New platform for study abroad scholarships launched

Tella Academy, which is headquartered in Florence, has been founded by international education entrepreneur Enrico Zoppi and aims to achieve greater equity in the sector by offering targeted scholarships and intercultural training “rooted in individual growth”.

“Every year, thousands of young people across Europe dream of studying abroad. Many of them have the talent, motivation, and curiosity, but lack the economic means or access to structured opportunities,” the organization said.

Tella Academy will support individual students who don’t qualify for EU-funded group mobility programs, come from underrepresented communities or low-income backgrounds, and need tailor-made programs to fit their talents and situations.

“Each scholarship we offer is designed around one person’s journey, ensuring the support is meaningful, flexible, and aligned with their goals,” Enrico said.

Scholarships: For 2026, Tella Academy will offer two types of scholarship comprising of programs organized in Europe in collaboration with selected language and educational providers.

The Summer Scholarship is aimed at students aged between 16 and 18 years and will cover a short-term international experience, return flights, four weeks of accommodation in a residence or host family, a two-week part-time work experience and a two-week full-time work experience placement.

The Bridge-Year Scholarship, meanwhile, is for students who have finished high school and are in a transitional phase before starting higher education or work.

It includes return flights, 12 weeks’ accommodation, a four-week English language program, and an eight-week work experience placement.

“This scholarship provides the time and structure to reflect, grow, and prepare for the next stage in life, while gaining real-world experience in a supportive international setting,” said Enrico, who established study abroad brands including EazyCity Group and The Learning Abroad Company .

Initially, the scholarships are focused on Italian students, but the organization hopes to expand across Europe in the future.

Training: Tella Academy will also act as a cultural and educational organization, providing training for Italian schools in intercultural communication, sustainable development goals, ethical use of new technologies and global mobility.

“One of the Academy’s flagship initiatives is the Tella Talks: engaging, interactive sessions delivered in classrooms that combine personal storytelling, global citizenship, and hands-on exercises. These talks are designed to awaken curiosity, highlight opportunities abroad, and build the soft skills essential for navigating an interconnected world.”

Enrico explained that the name ‘Tella’ is an affectionate tribute to his grandfather, Felice Veneziani, whom he lovingly called Tella since childhood.

Founding partners of Tella Academy.

“Felice believed in the value of education and opportunity, and his spirit of trust in young people continues to inspire the mission of the Academy today. Tella Academy is the result of the deep gratitude I feel – turned into concrete action,” Enrico said.

Getting involved: To fund its programs and expand its reach, Tella Academy is growing a network of individuals and organizations committed to making a difference, and has two membership schemes (Ordinary Member and Promotion Associate) which will help to cover scholarships and co-finance activities.

Tella Academy is inviting education providers to ‘marry the cause’ by partnering and directly offering scholarships or benefits to selected students.

The organization is also looking to collaborate with language schools, agencies and educational institutions “who believe that access to global experiences should not be a privilege, but a right earned through talent and potential”.

Enrico explained that there is an opportunity for organizations to reach students with real potential who would otherwise never travel overseas, align their brands with social impact values, and be featured among the partners of the initiative.