AUCS turns 25 in Carpi: a month of cultural exchange in local schools

The AUCS (American Universities and Carpi Schools) exchange program celebrates its 25th anniversary in Carpi. The 2026 edition includes 20 American university students and 2 accompanying professors, who are hosted by local families and placed in area schools for a month of educational and cultural activities.

Arriving on May 9, the group will remain in Carpi until June 4, participating in daily classroom life and bringing a range of language-learning and pedagogical initiatives.

• Participating schools: Comprensivo Carpi Nord, Comprensivo Carpi 2, Comprensivo Carpi 3, Liceo Fanti, IIS Meucci, CFP Nazareno and several municipal preschools.
• Planned activities: classroom support, afternoon workshops, English animated readings at the Biblioteca Falco Magico.
• 2026 new initiative: "All Together Now" for preschools, using music, movement and play to introduce young children to English.

Organised by Victoria Languages and Cultures with the patronage of the Municipality of Carpi, the programme—founded in 2001—has become a lasting cultural and pedagogical bridge between the Emilia territory and US universities. Beyond language learning, AUCS highlights host-family hospitality and the exchange of educational practices within a locally recognised tradition.