Italian initiative launched

Language scholars at the University of St Andrews will launch a Unique new initiative aimed at establishing links with an ancient region in Italy.

The University will collaborate with the Region Basilicata, a small region in south Italy, to organise visits for twenty selected students of Italian. It will be a unique arrangement between the region and the Scottish university.

The initiative, which will be launched tomorrow Wednesday (18th January 2004) in St Andrews, is open to first and second years and includes accommodation, a language course and excursions to the archaeological sites and artistic attractions of the region.

“We hope this will be the beginning of an on-going project that will ensure our students yearly visits to Basilicata,” said organiser Patrizia Sambuco of the Department of Italian.

Basilicata is one of the lesser known regions in Italy. Placed in the south, between Puglia and Campania, Basilicata boasts a very rich history dating back to the Palaeolithic era, the time of the first settlements in the region. The region bears witness to this long history of dominations in artistic remains such as Roman mosaics.

The idea was first suggested to the Italian Department by the Tourism Promotion agency in Basilicata and ELServices, who organise English courses for Italian students at the University.

Dr de Bonis, Director of Tourism Promotion in Basilicata, said: ¿We will show the students the tourism system of the region which is divided into 5 areas, each of them with territorial and cultural peculiarities of its own.”

During the launch, St Andrews’ students will get a taste of the region when representatives of the tourism promoters and ELServices present the sights and tastes of Basilicata.

The launch will also be attended by the Italian General Consul, Andrea Macchioni, who will take the opportunity to meet and chat with fourth year students of the subject.

He said: ‘Through this event the students of St Andrews are given the opportunity to discover and appreciate the history and culture of the Basilicata region. I am sure they will take advantage of that. The beauty of Italy is also due to the richness and diversity of the culture and traditions of its regions.

“We are delighted that closer ties will be established between the University of St Andrews and the Basilicata region.”

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected] Ref: Italian initiative launch 170204 View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk