Alongside its two fundamental missions – teaching and research – Italian universities pursue a third: putting knowledge at the service of the social, cultural, and economic development of the region. This is the so-called Public Engagement, which aims to generate a real impact on society.
The University for Foreigners of Perugia is a specialized institution born from a cultural project deeply rooted in the Umbrian region, but with a strong international vocation: to promote the teaching of the Italian language, culture, and civilization in all their forms.
Today, the University for Foreigners continues to cultivate this “virtuous dualism,” conceiving of Public Engagement as a bridge between Umbria and the world. On one hand, it promotes Perugia and the surrounding area through internationalization; on the other, it brings local identity and excellence beyond borders, sharing them with a global audience.
This vision of Public Engagement goes beyond the simple application of teaching and research results: it also gathers and transmits the values that, for over a century, have characterized the identity of the University. From the founding principles of peace and cooperation, to today’s most pressing issues of sustainability and inclusion, the University for Foreigners continues to be a cultural reference point, both locally and internationally.
Public engagement is the set of all activities through which the University opens itself up to society, involving citizens, schools, associations, businesses, institutions, and the surrounding area. It means engaging in dialogue and collaborating with the public, not only to share knowledge, but to listen, share, respond to social needs, and build solutions together. On this front, the Public Engagement activities of the University for Foreigners of Perugia anticipated its structuring in terms of Public Engagement by decades; for about forty years, in fact, the University has organized an extensive calendar of cultural and scientific events open to the broader public, as well as projects with social aims, carried out, also, in partnership with local and national organizations.
Continuing education is the set of educational opportunities that the University for Foreigners of Perugia offers to those who have already completed their "traditional" studies but wish to continue learning, updating, or specializing. It is aimed at adults, both employed and unemployed, and at anyone who wants to increase or certify their skills throughout their life.
The University for Foreigners of Perugia actively collaborates with companies, institutions, public bodies, and associations to promote research, innovation, and shared growth. These partnerships make it possible to address real challenges, develop concrete solutions, and create new opportunities for students, researchers, and businesses. Through joint projects, internships, scientific consulting, and training activities, the university stands as a dynamic and open point of reference, able to put knowledge at the service of the local area and society.
The University for Foreigners of Perugia is actively committed to social responsibility, promoting values of inclusion, sustainability, equity, and active citizenship. Through projects, initiatives, and collaborations, the University contributes to the social, cultural, and environmental well-being of its students, staff, and the local area.
The University for Foreigners of Perugia is committed to enhancing its artistic and cultural heritage, understood as a living resource to be shared with the community. The university promotes awareness and enjoyment of its historical, architectural, artistic, and archival assets, strengthening connections with the local area and helping to convey the value of culture as a common good and a tool for collective growth.