My name is Katharine, and I studied abroad at the Umbra Institute in the Fall semester of 2025. I am a student at the University of Richmond, majoring in Sociology with minors in Data Science and Italian. Studying at Umbra allowed me to fully immerse myself in Italian language, culture, and everyday life in Perugia in a way that felt both academic and deeply personal. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I hope to share it with others. 

While at Umbra, I took Italian language courses and sociology-based classes that focused on ethnographic research, food studies, and community engagement. Much of my learning occurred outside the classroom through field journals, local conversations, and time spent in cafés and markets, allowing me to observe how food, space, and relationships shape daily life in Italy.

I had the opportunity to serve as an Umbra Rep, supporting student engagement and sharing my experience. I would love to talk with prospective students about what studying at Umbra is really like and how impactful the experience can be!