✖
✖
search-icon

FAQ New

Faqs frequently asked questions

The Umbra Institute is committed to providing each and every a safe and rewarding experience for all students. Explore our FAQs and should you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We will be glad to assist.

Can I request a single bedroom?

All housing in apartments with shared bedrooms, however students may request a single bedroom for medical and other reasons. To request a single room, indicate your preference on the housing request form. Please note that additional fees apply for single bedrooms.

What is the ETIAS requirement?

From 2024, students from these countries will need to complete a quick, online document called the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). The ETIAS will cost 7 Euro (roughly 8 USD) and is valid for 3 years. It takes roughly 10 minutes for you to complete the form online and you will then need to travel with proof of your ETIAS throughout your time in Europe. While most applicants will receive immediate approval, some may take longer to process so we advise applying for an ETIAS at least 2 weeks prior to the start of your program.

Can I travel in Italy and the EU after the semester ends?

Yes, you can! If you are a US, Canadian, or UK Passport holder, you have a 90-day tourist visa that will automatically “kick-in” once your student visa expires. From that point, you are able to travel within Italy and the Schengen Area for a period of up to 90 days within any 6-month period. It is up to you to calculate this in relation to any other travel you have planned in the 6 months before and after your program. If you have a passport from a country not mentioned and outside of the EU, you might need a…

Can I travel in Italy and the EU before the semester program starts?

We strongly advise that you limit any pre-program travel to locations outside of Italy. If you need to arrive in Italy, please only arrive 1-2 days before your program begins. Why? Almost all students studying in Italy with a student visa must apply for a permesso di soggiorno within 8 days of arriving. This is an immigration requirement, and a late application is in violation of the law. It is in complex Italian legal language and there are no public resources in English to help you, plus there are procedural reasons why it is better to do this with…

What about pre-departure orientation sessions?

Prior to attending the pre-departure orientation session, all students are required to complete the pre-departure orientation course online. Each course is designed to take roughly 1.5 hours total and can be completed at your own pace either in an afternoon or over the course of two weeks. You’ll receive an invitation to Moodle, the platform that hosts the course, roughly 1-2 months prior to the start of your program. Your Pre-departure Guidebook will also be shared at this time. Upon completing the pre-departure course, you’ll be invited to sign up for a live Q&A session so you can get…

How do I ensure my credits will transfer to my home university?

Every university has a different process when it comes to determining course equivalencies. Some have pre-determined lists, while others require individual students to go through an approval process for each class they take. The best person to reach out to about this process would be your study abroad advisor. Some universities or departments may require you to submit a sample syllabus. Syllabi for Umbra Institute courses can be found on the left-hand side of each course page (click here for example).. Syllabi for ISI Florence can be requested by emailing [email protected].

Can I change my courses?

Yes, you can change your courses prior to arrival. To do so, please resubmit your application form (see dashboard links above) with your course and/or program track changes. That way, both our enrollment team and your program’s Registrar receive a copy of your preferences. Note: Once you are within 60 days of arrival, it may not be possible to change your classes. Instead, you will need to wait to make updates during the semester add/drop period that begins the first Monday you are in Italy.

Can I request to be housed with my friend?

Yes, you can! When it comes to roommates, our housing team asks that all requests are mutual (meaning if you request a friend, they must also request you). You can submit any housing or roommate preferences when submitting your housing preferences to your host institute. Need to update your preferences? Just go back to the original form and resubmit it.

Can I study in Italy without a visa?

The answer to this question varies according to your citizenship. If you hold a U.S. passport and are not a dual citizen with an EU country, then you will be required to request a study visa if your program of study will last for more than 90 days. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please contact us and one of our advisors will let you know what visa requirements are in place for residents of your country.

Are any scholarships available?

You’re welcome to contact your Umbra admissions advisor to ask about any scholarships that may be available for students from your school. Your advisor can also fill you in on third-party scholarships that are relevant to study abroad and provide you with a few tips for how to navigate these opportunities.

Is there a meal plan available through Umbra?

No, but as an Umbra student you have lots of options for cheap meals. The university cafeterias offer great food for just a few euros, and we have agreements with a lot of local restaurants that offer great student discounts. Many students use their kitchens to make frequent meals at home, providing a great opportunity to soak up a little of the Italian culinary genius and get together with friends. And if your cooking skills are not up to par, ask an Italian student to dinner; it is a great way to make friends, and you’ll probably get some culinary advice!

What do I need to prepare for attending the program?

If you have successfully completed the application and been accepted into the program, you are now ready for the next level of preparation. You will be sent a Student Handbook that will contain everything you need to know to prepare for your experience abroad, but we cannot emphasize enough the need to: Read the Student Handbook carefully and fully; Save as much money as possible – you can always use extra while abroad; Make copies of your passport and all important documents and cards in your purse or wallet in case they are lost or stolen; Make a budget that considers all expenses…

Should I bring my laptop? Is there internet available?

Yes and yes! If you are looking for maximum internet connectivity while abroad, please bring your laptop. All Umbra sites, including apartments, have ethernet cords and wireless access, so if you have a laptop you’re good to go.

What’s the deal on student housing?

Most students are housed with other Umbra students in apartments throughout the historic center. Each apartment is equipped with a kitchen and a common space for studying, and all housing is within walking distance of the Umbra Institute. For students seeking a new cultural experience, we offer the option of being housed in apartments with either native Italians or international students, and home stays are also available upon request. It’s up to you to indicate which option you prefer on your housing selection form.

What is the best way to carry and retrieve money?

Try to carry as little as possible, use credit cards whenever possible, and retrieve money with an ATM card as needed. ATMs are everywhere and allow you to retrieve money in increments similar to those in the U.S. Always having some travelers checks on hand is a good idea too, since you can recover the money if they’re lost or stolen. Do not bring large amounts of cash. Helpful hint: Make copies of everything in your wallet in case of emergency.

What are course lab fees?

Some courses have mandatory travel components which include overnight excursions to places like Florence and Rome. For other classes, on-site study at monuments and museums is essential, and some even feature trips to countryside inns and wineries. The fees for these activities are extra and depend upon the course. Students enrolled in Food Cultures, Renaissance Art, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Roman Empire, Early Christianity, Archeology, Creative Writing, and Studio Art should expect course fees ranging from 25-400 Euro. See individual course descriptions for exact amounts.

How much will I spend while studying in Italy, apart from program costs?

In all honesty, you could never have enough to spend while abroad! Making a budget can be difficult, and of course, the amount will depend on your daily lifestyle and how much travel you intend to do. We have estimated that the average student spends between $3,000 and $5,000 per semester while abroad. Still, some get by on much less, while others go through nearly twice that amount. We have approximated the amounts of what the average student should expect to spend for the 4-month semester program: Meals: approx. $1,200 (cooking at home can substantially lower this estimate) Textbooks: approx. $100 (depends on course enrollment) Course Lab Fees: approx…

If my Italian is advanced, do I still have to take language classes?

Students who are above the 300-level proficiency may waive the language requirement, but they must still enroll in one or more courses taught solely in Italian. These courses usually include LIIT 420: Il Racconto Italiano; SOIT 380: Civiltà Italiana; SOIT 402: L’Italiano: Storia, Sviluppo, e Sociolinguistica; and IT 399: Independent Study in Italian.

Which academic program is best for me?

That depends on your curricular needs and personal interests. The most popular and flexible option is the General Studies Program, but our other programs offer additional opportunities to challenge and immerse yourself while abroad — including our newest addition, the Food Studies Program! Here is a helpful summary: → General Studies– This program is suitable for just about everyone. It offers 4- to 6-credit Italian language courses and a wide variety of electives taught in English, as well as honors courses and several classes taught in Italian. → Food Studies– Our newest curricular concentration program employs an interdisciplinary approach to the study of food. The program consists…

Will I be able to travel with friends while studying?

Certainly! Traveling is a significant part of your experience abroad. However, do keep in mind that the Umbra Institute is a study abroad program, not simply a travel abroad one. We expect students to commit to the academic program first and foremost. Day trips in the region and overnight trips to larger cities are part of several courses at the Umbra Institute and all students should restrict overnight travel to the Fridays and weekends during which there are no course obligations. Additionally, Umbra offers a week-long break around mid-semester and you can travel as you wish! If you are looking to make an extensive European trek or if you want to invite all your friends…

What is Perugia like?

Perugia seamlessly combines old and new, offering you all the glory of ancient Italy with all the modern conveniences of a capital city. It also has a thriving international student population of nearly 40,000 thanks to its two main universities. To read more about this charming city, find out why you should make a Life in Perugia.

Do I need to speak Italian?

No. In fact, in the General Studies program nearly all courses are taught in English. However all students are required to take Italian language as part of their curriculum. Umbra offers 4- and 6-credit beginner courses, and 4-credit language courses at higher levels. Even students in the Direct Enrollment Program at the Università per Stranieri are not required to have previously studied the language: level one is designed for students with no prior Italian Umbra also offers courses at the intermediate and advance levels (200, 300, 400), as well as abundant opportunities to perfect your italiano outside the classroom.

What are the admission requirements?

The Umbra Institute programs were designed for motivated college and university students who are eager to immerse themselves in all aspects of Italian life, language, and culture. If you are an American student applying through Arcadia University, you must be at least a rising sophomore with a minimum 2.75 GPA and matriculated at a U.S. college or university. If you are an Italian student, you must be matriculated at the Università degli Studi di Perugia or another approved Italian university, complete a prescribed application, and pass a proficiency of English exam. If you would like more information, do not hesitate to contact us.

Why should I choose Umbra?

There are plenty of reasons to choose the Umbra Institute for your study abroad experience. The Umbra Institute offers a wide variety of superior academic programs to meet your individual needs, and Perugia – the university city of Italy – is the ideal place for a study abroad program. Additionally, our program is limited in size so you are not just a number. You are also fully supported in your academic and personal endeavors while studying here. The Umbra Institute offers a rich cultural experience where students can fully immerse themselves in the local Italian community and buzzing student life of…