A new international summer programme between the University of the Azores, the Regional Government of the Azores and the Luso-American Development Foundation has been unveiled by the Portuguese Cultural Association of Bermuda.

It will support the participation of up to two Bermuda residents of Azorean descent to get an immersive academic and cultural experience focused on the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the Azores.

The programme, which runs from July 1 to 17 on the islands of Sao Miguel and Terceira, is aimed at people aged 18 to 25.

It is to develop leadership skills and strengthen transatlantic ties between the Azores and the diaspora.

Courses, taught in English, include theory classes, seminars and study visits at the University of the Azores — combining natural history with settlement and cultural heritage, political and administrative organisation, economic activity and environmental governance.

It entails all four faculties of the university: agrarian and environmental sciences; business and economics; sciences and technology; and social sciences and humanities.

Successful participants will receive six European credit transfer and accumulation system credits, equivalent to three US credits, and a bilingual certificate of completion.

It is fully funded, covering travel, accommodation and tuition, with participants required to pay only a €50 registration fee upon arrival.

Participants sponsored by the PCA get a bursary of $1,000 to assist with incidental and personal expenses.

Richard Ambrosio, the association’s chairman and a member of the Azorean Diaspora Council representing Bermuda, said the opportunity gave young people “a meaningful chance to get to know the Azores first-hand while strengthening the longstanding cultural and historical ties between Bermuda and the Azorean community”.

He added: “It is also a natural continuation of the co-operation established between our association and the Regional Government of the Azores, and we are proud to see that relationship creating new pathways for educational and cultural exchange.”

Young residents of Bermuda of Azorean descent who meet the eligibility criteria were encouraged to apply.

The PCA will provide sponsorship support for selected participants from Bermuda, subject to confirmation of eligibility and a demonstrated connection to the Bermudian Portuguese community.

Applications are open through February 28 and must be submitted through the university’s online application platform. Candidates should select “Degree Application / Candidatura a Curso” when registering for the first time.

Required documents include a CV, a letter of recommendation, a motivation letter and an academic transcript.

For further information, e-mail FLAD at relacoes.transatlanticas@flad.pt, the University of the Azores at Carlos.ep.amaral@uac.pt or the Regional Directorate for Communities of the Government of the Azores at geral-drc@azores.gov.pt.

For more information about Bermuda-specific support, e-mail the PCA at info@portugueseBDA.com.