GENERAL QUESTIONS
Why should I choose Umbra?
There are plenty of reasons to choose the Umbra Institute for your study abroad experience. Umbra offers a wide variety of top-notch academic programs to meet your individual needs, and Perugia – the university city of Italy – is the ideal place for a study abroad program: our location is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Our program is limited in size so you not just a number. Umbra offers a more immerse cultural experience where befriending Italian and international students, getting involved and becoming a part of the local university community is part of student life. If you are someone whose study abroad experience is more important then simply following the herd to Florence and Rome just because everyone else is doing it, then Umbra may be for you. Students from the highest-ranked colleges and universities in America have chosen Umbra for a reason. We suggest you check out the Why Umbra? section of our webpage and see for yourself. And if you still need convincing, don’t hesitate to ask the students about their experience at Umbra.
Will this program be approved for credit by my home university or college?
Most likely, yes. Umbra is an Arcadia University Center for Education Abroad program and is accredited and recognized by nearly all US colleges and universities. For more questions about accreditation, please email info@umbra.org.
What are the admission requirements?
The Umbra Institute’s programs were designed for motivated college and university students who are eager to immerse themselves in all aspects of Italian life, language, and culture. If you are an American student applying through Arcadia, you must be at least a rising sophomore with a minimum 2.75 GPA and matriculated at a US college or university. If you are an Italian student, you must be matriculated at the Università degli Studi di Perugia or another approved Italian university, complete a prescribed application, and pass a proficiency of English exam. If you’d like more information, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Do I need to speak Italian to attend Umbra?
No. In fact, in the General Studies program nearly all courses are taught in English. However all students are required to take Italian language as part of their curriculum. Umbra offers 4 and 6-credit beginner courses, and 4-credit language courses at higher levels. Even students in the direct-enroll Italian Language & Culture Program at the Università per Stranieri are not required to have previously studied the language: level one is designed for students with no prior Italian whatsoever. So don’t let language worries hold you back.
And for all you Italian language enthusiasts, Umbra offers courses at the 200, 300 and 400 levels, as well as abundant opportunities to perfect your italiano.
What is Perugia like?
In a word: inexplicable. It seamlessly combines old and new, offering you all the glory of ancient Italy with all the modern conveniences of a capital city. It also has a thriving international student population of nearly 50,000 thanks to its two main universities. To read more about this charming city, find out why you should make a Life in Perugia.
Will I be able to travel with friends while studying at Umbra?
Certainly! Traveling is a significant portion of your experience abroad. However, do keep in mind that Umbra is a study abroad program, not simply a travel abroad one. We expect students to make a commitment to the academic program first and foremost, which, incidentally, includes a rich travel component. All students should restrict overnight travel to the Fridays and weekends during which there are no course obligations. In addition, Umbra offers a week-long break around mid-semester, which means you’ll automatically get 10 whole days to use as you wish. If you’re looking to make an extensive European trek or if you want to invite all your friends to come visit, schedule your activities during that period. Check the Visitors Guide for dates.
ACADEMIC INQUIRIES
Which academic program is best for me?
That depends on your curricular needs and personal interests. The most popular and flexible option is the General Studies Program, but our other programs offer additional opportunities to challenge and immerse yourself while abroad — including our newest addition, the Food Studies Program!
Here’s a helpful summary:
→ General Studies Program – This program is suitable for just about everyone. It offers 4 to 6-credit Italian language courses and a wide variety of electives taught in English, as well as honors courses and several classes taught in Italian.
→ The Food Studies Program – Our newest curricular concentration program employs an interdisciplinary approach to the study of food. The program consists of three courses in food studies, an Italian language course, and an optional elective. Areas covered include the history of food and Italian culture, politics, business, environment and sustainability, food technology, slow food and green (zero emissions) production.
→ Independent Research or Honors Program – This program is ideal for students interested in pursuing an in-depth research project while in Italy, perhaps to get a head start on a senior thesis or to simply explore a field of particular interest. Significant time is allocated for independent, self-motivated work in the chosen field. An Italian language course (or another course taught in Italian for advanced students) is required as part of the curriculum, and honors courses may also be chosen.
→ Italian Language & Culture – This direct-enroll program offers an unprecedented opportunity for students who are serious about Italian language and cultural studies. A full academic year of language study is completed in one semester, and students study directly at the Universita’ per Stranieri, where they attend class with students from around the globe. This is a great option for Italian majors and minors, although it’s best to check with your home school to ensure that the fixed curriculum will be approved.
→ Direct Enrollment at the University of Perugia – This option allows students to direct enroll at Perugia’s main university, and consequently, it is available only to those students already fluent in Italian. This program also requires an understanding that the Italian educational system is different than the American one. Semester course choices are limited; students who study for a full-academic year have more curricular options.
If my Italian is advanced, do I still have to take language classes?
Students who are above the 300-level proficiency may waive the language requirement, but they must still enroll in one or more courses taught solely in Italian. These courses usually include LIIT 420 Il Racconto Italiano, SOIT 380 Civilta’ Italiana, and SOIT 402 L’Italiano: Storia, Sviluppo, Sociolinguistica or IT 399 Independent Study in Italian.
My home school wants to view the syllabi for my Umbra classes before they accept them for credit. Can I get copies?
Absolutely. Each session, Umbra creates a complete and detailed syllabi book. Contact us and we will direct you to our documents download page, or send them promptly by email to you or your advisor.
How much does it cost?
See the Tuition & Fees page.
How much will I spend while studying in Italy, apart from program costs?
Hmmm. That’s a good one. Let’s face it: you could never have enough to spend while abroad. And of course, the amount will depend on your daily lifestyle and how much travel you intend to do. We have estimated that the average student spends between $3000 and $5000 per semester while abroad. And yet some get by on much less, while others go through nearly twice that amount. If you’ll allow us to generalize a bit, here is what the average student should expect to spend for the 4-month semester program:
- Meals: approx. $1,200 (cooking at home can substantially lower this estimate)
- Textbooks: approx. $200
- Course Museum Visits & Travel Fees: approx. $100-$250 (depends on courses)
- Entertainment in Perugia: $750-$1000 (depends on lifestyle)
- Travel (local and international): $1,200
- Miscellaneous: $500-$1000
Why not make things simple? Check out our ALL-INCLUSIVE option.
What are course fees?
Some courses have mandatory travel components which include overnight excursions to places like Florence and Rome. For other classes, on-site study at monuments and museums is essential, and some even feature trips to countryside inns and wineries. The fees for these activities are extra and depend upon the course. Students enrolled in Food Cultures, Renaissance Art, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Roman Empire, Early Christianity, Archeology, Creative Writing, and Studio Art should expect course fees ranging from 25-125 Euro. See individual course descriptions for exact amounts.
What is the best way to carry and retrieve money?
That’s easy… carry as little as possible, use credit cards whenever possible, and retrieve money with an ATM card on an as-needed basis. ATMs are everywhere and allow you to retrieve money in small increments. Always having some travelers cheques on hand is a good idea too, since you can recover the money if they’re lost or stolen. Do not bring large amounts of cash. Helpful hint: Make copies of everything in your wallet in case of emergency.
What’s the deal on student housing?
Most students are housed with other Umbra students in apartments throughout the historic center. Each apartment is equipped with a kitchen for cooking and a common space for studying, and all housing is within walking distance of the Institute. For students seeking a new cultural experience, we offer the option of being housed in apartments with either native Italians or international students, and home stays are also available upon request. It’s up to you to indicate which option your prefer on your housing selection form.
Should I bring my laptop? Is there internet available?
Yes, yes, and yes! If you are looking for maximum internet connectivity while abroad, please bring your laptop. Although we have computer labs in all of our buildings, there never seem to be enough computers, especially when reports are due and exams are looming. All Umbra sites have ethernet cords and wireless access, so if you have a laptop you’re good to go. Note: Almost all apartments do NOT have internet connections and they cannot be added. The time has come to face your internet addiction, and that time is now. However, if Internet at home is absolutely essential, Umbra does offer the opportunity to purchase “Internet Keys” for your laptop for 24-hour surfing.
Is there a meal plan available through Umbra?
No, but as an Umbra student you have lots of options for cheap meals. The university cafeterias offer great food for just a few euros, and we have agreements with a lot of area restaurants that offer killer Umbra student discounts. Many students utilize their kitchens to make frequent meals at home, providing a great opportunity to soak up a little of the Italian culinary genius and get together with friends. And if your cooking skills are not up to par, ask any Italian student; it’s a great way to make friends, and you’ll probably get a free meal out of it!
What do I need to prepare for attending the program?
If you have successfully completed the application and been accepted into the program, you are now ready for the next level of preparation. Your pre-departure packet will contain everything you need to know to prepare for your experience abroad, but we cannot emphasize enough the need to:
- Read carefully and fully all the pre-departure materials provided;
- Save as much money as possible – you can always use extra while abroad;
- Make copies of your passport and all important documents and cards in your purse or wallet in case they are lost or stolen;
- Make a budget that considers all expenses while abroad – books, meals, course travel, art supplies, personal travel, etc;
- Get a laptop and bring it with you if possible;
- Understand that there will be challenges as well as amazing opportunities while studying abroad – keep an open mind and make a firm commitment to complete the program;
- Be sure to read all the pre-departure materials in their entirety. (Yes, we know we already listed this one… hint!)
Great! How do I apply?
Glad you asked. Click here to apply now. We hope to see you soon!