Umbra at a Glance
As a study abroad administrator or faculty advisor, you probably receive countless brochures, websites, and promotional material available for study abroad programs. Opportunities for international study are increasing, but sifting through all the data can be overwhelming. To help you provide students with a challenging, innovative study abroad program, we have highlighted the essential areas of the Umbra Institute program below. We hope this page will provide you with the basics and answer any preliminary questions you may have about the Umbra Institute. We will be happy to provide you with more information and to answer any questions!
- Accreditation and Recognition
The Umbra Institute is a division of and is accredited by Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. Umbra is also recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education as an institution of higher learning, and by the University of Perugia as a provider of credit-bearing courses.
- Dedicated Focus on Community Engagement and Outreach
True to the Umbra Institute’s mission of immersing students in the local culture and developing their skills and interests, community engagement in Perugia offers hands-on interpersonal and intercultural experience. The Umbra Institute strives to provide a transformative, student-centered learning environment through immersion initiatives including courses with service learning, academic internships, volunteer projects, living and studying with Italians, and more. The chief objectives are to immerse students in the local community and culture, to broaden their cultural perspectives as a way of developing intercultural awareness and sensitivity, to give something meaningful back to their host city and residents, and to help them see their own communities and society from a more comparative, global perspective.
- Diverse Curriculum with Substantive Content
We are extremely proud of our consistent course quality. Additionally, many of the Umbra courses contain service learning components. We provide updated Course Syllabi every semester so that you can review our academic programs in detail. The Umbra Institute proudly provides full academic transparency. Contact us for the password to our partner portal webpage.
- Reputable Faculty Credentials
The Umbra Institute boasts a highly-qualified faculty of exceptional scholars who are dedicated to teaching, and providing courses of substantive content and quality. Our Faculty CVs are available for review. Contact us for the password to our partner portal webpage.
- Selective Admission Standards
Admission into the Umbra program is selective and based on a minimum of 2.75 GPA as well as sophomore status or higher. Only students with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher and a letter of recommendation are accepted into the Umbra Honors courses.
- Impressive Student Body
Umbra students define themselves by outstanding academic performance and an exceptional desire to be challenged, explore new paths, and delve into their surroundings. Visit our Umbra Student Body page to see a complete list of sending institutions. Each semester, the Umbra Institute also hosts local Italian university students, fostering an intercultural learning environment.
- The Right Size and Authentic Location
Each semester, Umbra hosts between 100 and 150 students, 15% of whom are Italian or international students from the local university. The size of the Umbra Institute is one of our best assets- large enough to support a diverse student body and an ambitious academic program, yet small enough to provide an unparalleled level of personal attention. Perugia has a true “Italian feel” and boasts endless opportunities for language and cultural immersion. The city provides an incredible backdrop for study abroad in Italy. It has charming character, beautiful panoramas, and is the university city of Italy. Each year, Perugia hosts approximately 40,000 local and international students, creating a vibrant college scene.To learn more about Perugia, visit our Life in Perugia page.
- Library and Academic Resources
Above and beyond the libraries at the local universities, the Umbra Institute maintains its own library with over 2,000 texts, a collection that continues to grow. We also offer newspapers, journals, and a large DVD collection. There are several computer labs where students can print, as well as access wireless internet, allowing students to utilize online databases and journals for research purposes at school.
- Unparalleled Student Services
The Umbra Institute maintains an average 12:1 student to staff ratio and offers incomparable attention to students’ needs. The staff is readily available during the Umbra open hours and is additionally available 24 hours a day through an emergency phone. We are committed to the welfare of our students and have developed comprehensive health, safety, and emergency policies and procedures to ensure our students’ well-being at all times.
- A Truly Italian University Experience and Endless Immersion Opportunities
The Umbra Institute, the city of Perugia, local universities, and the local student group E-Generation have all agreed to work together to provide an environment that fosters close interaction with the local Italian and student communities. Umbra students benefit greatly from studying with both Italian and international students, and together they organize cultural activities and events including art shows, talent shows, play readings, volunteer opportunities, trips and excursions, internships, and more.
- Self-Assessment
Representatives from Arcadia University and other U.S. colleges and universities visit the Umbra Institute regularly to talk with staff and faculty and see the program first-hand. The Umbra Institute also works closely with Arcadia University to perform periodic assessments by members of its National Advisory Board. Reviews are based on the criteria established by the Forum on Education Abroad, and we are pleased to report that the team found the Umbra Institute to be of exceptional quality in all fundamental areas.
- Testimonials
We encourage all prospective students to contact current and former program participants directly. We want potential students to hear what the Umbra Institute and the city of Perugia have to offer from their peers. Likewise, we would be happy to provide you with the names and contact information of our college and university partners who will be pleased to discuss their experiences working with the Umbra Institute.
- Experience
The Umbra Institute was founded in 2000 and continues to provide quality academic programs while continually seeking new initiatives. Our Direct Enrollment program, Food Studies concentration in the General Studies program, and Independent Research and Honors courses demonstrate our commitment to an innovative academic program with a multitude of community engagement opportunities for our students. Please see our Academic Programs for more details.
- Affordability
The Umbra Institute is priced approximately at or below the average cost for study abroad programs in Italy. The extensive, unique, and high quality features that define the Umbra Institute make a semester abroad with us not only affordable, but of exceptional value as well. For details, see our Tuition and Fees.
We invite you to explore our website and learn more about the Umbra Institute. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@umbra.org with any questions. We hope we can work with you to ensure a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience for your students!