Nuova Associazione Culturale Ulisse (NACU) was established in November 2019 as the natural continuation of the Associazione Culturale Ulisse, founded in 2003.
Building on more than fifteen years of experience, NACU promotes cultural exchange between local citizens and international visitors through partnerships with schools, public institutions, and volunteer organizations in Siena.
Rooted in the principles of service-learning pedagogy, the association collaborates with SIS Intercultural Study Abroad and numerous European partners to foster intercultural education, active citizenship, and community engagement both locally and across Europe.
The Nuova Associazione Culturale Ulisse (NACU) has been active since November 2019, as the natural continuation of the Associazione Culturale Ulisse, founded in 2003.
Located in the heart of Siena (Via Fontebranda 95), NACU is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange between local citizens and international visitors. The association collaborates with local schools, public institutions, and volunteer organizations such as Misericordia, Le Mura, and UICI.
The association’s roots lie in its long-standing experience with service-learning pedagogy, developed through its partnership with SIS Intercultural Study Abroad. SIS is a pioneering initiative in Italy abd Belgium that combines language study, social volunteering, and active citizenship in a single, experiential learning model.
NACU and its founding organization have participated in numerous European projects, including those funded by the Council of Europe and the Erasmus+ Programme. Among these is the INCREASE Project (Intercultural Competence for Adult Educators), carried out in collaboration with several European countries and focused on enhancing intercultural competences among adult educators.
Educational Innovation: FICCS and EUFICCS
Together with its European partners, NACU developed the innovative FICCS method (Full Immersion: Culture, Content, Service), a language-teaching approach based on learning through example and active participation in the community.
Building on this experience, NACU launched the EUFICCS Project (European Use of Full Immersion, Culture, Content, and Service), aimed at promoting the dissemination of this pedagogical model across various European countries.
The project encouraged cooperation and experimentation on a continental scale, with its academic outcomes published on platforms such as Cambridge Scholars.
Participation in International Networks and Key Projects
Over the years, NACU has built a strong network of international collaborations through continuous involvement in Erasmus+ projects, Council of Europe initiatives, and locally relevant educational and social activities.
In partnership with the University of Siena, the association also participated in the “I Have Rights” project, further strengthening its position as a reliable partner in the fields of intercultural education and active citizenship.
Through these diverse experiences, NACU continues to reinforce its role not only at the local level but also within a European framework, establishing itself as a reference point for educational and training policies focused on integration, intercultural dialogue, and the creation of inclusive communities.