Our committee works hard to bring interesting and engaging programs to the citizens of Grand Rapids. Ongoing programs include:
Perugia Sister Cities Scholarship 2026
This scholarship was founded i n 1994 by the Grand Rapids Sister Cities International (GRSCI) Perugia Committee as the Angela Andrews Ryan Scholarship. I n partnership with the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, or University for Foreigners (UNISTRA), this exchange program has awarded scholarships each year, totaling more than 50 recipients. www.unistrapg.it Scholarship recipients o f this wonderful cultural exchange have described the experience a s transformational. It has provided them the opportunity to immersively learn the beautiful Italian language, while offering extensive free time to explore the rich history, stunning art, and incredible food of the region. Many individuals make connections with fellow students or local residents that last well beyond their time in Perugia. With extended weekends, the proximity t o other fabulous places in Italy, and Europe in general, also make Perugia a great place to launch additional travel adventures.
Application Details Recipient Criteria:
1. Upstanding individual that will represent the Perugia Committee and the City of Grand Rapids in a reputable manner.
2. Independence, self-sufficiency, adaptability, and previous travel experience, or can establish examples of independent living. The Etruscan Arch
3. Past efforts to learn a foreign language. Application Materials:
a. Application Form
b. Resume
c. Cover letter addressing the above criteria and the following questions in 1000 words or less.
1. What inspires you to study abroad in Italy and study the Italian language?
2. How will you contribute to the sister city mission and relationships while you are i n Perugia and when you return t o Grand Rapids?
3. How will this experience impact your future plans or goals?
Two letters of recommendation Email PDF o fall application materials to: grsistercities.perugia@gmail.com by April 15th.
Download an application here or e-mail grsistercities.perugia@gmail.com to request an application.
GVSU POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT PARTNERSHIP
Each year, scholarships are awarded to students from the University of Perugia who are in Grand Rapids attending college through an exchange program with the GVSU Political Science Department.
THE MARIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL PEN PAL PROGRAM
Begun in 2007 with groups of third graders at Thornapple Elementary School and Maria Montessori School in Perugia, this program has continued to grow to now include St. Paul of the Apostle School in Grand Rapids. Letters and photographs are exchanged during the school year detailing activities and introducing the children on both sides of the Atlantic to simple words in the language of their friends. Visitors in Perugia should not be surprised to see children wearing Thornapple baseball caps and their pen pals here in Grand Rapids sporting griffin (the official symbol of Perugia) pins…concrete evidence that the world is, indeed, flat!
The Mayors of both cities have visited the schools, answering questions from the children about their respective countries and lifestyles. In 2008, thanks to a tech-savvy Italian dad and a similarly talented Thornapple staff member, the children came face-to-face for the first time and exchanged personal greetings via a web cam connection.
MUSIC STUDENT EXCHANGE
Last year a partnership with St. Cecilia Music Center sent three music students to the music school in Perugia for workshops and performances. A reciprocal trip to Grand Rapids will occur sometime in 2016-2017.
PERUGIA SISTER CITY MARKET
The city of Perugia invites its Sister Cities from around the world to participate in a market devoted to the promotion and sale of products from their respective areas. Our volunteers staff a booth at the market located in the historic center of Perugia. Over 50,000 visitors from Perugia and many European cities attend this International Marketplace. Products offered for sale include dried fruits and nuts from the Ferris Coffee and Nut Company and buttery caramel corn, a special favorite of our Italian customers, from Savory Foods. Sandmann’s Barbecue has established a name for itself with its barbecued pork ribs. In addition to showcasing these local products, the Market offers an exceptional opportunity to interface with people from many other countries and to promote the industries of Grand Rapids and the city as a tourist destination.
“You really experience the similarities between people around the world during trips to Perugia. There are common desires for a high quality education, job opportunities, safe environments for our children and loving families. The marketplace allows you the chance to feel this first-hand. This brings me back year after year”—Rina Sala Baker
ARTPRIZE
Since 2010, the Perugia committee has sponsored or co-sponsored a Perugian artist at ArtPrize, helping with cash stipends and finding venues and home stays. The committee plans to continue this successful project. Past artists include:
Luigi Marzo – 2010
Nicola Renzi – 2011, 2016
Meri Tancredi – 2012
Rolf Jacobsen – 2012
Giuliano Giuman – 2013
Michele Ciribifera – 2014
PROMOTING THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Volunteers of the Perugia Committee facilitate monthly meetings of Club Italia for the promotion of our sister city language and culture. The Club meets the second Monday each month, 7:00pm at Schuller’s Bookstore on 28th Street, SE. For more information, email grsistercities@gmail.com.
Learn how to get involved with this sister city and/or make a donation to the Perugia project fund!