To enhance support for the international student community and improve reception services, the University of Pisa has initiated a dialogue with the Unità Migranti in Italia APS Association. Professor Enza Pellecchia, Vice-Rector for University Community Cohesion and the Right to Education, Professor Giovanni Paoletti, Vice-Rector for Teaching, and Professor Giovanni Federico Gronchi, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and International Relations, met with several representatives of the association, including President Dieng Ibrahima, Vice President Destemona Nasi, Secretary Ihor Chernai, and Listening Desk Coordinator Said Talbi.
The association, committed to providing support to immigrants in Italy, plays a crucial role in assisting international students at the University of Pisa through Italian language courses, basic computer literacy training, and an orientation service. With the significant increase in the number of foreign students enrolled at the University of Pisa, the need has emerged to improve infrastructure and available resources to ensure proper reception. The number of newly enrolled students with foreign qualifications has risen from approximately 850 in the academic year 2023/24 to around 1,730 in the academic year 2024/25.
During the meeting, discussions highlighted the importance of initiating Italian language learning pathways even before students arrive in Italy, through initiatives in which the University of Pisa could also collaborate. The association is already in contact with staff from the International Relations Office, which handles the enrollment of students with foreign qualifications. Furthermore, to provide greater structure and continuity to the collaboration between the University and the Unità Migranti in Italia APS Association, the idea of drafting a formal agreement was proposed. This agreement would help strengthen synergies with a focus on inclusion and support for international students.
