JCU Welcomes College Students from National Organization of Italian American Women's Cultural Exchange Program

Members of the National Organization of Italian American Women student exchange

The National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW), in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has organized a cultural exchange program which sees a group of Italian American college students visit Rome.

During a 12-day visit (June 3-14), nine college women will visit a wide range of cultural, political and academic institutions including John Cabot University, where attended two classes on “Italian Politics and Society” and “Sociology of Southern Italy”. The students will also visit the Italian Parliament, the Casa Internazionale delle Donne women’s association, the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Fendi fashion house, the Explora Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and meet with Vice President of the Italian Senate Emma Bonino.

This cultural exchange program, now in its sixth year, 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. This year’s group of women features students from Columbia University, Tufts University, Boston University, Ithaca College, SUNY Geneseo, Molloy College, Seton Hall University, Wellesley College and Syracuse University.

According to Columbia University student Alyssa Cannizzaro, “This trip is inspiring as it makes us connect with our Italian American heritage and foster personal connections that help us find our roots”.