New Sister City Scholarship Program Launches, Continuing A Tradition of Cultural Exchange

Article written by Rita Cipalla as originally published in L'Italo Americano, April 2026

For 33 years, Seattle has enjoyed a vibrant sister-city partnership with Perugia, the capital city of Umbria. Three decades of friendship have resulted in artist exchanges, lectures, food and wine tastings, and an annual film festival. But perhaps most importantly, they have also led to greater mutual understanding, respect, and one-on-one friendships.

One of Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association’s signature initiatives is its scholarship program for adults. Up to four scholarships are awarded each year to association members, enabling them to study Italian language and culture for one month at Perugia’s distinguished Università per Stranieri (University for Foreigners). Located in the heart of the old town, the Università per Stranieri is the oldest and most prestigious institution in Italy engaged in teaching Italian language and culture.

Now for the first time, Seattle will reciprocate by offering two language scholarships to Perugia residents to study for one month at the University of Washington through its International & English Language Programs (IELP). During their residency, the recipients will receive English instruction in the morning and go on guided or independent excursions to cultural sites such as museums and city landmarks in the afternoons.

“As an Italian American educator, I’m excited about this new partnership,” said Darya Anoshei, the IELP’s admissions and outreach lead who, coincidentally, grew up in Spoleto, not far from Perugia. “The scholarship recipients will gain new language skills and confidence while enriching our classrooms and communities with an Italian perspective. Having called both cities home, I know how meaningful it can be to feel welcomed while navigating a new culture. Seattle and Perugia share a spirit of learning, reflection, and connection, making this exchange especially relevant.”

The program’s inaugural scholars are Katia Perruccio and Chiara Scapicchi, both from Perugia. Although born a generation apart, the women are united by their shared passion for exploration and international fellowship.

Perruccio, 54, is a medical doctor and researcher with a specialty in hematology and oncology. She holds a PhD in bone marrow transplants and is the author of more than 100 articles. As the mother of two, she keeps busy with her family and her community when not at work.

Three years ago, Perruccio traveled to Seattle with her daughter to participate in the 30th anniversary celebration of the Seattle-Perugia sister city group. During her upcoming month in Seattle, she hopes to rekindle the friendships she made in 2023 and renew connections with colleagues at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, as well as improve her English.

“My daughter and I were so warmly welcomed when we arrived in Seattle a few years ago,” she recalled. “When I heard that I could spend more time in Seattle studying English and at such a prestigious university, I applied. I’ve never had the chance to study English abroad, and I think it could be very useful for both my job and my personal growth.”

Twenty-year-old Scapicchi, a second-year business administration student at the University of Perugia, hopes that increasing her English proficiency will open doors professionally as well as personally. “My main goal is to strengthen my English and fully immerse myself in an international environment,” she said. “At the same time, I’m excited to meet people from different cultures and build connections. From a professional perspective, being able to communicate effectively in an international context is essential in today’s world. I know this experience will help me become more confident and better prepared for future academic and career opportunities.”

The scholarship program was made possible through the efforts of the Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association board of directors, in particular, President Emeritus Germán Rodríguez and board member Elisabetta Valentini, who also serves as the honorary consul of Italy in Seattle. University of Washington support was led by Chris Thomas, director of International & English Language Programs, and admissions and outreach lead Darya Anoshei. In Perugia, scholarship committee members are Donatella Brigiolini, Olimpia Bartolucci, and Lorena Falcinelli.

While in Seattle, both students will be hosted at the home of Germán Rodríguez, whose financial support made the first year of scholarship awards possible. Sister city members are busy planning several events and activities over the summer months to welcome the two students.

“After years of planning, we’re excited to finally launch this inaugural scholarship program with the University of Washington and our cohorts in Perugia,” said Rodríguez. “It shows how much can be accomplished by people who commit their time, talents, and resources – and how just a few individuals can make a real difference.”