Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute

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The hilltop city of Perugia, located halfway between Rome and Florence, is a quintessential university town, offering scenic art and architecture and historical resonance at every turn. With Etruscan walls, cobblestoned streets, and medieval churc... read more

All Reviews

OVERALL RATING 4.3
Based on 2 Reviews
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Overall Experience
January 30, 2024 Little Italy
It was worthwhile -- travel experience, overcoming culture shock, independence - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Vale la pena means "worth it" in Italian and that's how I describe my time here. I gained a better appreciation of my own culture as an Italian-American as well as a better understanding of how to live in a liminal or transitional space. - The College of William and Mary View Entire Review
So much. I have never taken public transportation by myself, and now I did it across countries. I feel much more independent. - Trinity University View Entire Review
I gained a sense of independence and confidence from having to do things that I previously thought I couldn't do. It was absolutely worthwhile. - Arcadia University View Entire Review
Past Review Perusing Perugia
I learned about many new cultures, tried new foods, learned a new language, and met people from various backgrounds. Studying abroad is an amazing experience if you go in with an open mind and step out of your comfort zone. - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
Past Review Ciao Ciao
I felt very self assured and confident taking care of myself in another country. It was definitely worthwhile! I wish I went through an art program though, because I really value studio time and not having access to one 24/7 was a change of pace for me. - Trinity University View Entire Review
Past Review Sunsets & Pasta
Living in Perugia, I gained a lot of appreciation for the Italian culture. I learned a lot about myself and how I interact with novel experiences. It was definitely challenging learning how to live in a culture that you are very unfamiliar with. But ultimately, living in a new culture made me look at my own culture in a very dif... - Trinity University View Entire Review
I can't put into words what I gained from my year in Italy, but I can most certainly say that is was worthwhile...in fact, that might just be the biggest understatement ever to have been expressed. - Miami University View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with Arcadia: Perugia - Umbra Institute
There is absolutely nothing like living abroad. I had so much fun traveling and meeting the locals. Learning about a new culture from the people that live it every day is the best way to experience it. - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned that, even in the face of language barriers, I can find my way. I learned so much about other cultures and how people live outside of America. It was amazing to see so many things I'd only ever dreamed of. It was definitely worthwhile and an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. - Trinity University View Entire Review
This program was literally one of the best experiences of my life. Because the city was so small, you really got to immerse yourself within the culture and actually get to know the locals. You lived in your own apartments in a very independent setting. You were treated like adults and you had a lot of freedom, but responsibility... - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Past Review A Blessing !
How to be independent ! - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: my six weeks in Perugia were the best of my entire life. If I could drop everything and leave tomorrow for my little Italian apartment, I would. My career plan has even shifted to accomodate my return - I'm thinking about teaching English there after graduation. You'll be surprised how m... - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Traveling solo out of the country for the first time helped me grow my independence and confidence to do anything I set my mind to. I discovered traveling on my own can be thrilling. I made friends that I will cherish forever and the overall experience was once in a lifetime. - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
I am a whole new person. I feel more confident and comfortable with myself, and I now have so many new skills. It was the best decision I ever made. - Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State View Entire Review
Past Review Amazing
Yes - Trinity University View Entire Review
How similar we all really are besides cultural and language differences - University of Vermont View Entire Review
Past Review Historical
A lot of knowledge of the things I'm passionate about and real life experience. Definitely worthwhile. - Gustavus Adolphus College View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with Arcadia: Perugia - Umbra Institute
I gained more independence and learned more about not only myself but also about other cultures. - Austin College View Entire Review
I absolutely think studying abroad was worthwhile. Not only did I make friends that I will have for the rest of my life, but I learned a lot about who I am, my travel style, my comfort zone, etc. I learned that to gain the most of an experience abroad, you really need to use the resources available to you. The people working at ... - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned a great deal about the Italian culture and language, gained much exposure hands-on in both these categories, and found that I was able to acclimate rather quickly. This experience was worthwhile in that it taught me a lot about traveling while getting deep into foreign cultures, and inciting in me a travel bug for the ... - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
From this semester, I learned to be more independent and get out my comfort zone. It was absolutely worthwhile. - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Past Review Had Fun
I learned how to adapt to different cultures. Yes. - Trinity University View Entire Review
Past Review Perugia, Italy
Yes - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned to be more outgoing and not let any experience slip away. I became more independent, more proficient in Italian, and met some of the most amazing people I know. - Brandeis University View Entire Review

About

The hilltop city of Perugia, located halfway between Rome and Florence, is a quintessential university town, offering scenic art and architecture and historical resonance at every turn. With Etruscan walls, cobblestoned streets, and medieval churches surrounding you, you’ll find yourself in a contemporary, bustling place with visible traces of the past.

ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute, located on Perugia’s main piazza, adjacent to the duomo, is the only year-round independent American institute based in Perugia.

The Institute maximizes the resources of its surroundings, by infusing community engagement and experiential learning into all of its programming. As a student at ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute, you’ll take courses which connect you to the surrounding community and foster a genuine Italian experience, whether you choose subjects with field-study components, an internship, volunteering, or a service learning opportunity.

ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute’s carefully designed curriculum offers a variety of options, from direct enrollment in local partner universities, to a focus on field research, an honors track, or a general studies option. You may take courses in either English or Italian, depending on your level of proficiency.

 ARCADIA EXCURSIONS
Travel to fascinating places of interest that enhance your cultural immersion and give a meaningful context to your academic courses. Here is a sampling: 

  • Amalfi Coast

  • Film Series

  • Roman Baths and Wine Vineyards in Viterbo

  • and more...


WHY ARCADIA?
Arcadia is a nationally recognized leader in higher education, offering exceptional study, research and internship experiences for students from colleges and universities across the US. Our unique combination of customized, diverse academic programming and comprehensive support allows students to explore new worlds, get to know themselves, boost their resumes for future job opportunities and graduate school, and experience the incredible growth and shifts in perspective that a culturally immersive experience can deliver.

Please check our website for dates and the latest program information.


Program Type(s):
Study Abroad
Internship
Volunteer
Program Length(s):
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
  • Italian
  • English
Language Requirement(s):
  • Italian
Relevant Study Subject(s):
  • Italian Studies
  • Italian Language, Literature
  • Creative Writing
  • Religion / Religious Studies
  • Psychology
  • Anthropology
  • Archeology
  • Economics
  • International Relations
  • Political Science and Government
  • Sociology
  • Film, Video, Photographic Arts
  • Fine Arts, Studio Arts
  • Business
  • History
  • Art History, Criticism and Conservation
Minimum GPA:
2.5
Website
Take me there!

Statistics

Arcadia Scholarships

Arcadia aims to help students for whom financial assistance can mean the difference between participating on an Arcadia program and staying home. Arcadia scholarships are awarded to eligible applicants based on need. Approximately 70% of study abroad students who apply for aid from Arcadia receive some form of award

$250-$2,500

Deadlines:
Applications are received on a rolling basis.

Guidelines/Requirements:
Only students who have been accepted to a program from Arcadia Abroad will be considered for an award.

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