May 18 – June 24, 2023 | Program Cost: $3,925
Join professor Angela Tumini this summer in sunny Italy to study and take USC classes for 5 weeks at the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy.
Students can take “Searching for Italy: Society, Art, Film, and La Dolce Vita” in conjunction with Italian 122 (prerequisite: 1 semester of basic Italian).
There is a reason why Italy is a favorite destination for students, scholars, and visitors across the globe. Not only its rich history encompasses civilizations that span from Ancient Greek, to Etruscan, Roman and Norman, just to name a few, but also because Italians have a way of practicing the art of beauty in every aspect of their life, known to visitors from all over the world as La Dolce Vita. Food, art, fashion, design, theater, cinema, literature, street festivals, and ancient celebrations disguised by Catholic rituals, as well as the profound contrasts that exist between different areas of the country, all contribute to give the country a cultural dimension of unique value. All that culture is framed within a landscape that is incredibly varied and surprising, and that makes the Italian way of life speak of harmony and balance of shapes, colors and flavors. Italy itself is a way of life and an endless source of inspiration. This Italian Culture course is an opportunity to learn more about beauty, and above all, it represents an opportunity for students to experience first-hand an authentic and profound way of life while they widen their cultural scope and deepen their intellectual understanding on how the intertwining of ancient cultures can still shape the essence of Italy as a modern country and an economic power within a globalized world.
Dr. Angela Tumini earned her PhD in Italian Literature at the University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom in 2002. She has taught Italian Language, Literature and Film in several universities in the USA, such as Emory University, Skidmore College, the University of Mississippi, Endicott College and Chapman University, as well as in the UK and in Azerbaijan. She has also worked as a film instructor at Columbia College Hollywood, in Los Angeles. She has organized several study abroad programs in Italy and taught at Umbra Institute in Perugia and for the Abbey Road Summer Immersion Program in Florence. Given her international experience, she also served as a Director of International Programs at Midway University in Kentucky. Throughout her career she has published two books and several interdisciplinary articles on the subjects of Literature, Film and Gender.
Each semester, University of South Carolina students take advantage of the Umbra Institute’s beautiful location in historic Perugia, Italy. The close partnership between USC and Umbra allows students to complete courses, taught in English, that count toward their degree. Courses are designed to use Perugia as a classroom and to give students ample time to travel elsewhere in Italy and Europe.
All apartments are located walking distance from the Institute and the city’s many events and amenities. With panoramic views abound, the city invites exploration & discovery around every corner.
Apartments are fully equipped (WiFi included!) making it easy for you and your friends to plan a dinner in or to catch your next train or plane out of town, and explore pizzerias, trattorias, or coffee bars.
Being a university city, Perugia hosts events throughout the year—from Eurochocolate to the Umbria Jazz Festival. Whether attending one of Umbra’s workshops (ex. Travel Workshop) or events (ex. Wine Tasting), there is always something to do!
Visit Museums
Explore the Local Culture
Live Like a Local