Multi-Cultural Psychology

The Multicultural Psychology Program allows students to complete classes toward their degree, taught in English, as they study how culture influences our understanding of ourselves and others. In addition to their work in the classroom, students experience various experiential learning opportunities that offer insight into the role of cultural norms and values in shaping human behavior and interactions.

Rather than simply take place in the classroom, the Multi-cultural Psychology Program includes a series of workshops and site visits (attended by University of Perugia Psychology majors as well), along with a weekend Capstone Field Trip. Though the exact places students go on the trip varies semester-to-semester, in the past it’s included the former insane asylum (now a museum to the history of psychiatry), a horse therapy cooperative, and an avant-guarde center for early childhood education. 

Why Study Psychology in Perugia?
This program is not limited to Psychology majors. Students of any major who study psychology at the Umbra Institute examine human development as influenced by similarities and differences between people and across cultures. Such a knowledge base is a useful tool when preparing for careers in counseling, education, research, social work, and many other professions. Through specific coursework, students can delve into organizational behavior and behavioral change, intercultural communication, critical disabilities, art therapy and numerous other topics, all from a multicultural perspective. In addition, by studying at the Umbra Institute, students have the opportunity to witness firsthand the interplay between different people and cultures as they explore Perugia, an international university city that offers a unique blend of cultural influences.

Not only do students study psychology, but they are also required to take an Italian language course (available from introductory to advanced levels). This language study provides further insight into the interplay between culture and identity, since even a basic understanding of Italian can help students begin to understand how linguistic expression influences how we think, behave, and interact with others.

Students may design their own semester and freely choosing courses from our offerings. Students interested in the MPP CERTIFICATE program must take core course PSYC 300 Experiencing Multicultural Psychology and at least three (3) additional courses in psychology or approved courses in related subjects.

Many students have received credit for their major for their MPP coursework. Contact the ISI Abroad office or the Director of The Umbra Institute, Zachary Nowak ([email protected]) for more information. For those students interested in possible graduate work: part of the program’s co-curricular offerings is an optional workshop “How To Get Into Grad School.”

Research Opportunities

For students who are looking forward towards graduate school, the MPP offers two different possibilities for research. All students who take PSYC/SOC 360 Social Psychology–Observational Research in Italy design and carry out a small-scale project in Peugia using observational research. For students with advanced language abilities in Italian or a project that does not require Italian, there is also the Independent Research Course (IR 297/397/497). This is a student-centered learning experience in which students engage in advanced research on their selected topic with the support of a faculty mentor. It is ideal for students who have previously studied a particular topic and would like to continue exploring it in more depth through individual research. Interested students should first fill out the proposal form.