Tag Archives: Student Life

Students Pick Up Tips at Travel Workshop

Caitlin Addlesperger | Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
Umbra staff member Marco Bagli relates an amusing (in retrospect) Ryanair moment during Monday's Travel Workshop.

Umbra staff member Marco Bagli relates an amusing (in retrospect) Ryanair moment during Monday’s Travel Workshop.

Umbra’s largest classroom overflowed with students eager to attend the Travel Workshop on Monday evening. Led by  Umbra SIT intern Julia Bourque and staff members Marco Bagli and Caitlin Addlesperger, the workshop offered tips and tricks for traveling independently around Italy and internationally on a student budget.

 

After advice ranging from what to do if your passport is lost or stolen to how to avoid Ryanair’s infamous hidden fees to Couchsurfing anecdotes, students left the workshop well-versed on what to pack (or not), modes of transportation (check out this in-depth site about trains!), and inexpensive lodging options. 

 

If you missed the Travel Workshop, stop by the front desk and pick up an Umbra packet of useful travel information and the “Almost All You Need To Know While Abroad Pocketbook,” a handy pocket-sized guide to student travel from Weekend Student Adventures, the company of travel writer Rick Steves’ son, Andy Steves.

 

Buon viaggio!

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Welcome Aperitivo a Success

Caitlin Addlesperger | Friday, January 11th, 2013
Umbra students enjoy refreshments during the Welcome Aperitivo at il Birraio Wednesday evening.

Umbra students enjoy refreshments during the Welcome Aperitivo at il Birraio Wednesday evening.

Umbra students, staff, and faculty gathered at Perugia’s il Birraio for the Welcome Aperitivo, a favorite semester tradition, Wednesday evening. Sitting on plush cushions or under exotic umbrellas, students enjoyed refreshments while sharing stories and plans for the semester.

 

The event was a success, according to Umbra staff member Marco Bagli, who organizes student events.

 

“We had a really high participation rate,” Bagli said. “It was the real first time when students could meet after they had already settled into their apartments. They could get to know each other in a less serious situation and meet the staff when we’re wearing ‘other hats.’”

 

Students will return to il Birraio at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, to mingle with Italians for the first Tandem of the semester.

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Umbra Steps into the Wine World

Caitlin Addlesperger | Friday, October 5th, 2012

 Hemingway said, “Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.”

 

Thursday evening, a group of Umbra Institute students conquered the author’s marker of civilization at a wine tasting at Énonè, a favorite local enoteca.

 

 

With the guidance of longtime sommelier Silvia Bartolini, the students learned how to analyze wine based on visual, olfactory, and taste cues. Employing the initial swirl, sniff, and sip test, students paired a red, white, and dessert wine with a corresponding appetizer.

 

 

After noting the important descriptors on the wine bottle label determining vintage, alcohol content, and quality, Bartolini showed students the appropriate glass for each drink, from wine to water to whiskey.

 

“I came to Italy hoping to learn more about wine,” said Umbra student Miranda Woods as she surveyed the notes she took during the tasting. “This definitely helped. It’s fun and something I’d never tried.”

 

On the other side of the spectrum, Woods’ roommate, Devin Pence, grew up near her father’s vineyard in California.

 

“I loved learning things about wine that I didn’t know before,” Pence said. “Tonight gave me a different global perspective on the wine-making process.”

 

After the official wine tasting was over, students chatted with Bartolini, scribbling her recommendations for favorite nearby Umbra vineyards (see your student handbook for the same recommendations!).

 

At the end of the evening, the group climbed back up the winding steps of San’Ercolano, dinner-party ready.

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Trading Languages at Tandem

Caitlin Addlesperger | Thursday, October 4th, 2012

Over sangria and snacks, more than 50 Italians and Americans bonded over linguistic and cultural quirks during Umbra’s third successful Tandem of the fall semester at il Birraio Wednesday evening.

 

Tandem is a semimonthly event that brings Umbra Institute students and local Italians together to practice their respective languages, compare cultural practices, and forge friendships in an informal setting. From the very beginner to the very advanced, the language ability varies for both the Italian and American participants, making for an ideal exchange.  

 

“(Tandem) is a great opportunity to practice my Italian, meet people from around here, and learn what it’s actually like to be Italian and to be immersed in the culture,” said Umbra student Genoveffa Morway, a frequent attendee of Tandem.

 

While students may have initially clung to their newly-formed American friend groups during the first Tandem on Sept. 12, by Wednesday, they were confidently mingling with their new Italian associates, chatting about last weekend– many students went to Oktoberfest – and making plans for the future.

 

Due to October’s full schedule with mid-term exams and fall break, the next Tandem will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at il Birraio. 

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New UmbraViews Video: Study Abroad in Italy with the Umbra Institute

Ian Lyons | Thursday, July 12th, 2012

 

Another new UmbraViews video! This one’s an overview of the Perugia experience and includes some great imagery, including a time-lapse video of Piazza Danti and a sunset from Porta Sole. The footage was taken over two semesters (Fall 2011 and Spring 2012) and this past summer session, so you’ll likely recognize yourself if you’ve been here recently!

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Happy Umbria Jazz Eve!

Caitlin Addlesperger | Thursday, July 5th, 2012

Perugia is on the eve of one of its most celebrated events, Umbria Jazz. Since 1973, jazz lovers from around the world have flocked to Umbria Jazz, a time when the streets of Perugia vibrate with music and culture from dusk to dawn.  This year, the Umbra Institute’s Intensive Italian program and Clemson University students have the opportunity to partake in the revelry.

 

 

Past festivals have featured acclaimed musicians, including Elton John, Van Morrison, James Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Francesco Cafiso. This year, the legendary Sting will headline the 11-day event on its last day, July 15.  In addition to ticketed concerts, the international audience may attend free shows throughout the city. During Umbria Jazz, one can’t walk through the center of Perugia without stumbling upon some tunes.

 

As Sting might say, “Be still, my beating heart.”

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A Weekend in Tuscany

Caitlin Addlesperger | Monday, June 25th, 2012

After a whirlwind weekend of horseback riding through Tuscan countryside, poolside sunbathing, wine tasting, rich  food, and adventures in ancient cities, 35 Umbra Institute students climbed out of the private bus at Piazza Italia Sunday evening, happily exhausted.

 

Early Friday morning, just days earlier, the students were piling onto the bus, ready for the long-awaited optional trip. The first stop was Siena, where longtime guide Margarita led the group from contrada to contrada (historic neighborhoods that participate in the infamous horse race,  il Palio), concluding the tour at the elaborately-decorated Duomo.

 

 

 A few short hours later, the students checked into their rooms at Fattoria Voltrona, a rustic farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside. The agriturismo welcomed the group with a home-cooked meal of traditional Tuscan dishes with an outdoor dining room served with views of the farm that stretch into the Tuscan hills.  

 

Saturday morning, small groups of students mounted short and stocky Icelandic horses for a ride through the farmland and surrounding hills and villages under the tutelage of Marie, a young Swedish woman who has been riding horses since she was three years old.

 

 

The group then spent the afternoon wandering around the nearby San Gimignano, a medieval Tuscan town known for its many towers, free wine tastings, and creative gelato flavors (white wine gelato, anyone?).

 

The students returned to the agriturismo with time to play in the pool, relax, or explore the farm before reconvening for another delicious dinner. Saturday evening ended with stargazing and wine from Fattoria Voltrona’s own cantina beside a pond surrounded by grape vines and olive trees.

 

Sunday morning, students packed up their belongings, said their goodbyes to the friendly agriturismo staff, and drove to Cortona, the town featured in the book and film “Under the Tuscan Sun.” The group strolled through the hilly streets, browsing the weekly vintage market, eating good food, and soaking up the last of the Tuscan sun. 

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Taking It One Slice At A Time

Caitlin Addlesperger | Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

Monday evening, Umbra Institute students wandered twisting streets to find Pizza e Musica, a hidden Perugia pizzeria that once served as a convent, and participate in the famous Umbra Pizza Workshop.

 

 

Umbra staff member Julie Falk shattered some preconceptions when she revealed that pizza is not of Italian origins (the Egyptians were all about leavened breads hundreds of years earlier) during her brief speech on pizza history and its significance in the Italian culture.

 

Students then explored the art of pizza, guided by Austrian pizzaiolo (pizza-maker) David. His audience ooh-ed and ahh-ed as David tossed the dough in the air and easily painted on olive oil and fresh tomato sauce and sprinkled mozzarella and basil, the makings of a classic margarita pizza.

 

“But here’s the tricky part,” David said as he reached for his padella, or pizza shovel (yes, that’s actually what it’s called), deftly scooped up his creation, and slid it deep into the recesses of the wood-fired oven. With the right wood (oak is popular, though olive is preferred) and amount of flame, the perfect pizza may be cooked between 90 seconds and three minutes.

 

Umbra student Brittany Cole was first to step behind the counter and stretch, dress, and cook her own pizza.

 

“It was so fun — and really rewarding!” she exclaimed before she took a bite of her piping hot creation.            

 

After several of Cole’s classmates tried their hand at becoming pizzaioli, students gave the expert David their orders and enjoyed authentic Italian pizza, drinks, and a grand finale of Nutella pizza on Pizza e Musica’s vine-encased veranda.

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Benvenuti, Vanderbilt!

Caitlin Addlesperger | Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Vanderbilt University professor Sheri Shaneyfelt and her class of art history students arrived in Perugia Tuesday afternoon, officially launching the Umbra Institute’s summer semester.

 

After furnishing the group with necessities like apartments and phones, Umbra staff welcomed the 20-plus students with a five-course meal at Da Cesarino, a local favorite only steps away from the city’s trademark steps. When the last bite of tiramisù was devoured, students returned to their new apartments.

 

 

 

The next morning, Umbra professor Zach Nowak led the students on a practical tour of the city after they enjoyed their first typical Italian breakfast of cappuccino and cornetti (croissants) with a side of panoramic views. Information continued to flow with an orientation meeting at Umbra, followed by a tour of the Coop, an Italian grocery store.

 

Finally, after this whirlwind introduction, life is slowing down to match the relaxed Italian pace. Professor Shaneyfelt taught the first class of the semester today; students are wandering around Perugia, getting to know their new home.

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An Afternoon of Art, Wine, and Appetizers

Caitlin Addlesperger | Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Umbra’s studio at Via dei Priori came alive Tuesday afternoon for the art classes’ final show. The hallways buzzed as students, instructors, and staff wandered from exhibit to exhibit, carefully balancing wine and appetizers.

 

One room featured larger-than-life frescoes painted on entire walls, ancient Roman style; another contained drawings with dramatic charcoal sweeps of anything from nudes to Toms. Students from the digital photography course displayed their work in slideshow form, showcasing their adventures across Europe.

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