Student Exchange Programs

A group of students participated in the 1986 Italy-U.S. student exchange program. This activity fulfilled one of the purposes to maintain economic and cultural ties with Italy . Since 1975, diverse programs to strengthen relations between the two countries were designed. Whether doctors from Italy come to speak at a medical conference or students from the U.S. and Italy are invited to exchange residences for a year, thus creating bonds between the U.S. and Italy .

In 1984, in conjunction with the University of Camerino in Italy , together with Dr. Francesco Nicotra, publisher of Italy/Italy magazine it was arranged for Italian American lawyers to go to Italy to study the Italian legal system.

Similarly, the University for Foreigners in Perugia , Italy , collaborated in organizing an "Italian Heritage Program," which allowed American doctors and lawyers to participate in special study and travel programs in Italy in the spring of 1985.

One of the most exciting Italy-U.S. programs took place in 1986, when thirty high school students took part in a bilateral exchange program. Thanks to funding from the U.S. Information Agency ($71,795), Intercultura ($25,000) and Italy/Italy magazine ($5,000), the program allowed fifteen American and fifteen Italian students age 15 to 19 to attend a secondary school, either private or public, in Italy or the United States , and live with a host family from September 1986 to June 1987. Intensive language and cultural Programs with Italy training in Italian and English was provided for the students in the Washington , D.C. area prior to participation in the program.

The intention of the program was to give students the opportunity to become immersed in the language and culture of Italy or the U.S. Prior to his arrival in America , an Italian student participant, Licio Torelli, had no English language proficiency. However, he made remarkable progress as the year went by, and even made the honor roll at his American high school. Ezio Anzi, another Italian exchange student, integrated himself completely into the American culture. Socially, he was considered the most popular boy in his class. He even managed to pass the written English test and to obtain an American driver's license! Since then a waiting list of students and host families interested in partaking in a future student ex­change ~programs with Italy has been developed.

In 1988, leaders of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce met in New York to discuss mutual concerns and ways to strengthen contacts among Italians, Italian companies and Italian Americans. Chairman Frank D. Stella said discussions ranged from increasing the relationships with the Chamber, to student exchange programs focusing on marketing and other business-related subjects.

Since 1985, Italian-American and Italian students were provided with assistance in selecting schools in Italy and the U.S. , respectively. Students are also given assistance in securing lodging in private homes while abroad. Likewise we have been working for the past twelve years with the U.S. Information Agency to conduct orientation workshops for Italian students visiting the United States . Another long-term program is the Law Intern Program, co-sponsored with the National Italian American Bar Association. The program helps young Italian lawyers to familiarize themselves with the American perspective in international law, to make professional contacts, and to learn more about American to make professional contacts, and to learn more about American culture in general. After a one-week orientation in Washington , D.C. , the interns are placed with host families for four weeks in cities including Philadelphia , New York and Washington , D.C. The program has in recent years been expanded to include internships in Italy for Italian-American lawyers.