Study Italian in Perugia!
Connect! Collaborate! Celebrate! And do it in Italy!!!
One of Seattle Perugia City Sister Association’s signature programs for our members is our Scholarship Program. SPSCA annually awards up to five scholarships for one month to study Italian language and culture at the University for Foreigners (Università per Stranieri). The University - located in the heart of historic Perugia - is the oldest and most prestigious Italian institution engaged in teaching Italian language and culture. Scholars not only have an opportunity to study and improve their Italian language skills with native speakers, but the intensive one-month program also provides an opportunity to meet students from all over the world, and experience living la dolce vita in the "Green Heart of Italy” in Umbria.
In most cases, scholars can choose the month that works best for their schedule. In addition to tuition, a modest stipend is provided to help defray travel and / or living costs related to their month of studies in Perugia.
The 2026 Application Period is March 1 - March 31.
If you are interested in applying in the future, please carefully read the Applicant Criteria and Process and make sure your membership is up to date as applicants must have been SPSCA members for at least one year.
Learn more about the SPSCA scholarship program in our SPSCA scholarship FAQ.
Questions? Write to: SPSCA Scholarships
Learn about our 2025 scholars' experiences studying and living in Perugia!
Conner, September 2025 Scholar: "Reflections from Perugia: A Wanderer's Perspective"
Adrienne, October 2025 Scholar: "Why Real Diplomacy Might Just Start Over Coffee and Homework"
Gina, October 2025 Scholar: "Piacere, Perugia!"
Karin, October 2025 Scholar: "Like Drops of Water: From Social Action to Ancient History in Perugia"
Victoria, October 2025 Scholar: "Living the Dream at Palazzo Gallenga"
We are able to offer these scholarships through the generous support of our friends, business sponsors and the Università per Stranieri.
Caffe Umbria Scholarship Fund
Caffe Umbria and its owner Emanuele Bizzarri have been long-time supporters of SPSCA, and the Caffe Umbria Scholarship was established in 2016. Bizzari’s grandfather, Ornello Bizzarri, built a roastery in Perugia in the 1940s, and Emanuele is the third-generation to enter the coffee business. The company logo even carries a stylized version of the city’s famous Etruscan arch. Caffe Umbria’s Pioneer Square location is also the site of our twice-monthly Italian language conversation group, La Tavola Italiana. We are very appreciative of our long-time partnership with Caffe Umbria and Emanuele Bizzarri, and his generous support of our programs.
If you would like to make a personal or corporate contribution to sponsor a scholarship or artist exchange, please contact us.