International Education Initiative
The Austin Florence Alliance has established an initiative to help support and facilitate education abroad opportunities between the two cities and their prestigious universities. We have begun to approach local institutions of higher learning in both cities and talks are underway for development.
Both student and faculty exchanges, and professional development opportunities will be created and opened to qualifying individuals seeking career advancement at the respective universities and colleges in Austin and in Florence.
Goals
Connect The University of Florence and the other institutions of higher learning in Tuscany to students from Texas, creating academic exchanges, professional development, cultural immersion opportunities that they can further develop in Italy and bring back to the US.
Open universities and colleges in Texas to Italian students, creating academic exchanges, professional development opportunities and proficiencies in Tech, STEM and other areas that they can further develop in Austin and bring back to Italy.
Process
Florence
The AF Alliance will seek funding for need and merit based scholarships for students who aim to achieve career advancement through an international education experience in Italy.
The AF Alliance will work with local Florentine institutions of higher learning to align the curriculum for foreign students that will be attractive to exchange students from Texas.
The AF Alliance will consult with its Florence university partners to build the right programs focused on career advancement and the benefits of studying in Italy.
Austin
The AF Alliance will work with Texas and Florence partners to seek financial support for Italian students aiming to advance their careers through study and professional development in the US.
The AF Alliance will work with local Texas colleges, universities and educational organizations to establish a process and channel for Italian exchange students that qualify and would like to study in the US for a semester or year.
The AF Alliance will consult with its university partners in Texas to identify the right procedures, funding and combination of courses that would benefit Italian students.
The AF Alliance will consult with local Texas partners, schools, and agencies, who will provide the logistical support required for foreign students: legal documentation and visas, housing, extracurricular activities, health and safety protocols, etc.
Partner organizations
AF Alliance has secured commitments from logistical partners in both Austin and Florence to work in facilitating the on the ground support for visiting exchange students. AF Alliance aims to expand its partnerships with US institutions of higher learning in Texas, to develop exchange programs, research opportunities and faculty collaboration with The University of Florence (UNIFI) and other institutions of higher learning in Tuscany.