The Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program is sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation. This all-expenses paid trip for Italian American students covers round-trip airfare between Italy and America and 10 days of programs.

PURPOSE

To strengthen the Italian American identity by bonding young Italian-Americans to the country, culture, and heritage of Italy; to help them gain an understanding of their heritage and a pride in preserving that heritage for the next generation; and to understand the historical significance of Italy and the current contribution Italy is making to the US and the world.

For the first time, this year's trip will offer students the opportunity to perform community service in areas of need

The trip itineraries will include educational lectures, service opportunities, meetings with government officials, business leaders and visits to government offices, international businesses, museums and other cultural attractions.

TRIP INFORMATION

Trip Date: Around the last week of May through the first weeks of June, 2013.

Trip Destination: Calabria

Questions? View our FAQ (pdf format)

Eligibility Requirements: Participants must be between the ages of 18-23 at the time of travel (Summer 2013)

Students must be enrolled in a college/university for the semester preceding the trip (Spring 2013)

Students must be of Italian heritage

Application Opens: November 1, 2012

Deadline to Apply: January 31, 2013

Date of Notification for all applicants: Friday, March 1, 2013

Participant Acceptance Deadline: Friday, March 15, 2013

Apply Online Now

THE TRIP INCLUDES:

Round-trip airfare between US and Italy

Nine (9) nights hotel accommodations and/or host family home stays (Hotel accommodations are 2/3/4 same-gender participants to a room)

Nine (9) continental breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

2 full-day and 3 half-day escorted tours (subject to some variation)

Motorcoach transfers

Escorts and tour guides

Trip does not include:

domestic flights to/from international departure city

items of a personal nature and spending money

meals not included in itinerary

purchase of International Student Identity Cards

Other Important Information

Processing fee and deposit policy

Students Selected to Participate: Proof of student status and a $150 non-refundable processing fee and current credit card will be requested of only those students accepted into the program. Any non-refundable costs incurred by NIAF before or during the program will be charged to the student's credit card. Additionally, any costs incurred due to violation of the "Code of Conduct" resulting in early termination of the student's participation in the Voyage of Discovery program will be charged to the participant's credit card.

Before travel, students will be required to purchase an insurance policy from STA Travel for 9-15 days coverage (estimated cost is $70) for the duration of the Voyage of Discovery program. The standard program-international travel policy includes medical expense coverage for a covered sickness or injury occurring while traveling plus coverage for terrorist incidents and financial defaults. For more information, visit www.statravel.com or call 1-800-495-5498.

Students Wait-Listed: Students will be notified of their status on the waitlist. They will be notified if space becomes available. When selected they must provide us with a valid credit card as deposit.

click here for sample itineraries from previous years:

View the 2012 Itinerary
View the 2011 Itinerary
View the 2010 Itinerary
View the 2009 Itinerary

IMPORTANT - * NIAF is not responsible for any technical errors that may occur during the application process. Please verify the reception of a confirmation email after completing the online application. NIAF will only accept online appliations (no exceptions). *