Co-Op Placements
Below is a list of businesses and organizations where Umbra students may pursue a Co-Op placement after studying at Umbra for a semester or the 2-month preparatory language program in Perugia. Although Co-Ops are open to students of all majors, each entity has a particular set of preferences and qualifications.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Biblioteca Augusta – www.comune.perugia.it/canale.asp?id=2822
The Biblioteca Augusta was opened to the public in 1623 and is one of Italy’s oldest public libraries. The library holds an extensive collection of volumes, the original core of which was formed by part of a private library donated to the city in 1582. These manuscripts came together to form the “Old Collection,” which includes the precious Statutes and the Matricole delle Arti (Lists of the Guilds) of Perugia. The “New Collection” was acquired through donations or bequests of a number of important Perugian personages. The collection also holds a large number of incunabula, the very earliest printed books, some of which are illuminated. The incunabula cover a variety of topics, ranging from the humanities to scientific, philosophical, and religious texts. Students accepted for this position will be involved in translating texts into English for the Library web site and other printed materials, and may also be involved in special projects such as researching the catalog for the creation of exhibits.
Semester(s) Available: Fall & Spring Semester
Preferred Majors: Italian Studies, Library Studies, History, Communications
Language Requirement: Intermediate Italian or higher
Number of Openings: 1 student per semester
Location: Historic Center of Perugia
CITY OF PERUGIA TOURISM OFFICE
Ufficio del Turismo di Perugia – www.turismo.comune.perugia.it
The city of Perugia’s Office of Tourism: Development and Promotion creates promotional materials and website portals to provide information on tourism in Perugia. Additionally, the office sponsors a variety of cultural activities and events designed to attract visitors. Students will work with the office staff and assist in translating and developing promotional materials in English for the official web site along with other special projects that focus on event planning of cultural initiatives that are sponsored by the city government.
Semester(s) Available: Spring Semester only
Preferred Majors: Advertising, Communications, International Affairs, Marketing, Tourism
Language Requirement: Intermediate Italian or higher
Number of Openings: 1-2 students per semester
Location: Historic Center of Perugia
HOTEL/ENOTECA/RESTAURANT
Hotel Giò – www.hotelgio.it
Hotel Giò is one of the largest hotels in Perugia, located just 10 minutes by foot or short bus ride from the historical center. This four-star hotel is divided in two thematic areas, Wine and Jazz, and offers its visitors an excellent restaurant and wine bar along with a variety of concerts and culinary events. Students will assist the staff in marketing, rotate receptionist duty, provide administrative support to staff and participate in the organization of events hosted by the hotel. This Co-op is open to students of all majors, but may be of particular benefit for those interested in hospitality management or business administration.
Semester(s) Available: Fall & Spring Semesters
Preferred Majors: Business Administration, Hospitality Management, International Affairs, Marketing, Tourism
Language Requirement: Intermediate Italian or higher
Number of Openings: 1 student per semester
Location: Short distance outside the historic center of Perugia (10-minute bus ride)
CULTURAL FOUNDATION & HOUSE MUSEUM
Ranieri Foundation & Palazzo Sorbello House Museum – www.casamuseosorbello.org/en/
The Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello Foundation is a charitable trust founded in 1994. Its aim is to promote and develop the cultural heritage of the Ranieri di Sorbello family through historical and cultural projects and exhibitions. It holds an important family library, an archive and art collections which include prints, drawings, family portraits, embroideries, fabrics and porcelains. The House Museum of the Palazzo Sorbello opened to the public in June 2010 and visitors can now view the highlights of the Ranieri di Sorbello art collections in the rooms where they were used and admired by their original owners and by later generations of the Ranieri di Sorbello family. Interns collaborate with the staff to create promotional materials catered towards English-speaking visitors and give guided tours in English.
Semester(s) Available: Fall & Spring Semester
Preferred Course Pre-Requisite: INIT 350: Academic Internship & Seminar
Preferred Majors: Museum Studies, Italian Studies, Art History, Tourism, Advertising, Marketing, Business Administration
Language Requirement: None. (Beginner-Intermediate proficiency will be helpful.)
Number of Openings: 1 student per semester
Location: Historic Center of Perugia
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER AND ONLINE NEWSPAPER
SynErgo and Tuttoggi – www.syn-ergo.com and www.tuttoggi.info
Tuttoggi.info is Umbria’s largest online newspapers and a major information source for this region. Interns can conduct interviews and write and edit articles in English.
Semester(s) Available: Fall & Spring Semesters
Preferred Majors: Journalism, Communications, English, Creative Writing
Language Requirement: None. (Beginner-Intermediate proficiency will be helpful.)
Number of Openings: 1-2 students per semester
Location: Spoleto (40 miles SE of Perugia, accessible by train)
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM
The Umbra Institute – www.umbra.org
Two Co-op students will be selected to work at the Umbra Institute to learn the ins and outs of operating a study abroad program overseas first-hand. Students will work closely with Umbra faculty and staff to help plan events, website updates and blogs, assist in orientation, student travel and workshops, help develop new marketing and promotional materials, and more. One participant may focus on assisting the Food Studies Program.
Semester(s) Available: Fall & Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Applicants must have spent at least one semester as an Umbra student.
Preferred Majors: International Education, International Affairs, Italian Studies, Business Administration
Language Requirement: None.
Number of Openings: 2 students per semester
Location: Historic Center of Perugia
AEROSPACE INDUSTRY PARTS MANUFACTURER
Umbria Cuscinetti – http://www.umbragroup.it/
The Umbra Cuscinetti group is made up of five companies located around the world who work closely together. The Umbra Group’s goal is to be one of the leading manufacturers of ballscrews and components for hi-tech applications. The company is located in Foligno, a 30-minute train ride from Perugia, and offers an international working environment. Applicants must provide a resume and participate in a pre-application interview to be approved for the Co-op. Umbra Cuscinetti will select the applicants of their choosing.
Semester(s) Available: Spring Semester only
Preferred Majors: Mechanical Engineering, Marketing, Communications, Business Administration
Language Requirement: Intermediate Italian or higher
Number of Openings: 2 students per semester
Location: Foligno (25 miles NW of Perugia, accessible by local train)
DESIGN AND INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS STUDIO
Studio Gusto – http://www.studiogusto.com/ids/
Studio Gusto began as a graphic and web design firm, but has since developed into an innovative and integrated communications/advertising agency. Their extensive list of international clients continues to grow as Studio Gusto distinguishes itself with its creativity and Italian “gusto.” Interns would have a wide range of experiences, from the more traditional (copywriting and graphic design) to the more innovative (web and packaging design, social networks and newsletters in B2B and B2C). The office is five miles from the center of Perugia, but is easily accessible by public bus.
Semester(s) Available: Fall & Spring Semester
Preferred Majors: Marketing, Communications, Graphic design
Language Requirement: None
Number of Openings: 2 students per semester
Location: Ellera (5 miles from Perugia)