Study Italian in Perugia!
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.
For 2025 studies, applications will be accepted March 1 through 31.
If interested, please carefully read the Applicant Criteria and Process.
Learn more about the SPSCA scholarship program in our SPSCA scholarship FAQ.
Questions? Write to: SPSCA Scholarships
Recent scholars share their experiences:
Carol, December 2024 scholar: Was it a dream? Did I really spend December 2024 learning Italian and living in the beautiful city of Perugia?
When I applied I thought it was a long-shot. Would SPSCA really select a retiree to be a scholar at l’Università per Stranieri? I feel very lucky that they decided to take a chance on me. Choosing to go solo, I left my husband and cat behind in Seattle and ventured off on an adventure that I will never forget. I met classmates from all over the globe, made some life-long friends, visited beautiful places outside of Perugia like Assisi, and even took a chocolate-making class at Perugina!
Now I want to tell everyone that this is an association to join. Yes, for the possibility of a scholarship to study Italian in Perugia. But more for the connections, friends, and experiences of being a part of an organization that has created, and continues to be involved in, fun and enriching endeavors.
Lana, October 2024 scholar: I have always loved being a student. So, I was thrilled when I received the news that I had been accepted by the SPSCA for a scholarship to study Italian at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia. My goal was to challenge myself while being a good ambassador for my city and the association.
My experience was unlike any other I have had in my life. Instead of being preoccupied with all the demands of my daily life here in Seattle, I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture and language in a way that reinforced everything I was learning in the classroom. For example, in addition to my language courses, I took an Art History class, focusing on Perugino and Raffaello. Not only did I see their masterpieces projected on the screen in my classroom, but I could walk to the center of town and see Perugino’s work adorning the walls of the Collegio del Cambio.
Rebecca, October 2023 scholar: My scholarship month in Perugia was a life-changing experience. Although I had done my junior year abroad in Italy and had solid Italian skills, I had lost a lot in the 35 years since then. The immersion classes were extremely important in refining my grammar and pronunciation and expanding my vocabulary into the 21st century. I befriended a German woman in my class. She and I had the crazy idea to attend a neighborhood dinner (we were the only foreigners present) and meet some locals; we became regulars at their Friday gatherings all month. By the end of four weeks I felt confident enough to deliver a lecture on a Seattle artist in Italian.
Beyond the lessons, the teachers also urged us to attend concerts and films, visit local museums and attractions, and even made a hundred-song playlist of Italian hits. I went to different arts venues almost daily – museums and churches – and visited the Barocci in the Duomo frequently.
Heather, June 2023 scholar: Sometimes in life you take a chance. I opened an email from my amazing Italian teacher, Roberta, on March 15th, the afternoon of the final day of the SPSCA scholarship submission. I said to myself, a mother of a 15 year old, Salvatore, on the way to soccer practice, 'STOP! Do this for you!' & stopped my life and sent my application.
In shock, when I received the scholarship, I jumped on it, before I could change my mind. I dove in without expectations, yet felt the support of SPSCA from start to finish.
Universita di Stranieri is the most special place, I will remember my teachers and fellow students, but the beauty of this experience, is the complimentary beauty of the relationships you meet with the locals. Dive in, get your shoes shined, find the laundromat, buy a fish, get on a bus, do the simple things and you will meet the greatest of the Perugians.
Carla, March 2023 scholar: I had the deeply rewarding opportunity to study at Università per Stranieri in Perugia on a scholarship from SPSCA in March 2023. It was so much fun: waking up every day, going to school, knowing my route would take me past glorious ancient buildings and newly installed public art, finding interesting places to eat, and living the rhythms of the city.
But the most significant value for me came from the improvement in my language skills, which allowed me to have natural discussions about anything with local people. Understanding the nuances of the language gives insight into Italian history and its values.
Dianne, Dec 2022 scholar: “Receiving my Italian citizenship at the start of the pandemic motivated me to begin online Italian studies in late 2021, and the SPSCA scholarship provided the perfect opportunity to further my studies. I found that the daily immersion and lessons helped boost my comprehension, vocabulary and conversation. I shared classes with students from Europe, Russia, China and South America, and more, in the beautiful Palazzo Gallenga, among frescoes from the 18th century, ornate stairways and spectacular views of the city. Studying in December also provided the opportunity to enjoy the holiday festivities: Christmas decorations and lights began appearing across town lighting up the Medieval buildings, streets and piazzas. The atmosphere was so festive with Christmas market stalls, chestnut roasters, a carnival on the main pedestrian thoroughfare, an ice-skating rink and many concerts. I especially enjoyed connecting with Perugians at school, in cafes and museums. Thank you SPSCA for supporting my continued Italian language journey and for this rich opportunity to spend time in Perugia.”
We are able to offer these scholarships through the generous support of our friends, business sponsors and the Università per Stranieri.
Individual Scholarship Support
La Borsa di Studio del Presidente 2025 o dei Membri Emeriti del Consiglio is a donation established by a private donor who requires that the scholarship recipient must have two years of membership in SPSCA, and in addition, been an active volunteer for the organization during that time.
We thank Kent Bakke, former CEO of La Marzocco, for his generous contribution toward one scholarship in 2024.
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.