Our World Center in Italy will expand FIU's presence and build upon previous successes in many parts of the country, but especially in Genoa. Since 2005, FIU in Genoa has welcomed over 500 FIU students for summer or semester-long studies and exchange experiences in the subject areas architecture, interior design, the humanities and social sciences and hospitality management. Our long-term partnership with the University of Genoa has exchanged students and faculty partially funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ program. Our well-established presence in Genoa is much supported by the municipal government of Genoa which has expressed a commitment to welcome our scientiests, learners and teachers in the years to come. Explore FIU in Genoa and how FIU students have experienced Genoa.
FIU World Center Italy Awareness Campaign
In May 2022, FIU Global sent two students to Genoa to see first hand the rich environment and many opportunities for unique learning experiences. Sophomore Michelle Puentes and Senior Amelia Raudales explored the city, many cultural sites, met with officials from the municipal government, toured the FIU studio and learning spaces and more. Their insights will shape the university's partnerships and programs across Italy.
UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Security
The designation as a UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Security in 2018 was bestowed in recognition of the important work done by faculty and scientists affiliated with FIU's Institute of Environment. It is also a result of the close partnership and collaborations with the Universita per Stranieri di Perugia in Perugia, and Università degli Studi di Firenze in Italy. Jointly, they address global water and environmental challenges through academic, scientific and cultural programs with a particular focus on urban coastal hydrologic modeling.
Genoa is a Top Study Abroad Destination for FIU Students
- 541total students completed a study abroad program in Genoa
- 325students completed a semester-long program in Genoa
- 216students completed a half-semester or summer program in Genoa
- 114FIU degrees awarded to Italian citizens since 2009
- 19FIU faculty research enterprises have occurred in Italy
- 6COIL courses have been taught in partnership with an Italian institution
- 1U.S. Fulbright Scholar Distinguished Chair award to Italy
Student Exchange Institutional Partners in Italy
FIU, University of Genoa and the City of Genoa Sign MOU
In January 2020, FIU, the University of Genoa, and the Genoa City Government signed a three-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) acknowledging the importance of the international alliance between the two academic institutions of higher education for the city. The MOU symbolizes each partner's commitment to promote educational, cultural, and scientific collaborations.
All parties emphasize that the partnership will continue to generate unique opportunities for economic development and the creation of new knowledge. It also generated further discussions with members of the Genoa Chamber of Commerce as well as Costa Crociere.
- Genoa City Government
Dr. Pablo G. Ortiz met with Barbara Grosso, City Councilor for Culture, Education and Youth (2nd from right), and Gianluca Saba, Comune di Genova International Activities (2nd from left). Anna Maria Saiano, US Consular Agent in Genoa (left), played a crucial role in organizing meetings and advancing a US educational institution in Genoa. Matthew Rice, FIU Genoa program manager (r).
- University of Genoa
l-r: Prof. Giorgio Roth, Dean of the UniGe Polytechnic School, Dr. Pablo G. Ortiz, Marco Invernizzi, then UniGe Protettore for Research and Technology Transfer.
- Genoa Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Ortiz met with Elena Manara (2nd from left) responsible for External Relations, in the magnificent Palazzo Carrega Cataldi on Via Garibaldi to discuss possible interactions with local industries. Gianluca Saba (far right), Matthew Rice (far left).
- Costa Crociere
Dr. Ortiz met with Davide Triacca, Secretary General of the Costa Crociere Foundation (2nd from right), Alessandro Barabino, Human Resources (right), and Fabrizio Contartese, Project Management Specialist (left) to discuss opportunities for FIU students in various degree programs. Triacca spoke of the role of the Foundation to promote Corporate Social Responsibility and 'managed tourism'.
The Wolfsoniana–Palazzo Ducale Fondazione per la Cultura, FIU’s Italian partner of The Wolfsonian–FIU, focuses on the study and exhibition of decorative and propaganda arts spanning the same period as the Wolfsonian collections. The Wolfsoniana opened as a study center in 1993 and expanded into a museum in 2005. Located in Genoa, its collection comprises a significant portion of Italian materials collected by Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. and gifted by him in 2007 to the city.
Palazzo Ducale, Genoa
Wolfsoniana curators actively participate in FIU’s Genoa Architecture program, teaching the Design and Italian Culture course for fall and spring semesters. Both institutions have jointly published books, loaned objects, and shared grants to further the research and scholarship of The Wolfsonian’s Italian collection. In 2018, Made in Italy: MITA Textile Design 1926–1976 became The Wolfsonian’s first large-scale collaboration with The Wolfsoniana. The exhibition showcased 50 years of bold commissions produced for world fairs, private homes, clubs, and ocean liners, including the Andrea Doria.
Additionally, The Wolfsonian regularly partners with Miami’s Consulate General of Italy on exhibitions related to its Italian collection, as well as on events and programming during Art Basel week.
Italy News
Dual Degree Ph.D. FIU and University of Florence
Francisco Febronio Peña earned two doctoral degrees - from Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence) and FIU focused on environmental engineering and hydrology. Conducting research at both institutions helped him apply a model that improved accuracy of flood risk assessments.
Wolfsonian(a) Textile Exhibit
Silvia Barisione from The Wolfsonian in Miami and Matteo Fochessati and Gianni Franzone from The Wolfsoniana in Genoa, Italy curated the exhibition, which borrowed many of its items from the Italian museum’s collection.
FIU at Biennale 2021 in Venice
Every two years the architecture world takes over Italy for La Biennale Architettura (Venice Biennale), one of the most prestigious international architecture events in the world. This year, three FIU architecture professors and dozens of students will exhibit their work on this grand architecture stage.
Student from Florence, Italy, completes virtual internship with Dept. of State
Sabrina Pecorelli, majoring in International relations, political science, certificate in Middle Eastern studies. Global Learning Medallion student, completed a virtual internship at the Bureau of Oceans and International, Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the Department of State during COVID. What is your title? Virtual student federal Service intern, Latin America team leader
FIU Benefactor and Former U.S. Vice Consul in Genoa, Italy, Reflects on the Miami-Genoa Connection
Mitchell “Micky” Wolfson Jr. who in the mid-1960s served for five years as the U.S. vice consul in Genoa, Italy bequeathed FIU his vast collection and so much more with the Wolfsonian museum in Miami Beach. The Wolfsoniana, its sister museum, adds a unqique connection to FIU's arts and humanities world.
FIU Students Collaborate Globally and Italy Too, 'Come No!'
Students learning Italian at FIU paired up with students at an Italian university to learn about the chocolate making industry and to create collaborative video projects, many of which were displayed at the 2019 Eurochocolate Festival in Perugia.
Italian duo helps FIU find beach volleyball success
Margherita Bianchin, originally from Venice, and Federica Frasca, originally from Rome, played at the Under-21 European Championships before becoming teammates at FIU.