Umbra Institute Reviews
We understand choosing a study abroad program can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. To simplify your search, we have collected reviews of the Umbra Institute from independent websites, our Facebook page, and student feedback.
You can find independent reviews from former students at Study Abroad 101.com. Additionally, many students have left their thoughts on our Facebook reviews page.
Below you will find a sample of student reviews:
Melissa Pool – Spring 2015, Austin College
Studying abroad is such an amazing and unique experience that allows students to be exposed to an entire culture that is different than their own. While this can be a stressful and conflicting experience for some, for others it opens the door to an entire world of opportunities. This particular city holds a special place in my heart because of all the amazing people I met and places I discovered. Perugia is a beautiful small town located in the mountains. The people are very friendly and help students get over their culture shock and immediately feel at home. It’s central location makes it extremely easy to travel around and explore other cities. The Umbra Institute encourages students to not only explore surrounding cities, but also Perugia. The staff are all incredible friendly people who love getting to know every student and build lasting relationships. I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities provided to me by the Umbra Institute and hope to return to Perugia soon.
Carolyn Chelius – Fall 2014, Wellesley College
I really liked Perugia because, unlike Florence or Rome, the city had few tourists and many students. Umbra administration was always clear and willing to help. Learning Italian was my favorite part of the program. I attended tandems and office hours, every week, with my Italian professor and I frequented the local bookstore to read books in Italian. The program exceeded my expectations –which were pretty high.
Emma Cordell – Spring 2014, Miami University Oxford
The best decision I ever made. I cannot put to words what I gained from my year in Italy, but I can most certainly say that it was worthwhile. In fact, that might just be the biggest understatement ever to have been expressed.
Nick Bruno – Fall 2013, Suny Purchase College
An unforgettable experience full of amici, exploring, unbeatable food, and a real taste of the Italian culture. If I could do it all again, I would be the happiest person on the planet. Missing the Umbra family right about now. I hope that I’ll be able to come back soon and visit my home away from home. Mi mancate tutti!
Teagan Lehrmann – Fall 2011, Harvard University
If Perugia is anywhere on your radar- GO! Hands down, end of story. My fall semester at the Umbra Institute was beyond anything I could have hoped for in a study abroad program. The staff is wonderful, the classes are phenomenal, and Perugia is incredibly welcoming to students. And if you have any interest in food, the unique Food Studies Program at Umbra opens the doors to experiences that are literally once in a lifetime. I am amazed at how much this program offered in terms of learning, doing, seeing… and tasting! This program was an invaluable part of my Italian experience, and I highly recommend it!
Haley Sciola – Fall 2011, Plymouth State University
Studying at Stranieri through Umbra was an amazing experience. I really hadn’t studied much Italian before I came and studied there, so if you’re thinking about it at all, just do it!! It really wasn’t as intimidating as I thought it would be because most of the Stranieri professors are great. They talk at your level and put actions and emotions into their messages so you can understand. And plus, jumping in and being a ‘sponge’ is the best way to acquire (as opposed to learn, which is more easily forgotten) a language. I’m glad I went through Umbra because they did all the footwork with Stranieri for me (class scheduling, paperwork). And if there was ever an issue, no worries; the Italian professors at Umbra knew and/or stayed in contact with my professors at Stranieri. Full-immersion/ direct enroll was definitely the best way to go for me. I encourage you to take the risk and do the same!
Melissa Fopiano – Fall 2011, Connecticut College
Studying abroad in Perugia is easily one of the best decisions I have ever made. Being immersed in a small, quintessential Italian city was the best way to genuinely understand and experience Italian culture. At Umbra, I took a variety of very interesting and appealing courses and had some of the best professors. The students, faculty, and staff at Umbra truly made the experience memorable. I met so many incredible people and made lifelong friends. I also took advantage of the extraordinary opportunity to travel on the weekends and was fortunate enough to have visited many different parts of Italy. You learn a lot about your self and gain a much broader understanding of what it means to be from and live in a different culture. I would not have chosen any other place to go-my study abroad experience was truly amazing!
Caitlin DeCortin – Fall 2011, Stonehill College
Studying in Perugia was the best decision of my life! My semester at Umbra was everything I hoped for and more. The staff are truly wonderful and the faculty are among the best professors I’ve ever had. I feel that Umbra offered me opportunities– for example, the four-credit food class run by Zach– that I could never have gotten anywhere else in Italy. If you’re looking to study in a true Italian town with charm and character like no other, at a study abroad institute that’s in a class all of its own, then study at Umbra in Perugia!
David Abbott – Fall 2011, Denison University
I had the best semester of my life last fall thanks to the Umbra Institute and the staff involved. This is my advice to new students: Since the Umbra Institute provides so many unique opportunities, don’t be afraid to choose classes that truly interest you. I took all three of the food studies program classes and couldn’t recommend them more. They were easily my most interesting classes and allowed me to travel to exclusive hot-spots with the invaluable guidance from the fantastic food studies professors. Good luck with the semester and make every moment count.
Erika Nicole Vernet – Fall 2011, Lebanon Valley College
Umbra Institute was an amazing place to study while abroad in Italy. You gain a whole new sense of independence that you didn’t even know you had. You also meet the best friends you will ever have, and share something incredibly special and unique with them. They encourage you to go out and find yourself and discover new places and new experiences. I wouldn’t have gone anywhere else!
Emily Swaine – Spring 2011, Bryant University
Studying in Perugia at the Umbra Institute was a life changing experience for me. While the city was beautiful, the possibilities of travel seemed endless, and the food delectable the best part of my time there was meeting an assortment of people that will remain in my life, for what I hope to be a long time. Enjoy everything that comes your way while abroad, but make sure to build relationships. Perugia is a wonderful place to do this between the irreplaceable faculty at Umbra, the people of the town and your fellow students. You will leave Umbra with great memories, just remember its the people that surround you who will make those memories unforgettable!