NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ITALIAN AMERICAN WOMEN
CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
June 2010
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 fourth year. The program brought Italian college women to the United States in 2007 and 2009. In 2008, MAE hosted a group of Italian American women in Rome for a similar experience. In June 2010, ten Italian American college women will again be the guests of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs from June 3 to June 14, 2010. 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 19 and 22 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
- Field of study:
- Italian Studies
- Art History
- Women’s Studies
- Political Science
- Italian Language
- Functional/conversant knowledge of Italian Language
Students must submit the application by March 1st 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 – Room 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, 2010.
Due to the limited number of available spaces, applicants meeting the criteria will be considered by the earliest date completed application is received.
Click here to download Application.
Selected participants will be required to submit the following to the NOIAW office by May 1, 2010 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.
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.