Coffee

Students learn about coffee’s domestication in Ethiopia and export from the Yemeni port of Mokka, then moving on to processing coffee and how making coffee is different in Italy. The workshop closes with a demonstration by an Umbra staff member on how to use the Italian moka coffeemaker, as well as tasting various kinds of Italian coffees.

Travel

Trains, budget airlines, youth hostels, and more are covered in detail in this workshop early in the semester. Students are well-prepared to travel independently throughout Italy and Europe after this workshop.

How to Make a Pizza

In this workshop, students are introduced to the history of pizza in Italy by starting with the introduction of each ingredient, and ending with the place of pizza in Italian culture. Students then make their own pizza in an authentic wood-fired oven, guided by an Italian pizzaiolo.

Reentry

Towards the end of the semester, Umbra hosts a “Preparing to Go Home Workshop” to help students plan for their return to the US both mentally and physically (i.e. logistics, customs). Umbra staff explains some of the challenges and opportunities back home after a semester abroad.

Students at the Umbra Institute take part in Umbra Pizza Night, Umbra Gelato Night, sports events and other various activities to connect with their classmates and the Umbra staff and faculty. Other social events can be created out of student interest or other events students wish to explore.

The Umbra Institute also offers one weekend trip each semester along with numerous co-curricular day trips throughout the semester. These trips may include destinations such as Capri, Sorrento, Venice, Cinque Terre, or may be closer to home, such as Cortona, Florence, or the nearby Perugina Chocolate factory. Weekend hiking and camping opportunities are also available in the hills and mountains surrounding Perugia. The optional trips are offered at the most affordable prices possible.

*Cooking Class and Visit to San Gemini and Carsulae (Terni)

Students learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes with fresh ingredients from local farmers in a beautiful 17th century palazzo. After the class and meal, students visit San Gemini, an Umbrian medieval village, and the Roman city of Carsuale, the Italy’s most important archaeological sites.

*Weekly Aperitivo at Local Winery

The aperitivo begins with a brief introduction to the winemaking process and a visit to the vinification and ageing area. Students then participate in a guided tasting of three wines, local Umbrian meats, and bruschette with extra virgin olive oil.

*Bevagna and Montefalco

Tour and Tastings at Tenuta Castelbuono Winery and Lunch

The visit to Tenuta Castelbuono Winery is a journey into the world of art and wine. Its Carapace, the cellar designed by Arnaldo Pomodoro, is the first sculpture in the world in which one can live and work. After the tour, students have a delicious aperitivo with a guided tasting of three wines and local Umbrian meats and cheeses.

Community engagement at the Umbra Institute has evolved into the guiding principle behind all academic initiatives including academic internships, community-based research, service learning, and volunteer opportunities.

Read more about community engagement during study abroad

For two hours a week, students work alongside Italian volunteers and university students to each sew their own “Pigotta” (Raggedy Ann) doll, the symbol of UNICEF in Italy. Once the Pigotta dolls are completed, they are adopted to raise funds for vaccination that save a child and their mother in developing countries by providing them with vaccination kits.

At the Umbra Institute, we are passionate about cultural immersion. To further this aim we offer a language exchange called “Tandem”. This is an informal social gathering between Umbra students with Italian students from local universities who serve as language partners.

Nearly all courses at the Umbra Institute include excursions designed to enrich students’ appreciation for material studied in the classroom. Students may visit churches and museums throughout Italy, explore ancient libraries and printing presses, work in vineyards and olive groves, visit small artisan companies, participate in Etruscan digs, and much more.

At the end of each semester, the Umbra Institute hosts a farewell festa and a week of special academic events including the student art show, community engagement presentations, and a creative writing open-mic night for students to share their semester’s accomplishments.