Alongside its two fundamental missions – teaching and research – the Italian university pursues a third: putting knowledge at the service of the social, cultural, and economic development of its local area. This is known as the Third Mission, which aims to generate a real impact on society.
The Università per Stranieri di Perugia is a specialised university born from a cultural project deeply rooted in the Umbrian region, yet with a strong international vocation: to promote the teaching of Italian language, culture, and civilisation in all their forms.
Today, the Università per Stranieri continues to nurture this “virtuous dualism”, envisioning the Third Mission as a bridge between Umbria and the wider world. On the one hand, it enhances Perugia and the surrounding area through internationalisation; on the other, it brings local identity and excellence beyond national borders, presenting them to a global audience.
This vision of the Third Mission goes beyond the simple application of teaching and research outcomes: it also gathers and transmits the values that, for over a century, have defined the University’s identity. From its founding principles of peace and cooperation to the most current issues of sustainability and inclusion, the Università per Stranieri continues to serve as a cultural landmark, both locally and internationally.
Public engagement encompasses all activities through which the University opens itself to society, engaging citizens, schools, associations, businesses, institutions, and the local community. It involves interacting and collaborating with the public—not only to share knowledge, but also to listen, exchange ideas, respond to social needs, and co-create solutions. In this context, the public engagement activities of the Università per Stranieri di Perugia have been ahead of their time in the field of the so-called "third mission"; for nearly forty years, the University has organized a rich calendar of cultural and scientific events open to the wider community, as well as projects with social objectives, often in partnership with local and national organizations.
As part of its public engagement initiatives, the Università per Stranieri di Perugia also dedicates special attention to older adults by organizing meetings on topics related to aging, with the aim of promoting lifelong learning and skills development.
Continuing education refers to the range of educational opportunities offered by the University for Foreigners of Perugia to those who have already completed traditional studies but wish to continue learning, updating, or specializing. It is aimed at adults, whether employed or unemployed, and anyone who wants to enhance or certify their skills throughout their lifetime.
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-world challenges, develop practical solutions, and create new opportunities for students, researchers, and businesses. Through joint projects, internships, scientific consultancy, and training activities, the university positions itself as a dynamic and open reference point, capable of placing knowledge at the service of the local area and society as a whole.
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 partnerships, the University contributes to the social, cultural, and environmental well-being of its students, staff, and the local community.
The University for Foreigners of Perugia is committed to enhancing its artistic and cultural heritage, considering it a living resource to be shared with the community. The university promotes the knowledge and enjoyment of its historical, architectural, artistic, and archival assets, strengthening its ties with the local area and helping to convey the value of culture as a common good and a means of collective growth.