Food, Diet, and Culture (FSN 309/509)

Explore food systems in the heart of Italy

May 25-June 5, 2020

A Chapman University travel course led by Dr. Prakash and Dr. Pacchioni: The Umbra Institute Center for Food & Sustainability Studies in the lovely hill town of Perugia will serve as our host to explore Italy’s farm-to-fork food system. We will visit farms, markets, and wineries, go fishing with local fishermen and truffle hunting in the Apennine Mountains to explore sustainability and impact of global pressures on their food systems. Visits to balsamic vinegar production in Modena, Parmesan cheese and prosciutto production in Parma will allow us to explore ancient foods made in modern facilities. Join Professors Anuradha Prakash and Federico Pacchioni from May 25- June 5, 2020, to study food in Italy. This summer course is approved for Chapman credit and can fulfill requirements in your major, minor, or general education. Next summer take advantage of the Umbra Institute’s beautiful location in historic Perugia, Italy. The beautiful city and other destinations you’ll visit around central Italy will become your classroom. See this updated course syllabus; there is also a draft itinerary here .

About Costs

Estimated cost range is $3,674-$4,041 based on a minimum of 10 students. The cost is expected to decrease as we approach the maximum capacity of this course which is 20 students. The cost includes lodging, airport transfer in Italy, tour costs, tour guides and transportation, group meals, guest speakers, workshops, but does not include the airfare to and from Italy.

100% tuition waiver for students who will have completed 15 units (graduate students) or two full semesters (undergraduate students) by the end of spring.

How To Apply

This course is open to graduate students in Food Science, undergraduate students in the Nutrition minor, and students in Italian Studies. FSN 309/509 will count as an elective for these programs.

Priority Deadline: February 1
Final Deadline: March 25

1. Review the details in the course flyer and make sure that course works for you.

2. Make an initial appointment with Dr. Prakash (Food Science or Nutrition) or Dr. Pacchioni (Italian Studies) to talk about the course. If the course appears to be a good fit for you, the professor will add you to the list of participants.

3. Only 20 students will be accepted, therefore do make sure to schedule your meeting before the priority deadline to maximize your chances to be accepted in the course.

4. Dr. Prakash and Dr. Pacchioni will get back to you to confirm and finalize the enrollment in early spring.

Live like an Italian: Learn to appreciate the Italian lifestyle. Umbra provides students with shared apartments within a 5- to 15-minute walk of the Institute, allowing for innumerable opportunities to enjoy mid-day siestas, eat a panino on the fountain steps, and walk the city center like a native. Apartments are furnished with full kitchens so that you can try to duplicate your favorite new Italian dish. WiFi is provided both within the Institute and in each student apartment.

To ask the professors questions about program options, fill out the form for them below.

Explore Perugia

Here you can see the main square in Perugia. The beautiful fountain and the entrance of Umbra Institute.

View Larger Map

Find Out About Student Life In Perugia

Follow the Umbra Institute on Facebook and Instagram.