Merrimack

A Big University Town in a Small Italian City. Welcome Merrimack students! Every semester (and in the summer!) students take advantage of the Umbra Institute’s incredible location in Perugia, Italy to complete courses that count towards their majors, all while studying abroad and living in the real Italy. While the courses are engaging, students also have ample time on the weekend to travel elsewhere in Europe. Are you ready to experience Perugia for yourself?

Academics. Students must take an Italian class and three or four other electives. Elective courses are in English, so no Italian language proficiency is required. Courses are twice a week, with no classes on Friday. The semesters are from September to December, and from January to April. The Summer Session has two options: the general studies runs from the last week in May to the end of June; the intensive Italian language through culture program runs for 6 weeks from the beginning of June through mid-July. locations around Perugia. See a list of courses here.
See a sample list of courses here.

Live like an Italian: Learn to appreciate the Italian lifestyle. Umbra provides students with shared apartments within a 5-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. There is no meal plan, but 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. Lastly, Umbra provides several activities during your semester to give you the opportunity to socialize and meet locals. (Check out some of the student activities offered at Umbra.)

To learn more about the fees for studying abroad, contact us below.

Student Profiles

Jessica Paholsky
Penn State at Umbra Spring ’12

“Studying abroad in Perugia offered endless experiences with students in the program and with the locals. Living in a smaller Italian university city provided more of a home kind of feel. It wasn’t overwhelming or hard to get settled since the school, supermarkets, and cafes are all in walking distance. Study in Perugia for a real Italian experience!”

Please feel free to contact Jessica to ask about her experience!

Mark Koussa
Merrimack at Umbra Fall-Spring ’14

“Embarking on a nine-month study abroad to Perugia, Italy, I entered a transformative period of my life that taught me a new culture and its workings, a language I learned proficiently, and how to engage in community experiences within a city once foreign to me that soon became home -ultimately well rounding me and changing the way I view the world but also myself.”

Please feel free to email Mark to ask about his experience!

Amy Larson
Amherst at Umbra
Spring ’12

“After only four short months I felt as at home with my new friends and new city as I ever have back at home.Perugia is an enchanting place where you can learn to live simply, slowly, and happier than you ever have if you open yourself to its quintessential Italian charm. I wouldn’t have wanted to study in any other city in Italy. If you want to travel somewhere with the most friendly and helpful staff/faculty and take courses that are truly interesting, go to Umbra in Perugia. I’d go back in a heartbeat.”

Please feel free to contact Amy to ask about her experience!