Scholarship "Un anno all'estero" (A year abroad) awarded through Credito Siciliano

Acireale, June 15, 2004 - The scholarship award ceremony 'A year abroad', which is sponsored by Credito Siciliano (Creval Group), in association with Intercultura, was held today at Credito Siciliano Business Centre in Acireale, Catania. Established 1955, Intercultura is a partner of major organizations for intercultural exchanges in the world, such as 'AFS Intercultural Programs', based in New York, and 'EFIL', which is based in Brussels.

It is the first year that the scholarship has been awarded in Sicily. It is for students aged between 14 and 16, who are also Cart@perta credit card holders. The grant allows the students to spend a period of residence abroad. The destination can be chosen among a number of countries available in Europe and the rest of the world. During their period of foreign residence all students attend a local high school, which contributes towards their final school results. In January this year, the initiative was advertised in the Sicilian press, in a special section of the Group's website and by the Intercultura employees, who have been informing the students in the local schools.

Andrea Falconeri, 17, from Scaletta Zanclea, Messina, attending "Liceo Scientifico" (High School with a focus on scientific subjects), in Messina has been awarded the scholarship. He will spend one year in the USA.
The scholarship has been awarded to Andrea by deputy General Manager and Managing Director of Credito Siciliano Carlo Negrini, who congratulated the young student on his school career and said all best wishes for the future from Credito Siciliano.
The scholarship award ceremony was attended by the Intercultura regional co-ordinator Mila Montanaro, the Superintendent for School Support Services of the local centre in Catania, Ester Spata, a voluntary worker of the local centre in Catania, Professor Maria Teresa Ciancio Fichera, as well as by the Falconeri family.
As the Year Abroad is a unique opportunity for the students to improve their school results, make intercultural experiences and widen personal horizons, Credito Siciliano is launching the same project also for next year.