The collaboration between Fondazione Pesenti and Intercultura began and developed during the 2009/2010 school year.
Over the years, this initiative has grown in both numbers and awards, with more than 40 scholarships granted to Italian students abroad and foreign students in Italy.
This educational initiative aims to overcome physical and intangible boundaries and remove social and intellectual barriers, fostering the development of a generation of “intercultural natives.”
For the 2019/2020 school year, Fondazione Pesenti once again offers students aged 15 to 17 the opportunity to spend time abroad attending public school through the assignment of 2 scholarships for the “Year in the USA” program and 1 scholarship for the “Year in Germany” program. The scholarships will be awarded based on merit to three outstanding students residing in the city and province of Bergamo.
The experiences of the 3 Pesenti Foundation scholars currently abroad through Intercultura:
- Vittoria Cornolti from Bergamo to Oeversee (Schleswig-Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)
- Noemi Guadagni from Lovere-Boario to Cleveland Heights, OH (USA)
- Sara Rota Conti from Bergamo to Groveland, FL (USA)
Vittoria, Noemi, and Sara departed last August for a year-long study program abroad. As every year, Fondazione Pesenti and Intercultura share updates on their experience through the reports the students submit quarterly, answering 7 standard questions:
- Relationships with the host family
- Relationships with the host community and friends
- School integration and performance, both academically and socially
- Three unforgettable positive experiences
- Three unforgettable negative experiences (if any)
- Additional reflections, anecdotes, and personal insights
It’s interesting to observe how their answers evolve over time—from brief and hesitant to more elaborate and reflective—as does their attitude: initially cautious, gradually more confident. But most importantly, we see how much they themselves change: they start off with the over-the-top excitement typical of teenagers, appear a bit lost in the first three months, gain confidence in the following semester, and return to Italy transformed—like young superheroes ready to take on the world.
What’s most fascinating about this journey is that the growth is not only cultural but also intellectual—and it’s not only theirs but ours too. These young people return with a narrative of experiences and people that’s entirely different from what we adults might tell—or what we might have told at their age. Their stories aren’t just about exotic customs, strange traditions, or unfamiliar hopes and dreams. Their interpretation is what sets them apart. It’s a valuable lesson, full of unspoiled enthusiasm and openness.
They’re only 17 years old, yet they say things like:
“At first it’s not easy. Entering someone’s life who’s opened their doors to you, but whom you’ve never met before, isn’t simple… but when you start to open up, they begin to open up too. And that’s a beautiful gift.”
Or:
“You face every problem on your own because you don’t want to call your parents who are thousands of kilometers away and might worry… of course, at first it’s tough, but these experiences will help you a lot as you grow.”
And again:
“I can’t even call them my host family anymore. They are my family. I feel really comfortable here. Sometimes we have small arguments, but that’s normal. It’s important to talk things through.”
The Intercultura Foundation (Onlus)
The Intercultura Foundation Onlus was established on May 12, 2007, as an offshoot of the association of the same name, which has accumulated over 60 years of unique experience in international education. The Foundation aims to expand this experience, promoting a culture of dialogue and intercultural exchange among young people, and developing research, programs, and structures that help new generations open up to the world and become conscious and well-prepared citizens in a multicultural society.
The Foundation is supported by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Education, University and Research. It is chaired by Ambassador Roberto Toscano; the Secretary General is Roberto Ruffino; and the board and scientific committee include distinguished representatives from the fields of culture, economics, and academia.
The Intercultura Foundation organizes international conferences on cultural topics and annual gatherings of intercultural experts from various countries. It is an accredited training body by the Ministry of Education (MIUR) and offers courses and seminars for teachers and school leaders. It supports research on intercultural learning and has led a pilot project for intra-European exchanges with the European Union. The Foundation raises funds for scholarships from local governments, foundations, and companies to support Intercultura’s programs.
Website: www.fondazioneintercultura.org
www.fondazioneintercultura.org Intercultura Bilancio sociale dell'anno 2017/2018
The Intercultura Association (Onlus)
The Intercultura Association Onlus, founded in 1955, is a recognized charitable organization under Presidential Decree No. 578/85 and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since January 1, 1998, it has held the status of a non-profit social utility organization and is registered with the Lazio Region’s register of volunteer organizations.
It is run by thousands of volunteers committed to integrating international dimensions into the educational system. It is active in 157 Italian cities and in 65 countries worldwide through its affiliation with AFS and EFIL. Intercultura holds consultative status with UNESCO and the Council of Europe, and it collaborates on various European Union projects.
The Association has received the Presidency of the Council’s Culture Award and the Italian Foundation for Volunteering’s Solidarity Award for more than 40 years of work promoting peace and understanding among peoples.
Each year, Intercultura sends more than 2,000 high school students to live and study abroad and hosts an equal number of foreign students in Italy to live with Italian families and attend local schools. In addition, it organizes seminars, conferences, and training courses for school principals, teachers, and volunteers from its own and other organizations to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Website: www.intercultura.it
www.intercultura.it