Cultural Exchange

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ITALIAN AMERICAN WOMEN

CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

June 2012

PLEASE NOTE: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 20, 2012

The National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW) is collaborating with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) on an annual exchange program, which is going into its sixth year.  The program brought Italian college women to the United States in 2007, 2009 and 2011. In 2008 and 2010, MAE hosted a group of Italian American women in Rome for a similar experience. From June 3-June 14, 2012, nine Italian American college women will again be the guests of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Cultural Exchange Program was developed by NOIAW to foster better relations between the US and Italy by providing a culturally enriching and educational experience for Italian and Italian American students. Our goal is also to do our part to strengthen bonds between the two countries, now, and for future generations.

Young women applying for the program must be between nineteen and twenty-two years of age and have at least one ancestor of Italian heritage. Participants must be currently attending college and have knowledge of the Italian language.

Preference will be given to applicants who meet the following criteria:

• 3.0 Grade Point Average

• Italian Language
  • Functional/conversant knowledge of Italian Language

Students must submit the application by March 20th accompanied by a $25 processing fee, an essay and two (unopened, signed across the envelope opening) recommendations.  One must be a personal recommendation and the other an academic recommendation. The application and supporting documentation should be mailed or submitted to:

                      The National Organization of Italian American Women

                       25 West 43rd Street – Suite 1005

                      New York, NY 10036

Semifinalists will be scheduled for a personal interview. Applicants will be notified of the results of the selection process by April 30th, 2012.

Due to the limited number of available spaces, applicants meeting the criteria will be considered by the earliest date completed application is received.

Selected participants will be required to submit the following to the NOIAW office by May 1, 2012 for completion of the application process:

• Copy of official college transcript
• Copy of valid passport with passport number;
• Proof of medical insurance with coverage outside the United States;
• A medical release/letter from participant’s personal physician attesting to health status and ability to travel abroad;
• An electronic passport type photo for identification purposes.

Click here to download the application.

Round trip air transportation to Rome from a designated New York international airport will be provided.  Participants will be responsible for transportation to and from designated New York airport.  Participants are advised to bring money for incidental personal expenses.

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide accommodations and participants will be required to stay with the group for the entire program. The NOIAW Exchange Program is an educational, enlightening, and cultural experience with a full schedule. Although some free time will be scheduled, participants will be expected to take part in all Cultural Exchange Program events and activities.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
2011

Inaugurated in 2007, NOIAW conceived and established this program in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide a cultural and educational experience for college students.

The Cultural Exchange Program was developed to foster better relations between the US and Italy by providing a culturally enriching and educational experience for Italian and Italian American students. Our goal is also to do our part to strengthen bonds between the two countries, now, and for future generations.

All program activities, housing, meals and transportation are fully funded by NOIAW fund raising efforts and the generosity of our contributors.

In June, 2011, NOIAW hosted its third group of Italian college women for a two week visit to New York. The schedule included professional, cultural and social activities including a city tour, visits to historical landmarks like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, museums and a Broadway show. Our guests also had the opportunity to meet with Italian American professional women in the workplace which, for many, represented their chosen fields of study.