Spotlight: internationals in… Faenza
Faenza is known worldwide for its extraordinary ceramic tradition — so deeply rooted in the city that it gave its name to the entire art form: faïence. Home to the internationally renowned Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche, Faenza is also a welcoming mid-sized city in the heart of Romagna, with a lively cultural scene, strong associative networks and a growing offer of services for those who choose to live, study or work here.
International and social communities
A key reference point for internationally-minded people in Faenza is PiGreco – SEMI di Intercultura APS, a youth association founded in 2016 and accredited under the European Solidarity Corps. PiGreco organises local and international cultural and intercultural activities — from Erasmus+ youth exchanges and European volunteering projects to creative workshops, intercultural events and language activities — targeting young people between 14 and 30 years old and youth workers of any age.
For those interested in intercultural dialogue and community events, Faenza Multietnica is a local association that organises cultural and artistic events on the themes of immigration and integration, promotes recognition of the social and cultural contributions of foreign citizens living in the city, and supports cooperation with institutions and associations in developing countries.
The Centro Servizi per Stranieri (Via Severoli, 9) is the municipal information and orientation service for foreign citizens, offering practical support on bureaucratic procedures, residency, social integration and access to local services. It is open Tuesday and Friday 9:00–12:30, and Wednesday and Thursday 15:00–18:30.
For talent-related support and broader orientation services, Ravenna Welcomes Talents is the local Talent Office of the it-ER network and covers the entire province of Ravenna — including Faenza. The office provides free one-to-one guidance for international students, researchers and professionals on living, working and settling in the area.
Italian language courses and language exchange
For those looking to learn Italian in a free, informal and welcoming setting, Scuola Penny Wirton Faenza offers free one-to-one Italian lessons to migrants and newcomers, held at the Teatro dei Filodrammatici (Viale Stradone 9). Active in Faenza since 2017, the school follows the nationally recognised Penny Wirton method — founded by writer Eraldo Affinati — based on a personal, one-to-one relationship between teacher and learner. Over 100 students of diverse nationalities attended in the past year alone, supported by around 30 volunteers.
The Emilia-Romagna Region funds free Italian language courses specifically for international talents living in the area. For up-to-date information on available courses and how to enrol, get in touch directly with Informagiovani Faenza or the local Talent Office — they will be able to guide you to the right option based on your level and schedule.
Sports and outdoor activities
Faenza and the surrounding Romagna Faentina area offer a wide range of outdoor opportunities — from cycling routes through the Apennine foothills to sports clubs, swimming pools and local associations. The city’s hills and the nearby Lamone river valley are popular destinations for hiking, trail running and mountain biking. For an overview of sports clubs and facilities in the area, Informagiovani Faenza is a useful starting point.
Volunteering
For volunteering opportunities, PiGreco – SEMI di Intercultura APS is a natural starting point, both for local activities and for European mobility programmes under the Solidarity Corps. The reference centre for volunteering in the Ravenna province — which covers Faenza — is CSV VolontaRomagna, which collects opportunities across the local third sector and offers training and orientation to those who want to get involved. You can also search the National Register of the Third Sector (RUNTS) for a full overview of active organisations in the area.
Work and networking spaces
For those looking for places to work, connect with professionals or be part of an innovative community, Faenza has a growing offer of coworking spaces. Spazio Quazar is located in the heart of the Distretto A — the city’s colourful and creative neighbourhood — and offers shared workspaces, a meeting room for up to 40 people, a shared library, and networking opportunities for professionals, creatives, startups and innovators. Spazio Spazio (Corso Matteotti) is a more intimate shared office space run by a group of young freelancers with complementary skills, from graphic design to software development — a community-oriented environment focused on collaboration and shared expertise.
For those looking to connect with people and discover local life, Prometeo Faenza is a lively community hub that organises a wide variety of events throughout the year — from cultural evenings and music to social gatherings and creative activities. It is one of the best starting points for meeting people and becoming part of the local community.
For those interested in the intersection of innovation, training and entrepreneurship, the Contamination Lab Faenza — promoted by Fondazione del Monte Faenza — is an ecosystem of spaces and activities focused on innovation, youth education and the spread of entrepreneurial culture in the territory.
Additional information and local support
If you’re new in Faenza and looking for up-to-date information on living, working or studying here, Informagiovani Faenza is a key resource for young people, covering study, work, volunteering, leisure and services in the area. The desk is located in Piazza della Molinella, opposite the Teatro Masini, and is open Monday 10:00–12:00, Wednesday 15:00–17:00 and Friday 10:00–12:00.
For talent-related services, the reference point for the Faenza area is Ravenna Welcomes Talents, the local Talent Office of the it-ER network.
Stay connected with it-ER: Ambassador Lab
To stay up to date on upcoming initiatives, follow the it-ER website and communication channels. In the coming months, it-ER will launch the Ambassador Lab in Faenza, a meeting bringing together it-ER territorial communities across Emilia-Romagna, offering opportunities to exchange experiences and connect with other internationals living in the region.
A final tip
In Faenza, as elsewhere in Emilia-Romagna, many opportunities circulate through personal networks and informal channels. Asking at a language course, a local event or a community meetup is often the easiest way to find your place in the city.
Stay tuned as the Spotlight tour moves to its next destination.
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