News & Events

NIAF 34th Annual Anniversary Gala - The Advanced Registration Deadline has been EXTENDED until July 16 - Act Now to take advantage of Discounted Pricing!
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NIAF Presents a New Travel Partnership with Perillo Tours - Get the promo code!
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Customize Your Dream Vacation to Italy in Minutes!
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The NIAF West Coast Gala - Read the Review!
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The NIAF East Coast Gala - Read the Review!
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Top Italian Singers Perform Special Video for Abruzzo!
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Upcoming Events and Benefits to Support the Earthquake Victims
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NIAF’s Adopt-a-Student Campaign
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The Voyage of Discovery - 2009



The Voyage of Discovery is sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation. This all-expenses paid trip for Italian American students covers round-trip airfare between Italy and America and 10 days of programs.

PURPOSE

To strengthen the Italian American identity by bonding young Italian-Americans to the country, culture, and heritage of Italy; to help them gain an understanding of their heritage and a pride in preserving that heritage for the next generation; and to understand the historical significance of Italy and the current contribution Italy is making to the US and the world.

The trip itineraries will include educational lectures, meetings with government officials, business leaders and visits to government offices, international businesses, museums and other cultural attractions.



TRIP INFORMATION

Trip Date: Summer, 2009

Trip Destination: View the 2009 Itinerary
(Note: This is a draft and subject to change)

Questions? View our FAQ (pdf format)

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Participants must be between the ages of 18-23 at the time of travel (Summer 2009)
  • Students must be enrolled in a college/university for the semester preceding the trip (Spring 2009)
  • Students must be of Italian heritage



Application and Transcript Deadline:
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 (5:00 PM EST)

Transcripts can be sent by mail or fax –
Address: NIAF Voyage of Discovery
               1860 19th Street, NW
               Washington, DC 20009
               Postmark date must be January 6, 2009.

Fax:       202.483.2618
              Applications and Transcripts must be sent and received by January 6, 2009.


Recommendation Letters due Friday, January 16, 2009. Please send by fax at 202.483.2618.

NOTE:
Only online applications will be accepted.


Along with the online application, applicants are required to mail or fax a transcript (official or unofficial) and two written recommendations from a teacher, school official, or political/community leader. Mailing instructions and deadlines are written above and provided on the online application as well as in the confirmation email sent to you upon submitting your application.

Date of Notification for all applicants: Friday, March 6, 2009

Participant Acceptance Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2009


    THE TRIP INCLUDES:

  • Round-trip airfare between US and Italy
  • Nine (9) nights hotel accommodations and/or host family home stays
      (Hotel accommodations are 2/3/4 same-gender participants to a room)
  • Nine (9) continental breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
  • 2 full-day and 3 half-day escorted tours
      (subject to some variation)
  • Motorcoach transfers
  • Escorts and tour guides

    Trip does not include:

  • domestic flights to/from international departure city
  • items of a personal nature and spending money
  • meals not included in itinerary
  • purchase of International Student Identity Cards


  • Other Important Information

    NEW: Processing fee and deposit policy (updated October 2008)

    Students Selected to Participate: Proof of student status and a $100 non-refundable processing fee and current credit card will be requested of only those students accepted into the program. Any non-refundable costs incurred by NIAF before or during the program will be charged to the student's credit card. Additionally, any costs incurred due to violation of the "Code of Conduct" resulting in early termination of the student's participation in the Voyage of Discovery program will be charged to the participant's credit card.

    Before travel, students will be required to purchase an insurance policy from STA Travel for 9-15 days coverage (estimated cost is $70) for the duration of the Voyage of Discovery program. The standard program-international travel policy includes medical expense coverage for a covered sickness or injury occurring while traveling plus coverage for terrorist incidents and financial defaults. For more information, visit www.statravel.com or call 1-800-495-5498.

    Students Wait-Listed: Students will be notified of their status on the waitlist. They will be notified if space becomes available. When selected they must provide us with a valid credit card as deposit.

    click here for sample itineraries from previous years:

    View the 2008 Itinerary