The "Storia e memorie" group of 21 students and teachers from Friuli and Sardegna returned to Italy this weekend after an intensive three-week program at Georgetown University and Casa Italiana. The program was funded by the Italian Senate and managed by Fri.Sa.Li World in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy. A CISC team - Liz DiGregorio, Anna Isgro, Mary Ann Re, and Francesco Isgro - created and managed the program's curriculum.

“Connecting Italy and Italian America” was the larger theme of the curriculum. Classes included speakers on how the U.S. government works, U.S. immigration, in particular the era of mass immigration from Italy, and different aspects of being Italian American. The students also interviewed Italian Americans from the Friuli and Sardegna regions.

By the end of the program, the students were well-versed on the contributions of Italian and Italian Americans to America and the struggles and challenges Italian immigrants faced.

Huge thanks to all the enthusiastic speakers who took the time to share their expertise with the group. Thanks also to Chef Luigi Diotaiuti of Al Tiramisu, and Joe and Alessandro Farruggio of il Canale who generously hosted the group at their respective restaurants.

We are also grateful to the Embassy of Italy and Education Director Maria Fusco for entrusting CISC to manage this program and for welcoming the students at the Embassy.