this Academy I learned stuff that I never thought I could do with photoshop. Illustrator was a new program to me, and I think it will be something that I will use for sure in the future. I think that I learned the right stuff and Jean Pierre was form me a really good teacher and a really gentle person for all the things that he teached. I can talk also for all the guys and girls that were in my classroom. I've seen some surprised faces in certain moments.. and that means a lot. I admit that I haven't established many friendship with my schoolmates, but I can tell that I realize when someone is really surprised in making new things, the enthusiasm was evident.. I paid attention sometimes watching some of my classmates when they were learning some stuff and they were really shocked making something new with both the programs. When I was in highschool, my really 1st teacher always tolds me "when you're tired and you wanna have a break while you're painting, stop everything you're doing for a minute or two and WATCH what your classmates or other people are doing.." and it's true. You can really learn a lot doing this. Eyes should rest. I had fun talking with Alan too talking about some stuff from my Country and the misfortunes and adventures I had in Spain. I appreciated what Lynn suggested me and I thank her once again for the advices she gaves me and I hope to keep in touch with her and with all the team! I didn't know what to say when you called me at the phone! Thanks again.

Oh, and for all the people that talked bad of the Academy, confide and talking badly does NOT help here.. it was better trying to watch silver lining...

As a student who had already studied at university and was joining Marbella Design Academy to gain a second B.A. in Graphic Design, I had a great experience at this school.

First of all, tutor to student relationship was like no other school. Teachers were available to help students with great mentoring and family like atmosphere. In a bigger university this would have been unattainable in comparison to MDA's standards.

The student community is very multicultural and diverse. I have made friends here for a lifetime and being in such a close-netted group we spent lots of time together and made many great memories.

Marbella is nearby and life in Monda can be stuffy, but with a car Marbella is a close trip away and I was able to travel quite easily within the South of Spain with welcoming Spanish locals in Monda.

I had a great experience studying at MDA and living in Spain. The reason why my rating is 4 stars is because the school facilities for design related work was a little weaker than expected. In comparison to my friend's universities, MDA lacked a little in having the right printers, laptops, cameras, etc. However, MDA made up this factor in providing a very unique experience that I would not have been able to have in any other school.

Partnership with a UK university, I was happy to receive my degree from the UK whilst enjoying life and studying in Spain.

Thank you to all the...