Frequently Asked Questions: A Guide for Umbra Applicants
Do I need to speak Italian to study at Umbra?
No, you do not. Umbra offers a plethora of elective courses, across various disciplines, in English! While taking an Italian language and culture course is mandatory for all students, most students come to Perugia with no background in Italian.
Click here to view current course options at Umbra.
How much is the tuition for Umbra?
Updated tuition prices can be found on our website. Click here to view Tuition & Fees.
What courses do you have?
To view current course offerings, descriptions, and updated syllabus information, click here to see Courses at Umbra.
Where will I live in Perugia?
Most students live in apartments throughout Perugia’s historic city center. Apartments have modern amenities, including Wi-Fi and a fully-equipped kitchen. Most students live with peers who are also participating in one of Umbra’s programs; though it is possible to select Umbra’s homestay option or, for Direct Enrollment students, to stay in Italian and international student apartments. Umbra’s housing office is dedicated to making your stay comfortable! Click here to learn more about Housing at Umbra.
Will I have time to travel?
Umbra students find plenty of time to travel and, from Perugia, it is easy and often quite inexpensive!
General Studies and Food & Sustainability Studies Program students only have class from Monday through Thursday, and are given a week long break in the middle of each semester program, allowing for a longer travel period. However, it is advised that these students wait to book their excursions until after they have arrived in Perugia, since some class field trips may fall on a weekend.
View the field trip dates for the current semester to get an idea as to how many field trips you can expect.
NOTE that field trip dates and quantity are subject to change and you should not book travel based on the dates from the previous semester.
Direct Enrollment students follow the academic calendar of the university they have selected for their semester program. They often travel with International students and enjoy time off from class during Italian holidays.
Click here to learn about the Umbra Optional Trip. This trip is open to all students and organized by Umbra.
When making personal travel plans, refer to the links below for more travel information:
Click here for more about traveling through Perugia, Umbria, and Tuscany.
Click here to learn more about exploring Italy.
Click here for more about traveling through Europe, and beyond!
What is community engagement?
Community Engagement allows Umbra students to integrate into their host community. Not only do students learn from the community through Community-Based Courses and Courses with Service Learning, there are also opportunities for students to Volunteer Abroad and to regularly work along side local partners through Seminar and Practica Courses.
Click here to learn more about our various Community Engagement Activities!
Does Umbra work with students who require academic accommodations?
Absolutely! All students are entitled to a comfortable learning environment. Once you have been accepted, Umbra will request information through our electronic Student Info Form. When completing that form, please indicate any needs you may have. You may then be contacted by our Registrar to work out the best way to accommodate your needs.
However, if you are particularly worried about your needs, you may always use our contact form to gain accommodation information prior to your application submission.
What will my schedule look like?
Click here to view the semester calendar. Individualized course schedules will be provided to you upon your arrival to Perugia. The semester will then begin with a two-week add/drop period, should you feel the need to update your schedule after your original preferences have been submitted.
Regularly scheduled class time does not take place Friday through Sunday. However, please do not make any travel plans until after your first week of class, during which your professors will inform you of weekend field trip dates. You are expected to attend mandatory academic field trips.
Is there a way to find out what other students say about Umbra?
Click here to read student testimonials and contact past students.
How do I apply?
CLICK HERE to apply to study abroad at the Umbra Institute.
Do you need more information?
Please contact us through the form below and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.