The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia is pleased to announce a call for applications for its Study Abroad in Italy Scholarships, designed to support outstanding undergraduates enrolled at a Greater Philadelphia area university* who will be studying abroad in Italy during the AY 2026-27.

For the 2026 cycle, AIS-Phila will award up to four (4) scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each.

Eligibility

Undergraduate applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university located in the Greater Philadelphia area.

• Be planning to study abroad in Italy during the 2026–2027 academic year (fall, spring, or full academic year).

• Have completed at least two semester-long courses in Italian language at the college or university level prior to travelling.

• Be in good academic standing at their home institution.

Application Requirements

A complete application must include the following materials, submitted as a single PDF:

1. Personal Statement (approximately 750–1,000 words), addressing:

• Your name and home institution

• Your academic background and interests

• Your study abroad program in Italy (location, institution, dates)

• How study in Italy relates to your academic goals, career plans, and engagement with Italian culture

• Why you are a strong candidate for the AIS-Phila Scholarship for Study Abroad in Italy

2. Unofficial Transcript from your current institution, demonstrating completion of at least two Italian courses.

3. One (1) Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member familiar with your academic work (preferably in Italian or a related field). Recommendation letters should be submitted directly by the recommender at info@aisphila.org with the title Letter of Recc. NAME of STUDENTS - AIS-Phila Scholarship

4. Proof of Acceptance to a study abroad program in Italy.

Selection Criteria

Scholarships will be awarded based on:

• Academic merit

• Demonstrated commitment to the study of Italian language and culture

• Clarity and strength of the proposed study abroad plan

• Overall quality of the application materials

• Recipient Expectations

AIS-Phila seeks applicants who will serve as enthusiastic ambassadors of Italian culture and who are eager to share their experiences with the broader community.

Scholarship recipients will be expected to remain in touch with the America-Italy Society of Philadelphia while studying in Italy. You will be asked to periodically provide material, including pictures and short texts, to share your experiences on the Society's social media, website, and newsletter.

Once during your time in Italy and once at your return, you may be expected to present to the AIS-Phila community on your experience in Italy.

Submission Instructions & Deadline

All application materials must be received no later than April 10, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.

Applications should be submitted electronically to: info@aisphila.org

Subject line: AIS-Phila Scholarship for Study Abroad – 2026 Application

Letters of recommendation may be sent directly by the recommender to the same email address, with the applicant’s name clearly indicated Letter of Recc. NAME of STUDENTS - AIS-Phila Scholarship.

Notification

Applicants will be notified of award decisions in late April 2026.

For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, please contact:

America-Italy Society of Philadelphia info@aisphila.org | www.aisphila.org

*Penn students are not eligible and are invited to apply to the 2026 Vittorini Scholarship. For more information visit the Vittorini page.