About Us
United Italian Societies (UIS) is a student-led non-profit founded by Italian university students studying abroad. We reunite Italian student societies across the globe to enrich the experience of students away from home.
Our Impact in Numbers
What We Stand For
Our Mission
United Italian Societies aims to connect, promote and support Italian university students across the world, fostering cultural exchange, personal growth and the circulation of talent.
Our Philosophy
We believe our generation can contribute to Italy's potential with its many and diverse talents. We run on democratic principles and professionalism, believing in collective collaboration for the betterment of our society.
Our Core Values
We have a culture that is modern, relevant, and aims to inspire students to have a brighter future. We are determined in our approach to supporting students, are creative in our thinking, and bold in our ambitions.
Our Governance
Our organizational structure emphasizes democratic representation, efficient decision-making, and a continuous flow of ideas. The governance of UIS is based on four main bodies, each crucial to our success.
Advisory Board
Made up of experienced professionals, the Advisory Board offers invaluable perspectives on decisions and activities. Meeting twice a year, they actively interact with students to improve UIS and its services.
Board of Directors
A committee of students essential in setting the foundations of the organisation. The BoD sets the vision and strategic goals for UIS, ensuring we stay true to our mission.
UIS Council
Composed of country managers elected by local Presidents Committees. The Council represents the interests of Italian students from the entire network and votes on decisions proposed by executive teams.
Executive Team
The driving force behind UIS. Managed by the CEO and CFO, the executive team is divided into different departments to support initiatives, each led by a Global Head and supported by Local Heads.
Organizational Structure
UIS combines efficiency in its executive team with high representativity of the student community. Tap any box to learn more.
Advisory Board
Board of Directors
UIS Council
CEO & CFO
Country Managers
C-Suite & Global Heads
Local Presidents' Committees
Local Heads
Italian Society Presidents
Local Officers
Italian Society Members
Our Story
UIS Founded
UIS is founded as a non-profit organization in the United Kingdom by Umberto Belluzzo and Tommaso Stoppani based on the pre-existing Italian Societies Student Network made by Mattia Villani. The project was officially announced during a press conference held at the Consulate General of Italy in London.
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Network Expansion in the UK
The project gathers support from Italian student associations at the leading universities in the United Kingdom, with over 20 presidents joining the first UIS president's committee. At the same time, the first mentoring and consular assistance services were launched, along with cultural events.
First Italian Symposium
The Italian Symposium is founded and held at the London School of Economics. The Italian Symposium is UIS's flagship annual event aiming to provide students with the opportunity to engage with prominent figures from various fields.
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International Expansion
UIS expands its network outside the UK, connecting with Italian Societies in France, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States and Switzerland.
Second Italian Symposium
Second edition of Italian Symposium held at the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford. The goal of the event is to establish a tradition of dialogue between Italian students studying abroad and Italian personalities. In the second edition, the symposium saw more than 2,000 students attend the conferences held over multiple days.
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Continued Growth & Scholarships
UIS is consolidating its expansion, extending its support to a broad audience of students. Aware of representing an exceptional pool of talent, UIS aims to use its network to connect talented young people with opportunities for study, research, and work. UIS seeks to become the point of contact between Italian university students abroad and Italy, serving institutions to enrich Italy with the knowledge acquired abroad. A key aspect of the project would be the creation of a scholarship program to support deserving students from less affluent backgrounds.
Want to Learn More?
Explore our team, programs, and the impact we're making in the Italian student community abroad.