Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery

An all-expenses-paid educational travel program for Italian American college students to explore their heritage and cultural roots in Italy. Launched in 2001 by Ambassador Peter F. Secchia, the program has sent nearly 1,000 young Italian Americans on their first trip to Italy.

Program Details:

• Duration: 14 days (evolved from original 10-day program)
• Participants: 20 college students selected annually (10 female, 10 male)
• All-expenses covered: Yes, including flights, accommodation, meals, tours, and activities
• Service Component: Day of service incorporated to allow students to give back to Italian communities

Activities Include:

• Visits to well-known cities and lesser-known culturally rich small towns
• Intimate tours of local attractions
• Meetings with Italian business leaders and government officials
• Service projects in Italy
• Cultural immersion experiences

Geographic Scope: Italy (locations vary by year; program follows NIAF's Region of Honor, which changes annually)

Eligibility:

• College students
• Italian American heritage
• First-time visitors to Italy preferred
• Highly competitive (200-400 applications annually)

History:

• Originally called "Gift of Discovery" (2001-2006)
• Renamed "Voyage of Discovery" in 2007
• Started with 120 students visiting northern or southern Italy
• Reciprocal exchange: Italian students also visit US cities (New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Providence, Rhode Island)

Contact Information:

• National Italian American Foundation
• Address: Amb. Peter F. Secchia Building, 1860 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
• Phone: 202-387-0600
• Email: information@niaf.org
• Federal ID: 52-1071723