Associazione Valorizzazione del Patrimonio Storico San Gemini - Scholarships "San Gemini Preservazion Studies"

San Gemini Preservation Studies scholarship

You will receive free tuition towards the cost of a course at the ‘San Gemini Preservation Studies’ summer field school, a practice-oriented programme in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. The standard fee of 3,950 or 6,000 USD (about 3,650 or 5,550 EUR), which varies depending on the course, will be waived in full. The courses cover topics such as stone and architectural surfaces, archaeological ceramics, paper, historical bookbinding and traditional painting techniques. You will complete the entire course alongside international students in San Gemini (Umbria, Italy). Upon completion, you will receive a certificate from the International Institute for Restoration and Preservation Studies in New York. The scholarships are awarded by the ‘Associazione Valorizzazione del Patrimonio Storico San Gemini’, which awards 5 to 10 each year. In San Gemini, there are also costs of 400 EUR for accommodation, and for some courses you will need to purchase your own learning materials and protective equipment.

Who can apply

• Nationality and residence: You are an Italian citizen and live in Italy.
• Study level: You are studying at an Italian university and are in at least your second year of study, or you have graduated in recent years.
• Field of study: Your degree is in a related area such as conservation of cultural heritage, restoration of historic-artistic heritage, archaeology, art history, architecture or civil engineering.
• English: You speak English well. This is essential, as the courses are taught in English.
• Background knowledge: You have a basic knowledge of conservation and restoration, architecture, art history and archaeology, as well as basic computer skills.
• Commitment: You can stay in San Gemini throughout the course, from Monday to Friday, and attend the course continuously from the very start.

How to apply

Please send the signed application form, together with copies of your identity document, to the association by post or by certified email (PEC) by 30 April. Selection will be based on your qualifications and an oral interview, during which your command of English, your knowledge of heritage conservation, and your understanding of architecture and art history will be assessed. In the event of a tie between two candidates, the older candidate will be selected.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very restricted. You must be resident in Italy, be studying a specific subject in the field of heritage conservation, speak English well and be prepared to live in San Gemini for the duration of the course. This keeps the pool of applicants small, and with 5 to 10 scholarships available each year, a suitable candidate stands a good chance of success. The key factors are a demonstrably relevant academic background and a confident command of English during the interview.