Think Academy -Critical Thinking/Design Bootcamp for International Students

Mastering the Art of Envisioning the Unimaginable implemented with the iMAZZiNATiON Method, a Visionary Creative Thinking Methodology, developed by Professor William Mazza. The Think@Lasell International Program is a collection of teaching methodologies aimed at nurturing creativity by facilitating the generation of original thinking, perception and implementation. The program uses unique techniques for fostering creative thinking, specifically designed to teach individuals how to imagine.

The Think@Lasell Program combines innovation, creativity, and critical thinking to unlock your imaginative potential. Our two-week program is designed specifically for international undergraduate students from France, Italy, Mexico, Norway and Turkey seeking to enhance their creative skills and embrace originality in their academic and professional pursuits.

Through a partnership with Lasell University, one of Boston’s esteemed universities, the Think Academy offers custom-tailored exchange programs for international students, specifically focusing on design schools. Our cutting-edge courses at Think Academy emphasize critical thinking, design thinking, visual and sensory awareness, and are supported by cognitive reframing exercises.

The Think@Lasell program nurtures creativity and fosters original thinking, perception, and implementation. Our methodologies empower individuals to develop their imaginative abilities, making them invaluable assets in diverse industries prioritizing innovative ideas. In collaboration with Lasell University, a prestigious institution located in the heart of Boston, we offer custom exchange programs tailored for International students, with a specialized focus on design schools.

This Bootcamp is an intensive 10-day program teaching participants how to envision the unimaginable. The distinction between a computer and a human resides in the computer’s reliance on a power source, meaning a plug. Nonetheless, it is of paramount importance that we refine our cognitive faculties to attain mastery, enabling us to orchestrate our thoughts and formulate remarkable solutions that surpass even the imaginative capacities of artificial intelligence.

Through Think@Lasell academic contributions and partnership with esteemed institutions globally, including the European Institute of Design in Rome, Harvard University's Psychology Lab, SACI College of Art in Florence, University of Richmond, Harding University, and Lasell University in Boston, The THINK Academy has left an indelible mark on the creative landscape worldwide. Additionally, our vibrant community serves as a melting pot for creative individuals from Italy and France, fostering connections, idea exchange, and sharing unique experiences and creativity.

The Think@Lasell Bootcamp comprises three comprehensive courses that provide an immersive and transformative learning experience.

Pioneered by Professor William Mazza, The iMAZZiNATiON Method is a cutting-edge critical thinking course that combines design thinking, visual and sensory awareness, and cognitive reframing exercises. Spanning 10 days, this intensive program aims to teach participants how to envision the unimaginable. By tapping into your creative potential, you will acquire the skills needed to approach challenges from fresh and innovative perspectives.

Taught by Professor Howard Phillips, "Showtime" focuses on enhancing video presentation skills to complement your creative thinking curriculum. In this course, you will be guided in creating a compelling video that showcases your final projects conceived during the critical thinking program. With an emphasis on auditory elements, illumination techniques, kinetic arrangements, conceptual organization, and excitement, the course utilizes easily accessible filmmaking techniques to bring your ideas to life. The techniques employed in filmmaking will be accessible and facile, enhancing the learning experience.

In this course, students embark on an immersive journey through the dimensions of America, underpinned by the art of keen observation! By harnessing their faculties of perception, students will encapsulate their perspectives and interpretations of America, as well as encapsulate their educational odysseys through the prism of the five senses. This course aims to heighten awareness and foster a deeper understanding of America through sensory perception and observation.

Choose from a range of potential starting dates for the program:

• October 27 - November 9: Halloween Session
• December 8 - 21: Christmas Session
• January 25 - February 7: Winter Session
• March 28 - April 10: Easter Session
• July 2 - 22 Independence Day Session
• August 1 - 15: Summer School Session 1
• August 16 - 30: Summer School Session 2

Experience an engaging and fulfilling daily schedule at The THINK Academy. Below is a sample schedule.

• 7:30 - 9:00: Breakfast in campus cafeteria
• 9:15 - 11:45: iMAZZiNATiON Class
• 12:30 - 1.45: Lunch in campus cafeteria
• 2:00 - 4:30: Showtime Class (there can be a number of my other courses as well or simply just 2)
• 5:00 - 6:30: The Senses of USA Class
• 7:30 - 8:45: Dinner in campus cafeteria

The THINK Academy program includes:

• 2 weeks on Lasell Campus with a private room
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 2 weeks on campus
• 3 courses with college credits
• Use of library and computers
• 2-week student pass

COSTS: $3,000

Unlock your creative potential and embark on a journey of self-discovery at The THINK Academy and Lasell University. Embrace the power of imagination, learn to think critically, and make your mark on the world with innovative ideas. Enroll now to secure your spot in this transformative 2-week program!

Note: Our program places a strong emphasis on personalized attention so there are limited spots available. Early enrollment is highly recommended.

We are happy to accommodate groups that would like to take this class or organizations that would like to be invoiced for the course. Email us at [email protected].

William Mazza is a professor of Creative Thinking at the European Institute of Design and Creative Director/ Art Director for Mazza Creative Directon, Inc., with experience working in the marketing and advertising industry in Italy and USA for brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo. William specializes in unconventional, creative marketing, promotional advertising, art direction, design, and event planning for international companies in various industries. He is the inventor and facilitator of a revolutionary creative thinking theory and method called iMAZZiNATiON. He is also the co-founder of the Concrete Experience Design Consortium and the founder of the THINK Academy. 

Howard Phillips has experience with emerging technologies such as mobile media, AI tools, and social media. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Howard A Phillips has called Boston home since 1988. He lived and studied in France, Germany and the USA. He began his career in 1982 by starting a video production company focused on documentary, corporate, and commercial projects.He has worked as a consultant and producer on numerous documentary and narrative films, many of which have been released in theaters, online and television. As the Film Technology QA Lead for Avid Technologies, Howard contributed to the 1999 Technical Oscar® from the Academy.As an educator, Phillips has developed film and media curricula and taught at institutions such as Boston University, Community College of Rhode Island, Bunker Hill Community College, American University of Paris, and SAE Mexico. He helped create the national secondary education curriculum for digital film for the State of Mexico.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Lasell University Arnow Campus Center, 131 Woodland Road, Auburndale, United States