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News and Blog

by Teresa Cutler-Broyles

Perugia has won.
And it didn’t even know it was in a contest.

When I arrived in 2014 for my first year of teaching at the Umbra Institute I had no idea what to expect. I’d never been to this city; in fact, I’m not sure I’d ever been to Umbria. Not
intentionally, anyway.

My first visit to Italy was to Rome in 2000 and I fell in love. With all of Italy as a concept, of course, but with Rome itself. I spent six weeks in the city wandering its streets, discovering its secrets, learning all the dos and don’t and ins and outs, and filling my heart with its beauty, and its not-so-pretty aspects. The noise and the tourists (which for some reason I didn’t think I was) and the unending rush were all part of the reason I loved it, and I couldn’t imagine another city capturing my heart in the same way. Every time I came back to the country after that, I spent as much time as possible in Rome while I explored south to Naples and north to Venice—bypassing Umbria on the way via train.

Then I discovered what I’d been missing.

I arrived in Perugia on the same day—in fact, on the same bus—as my students that first year, having spent two weeks in Rome beforehand. The staff had met them at Rome’s airport as I’ve since learned they do every year, having traveled down the day before to be up long before dawn to meet the early arrivals. My students, jet-lagged and frankly terrified were gathered up with the other arrivals and we were all settled in for the ride north.

Most of them slept. I watched the countryside go by. As we rolled into Perugia I took a deep breath, excited to see a new city and the school, and the lovely little apartment they’d found for me, where I’d be spending my next five weeks.

And that right there is the key. The fact that I got on a bus and showed up in this lovely town without a worry. That I knew my students would be taken care of and that I’d have a place to live with windows that overlooked something amazing. And sure enough, it all worked like clockwork.

Umbra itself is located in a centuries-old building right in the main piazza with its gorgeous fountain. Classrooms are equipped with all the amenities we’d expect from the 21st century while maintaining their medieval character in the ceiling arches and the traces of doors and windows beneath the plaster on the walls. The library where computers for students reside is filled with heavy wood bookshelves and filled with research material anyone with a love for Italy would want to get their hands on—and students can (and do) spend hours in there working on their projects.

As an instructor at Umbra my job is to get students here, offer them an exciting and educational experience two days a week, introduce them to as much Italian history and food as possible, and then help provide them with guidance as they need it to negotiate their way through the city and the country on their own on the days we’re not together. Generally, they need me for about three days… after that, due almost entirely to Umbra staff and their ongoing and tireless support, students get it all figured out and they’re off into Italy to fall in love with it just as I did so many years ago.

And Perugia is easy to fall in love with. Its main piazza is alive with people at all hours, its food is exquisite and quite unique—Umbria has dishes that are found nowhere else in Italy, and while it does have its tourist restaurants, it also has fabulous gems hidden in nooks and crannies at every turn—and its museums and churches scattered throughout are as stunning as anywhere else in Italy. Twisty medieval streets, ancient Etruscan arches and walls, and one of the largest collections of in situ paintings in a nearby church are just a few of the reasons I keep coming back.

Which brings me back to the beginning. I don’t know when it happened, exactly, that my heart shifted from Rome to Perugia, or when I began looking forward to being in Italy without thinking immediately of how much time I’d spend in the Eternal City. This year will be my sixth one teaching with Umbra. And I’ve been in Italy since March 6 this year.

And I haven’t visited Rome once, because Perugia won’t let me go.

By Kate Donati, College of William and Mary and Spring ’19 Umbra Rep


If you’re like most students who come to study here, you have never heard of our little city before. I bet you a Turan Café cappuccino that you couldn’t tell me what region Perugia is in without peeking at a map. You’re definitely not alone! I had no idea that this place, that I now call home, even existed before clicking ‘apply’ all those months ago. And this is secretly one of the most beautiful things about Perugia. It’s a town relatively untouched by the waves of tourism that (some claim) have taken over Florence and Rome. Perugia is a university town that is not only used to an influx of students but welcomes them with the all the warmth of an authentic Italian grandma.

There are so many reasons to choose Perugia I don’t even know where to start…

The classes and staff at Umbra!

Reasons to study abroad vary from student to student but even though you might think you want nothing more than an extended spring break, the academics of your program should be near the top of your list. Umbra offers a wide range of class subjects, from ceramics to international marketing to psychology to contemporary Italian culture. There is something here for every major — yes, even the bio majors can find time in their rigid scheduling to study abroad. There’s no better place to study Renaissance art, the fine art of cooking and sustainability, or European Union market regulations than in Italy, and the small class sizes at Umbra mean you can really delve into the subject with your professors and on field trips to every part of the peninsula. You can also be assured of your professor’s interest in not only their subject but in helping you to succeed, and you’ll definitely be on a first name basis with the entire staff. (This picture was taken on my class trip to Pisa and Siena — after you spend the night in Pisa, you wake up leaning like the tower.)

The authenticity of Perugia!

While studying in Florence or Rome can be comforting, knowing you’ll be surrounded by a buffer of other English-speaking foreign students. If you’re looking for the most authentic “Italian experience” you can find, it’s the smaller cities you’re looking for. You will not only be able to witness the Perugini going about their daily lives, you actually get to participate in their customs and interact with locals. In the fall, Perugia is host to a huge chocolate festival and you get to bask in the gorgeous Christmas decorations. Spring semester brings the festivities of Carnivale, Easter, and the International Journalism Festival. The summer brings Umbria Jazz and the best opportunities for people-watching. The Umbra Institute hosts plenty of cultural exchanges with Italian students who want to practice their English, but beyond the walls of school, you can’t help but interact with native Perugini. The cafés, bars, clubs, restaurants, and gelaterias are all locally-owned and just bursting with opportunities for you to practice your Italian.

The people you meet along the way!

You’ll probably hear an echo of this same sentiment from every study abroad program, and to a certain degree, it’s always true. No matter where you choose to study abroad, you will find your tribe of people that just get you. Your travel partners, going-out squad, classmates, and flat mates are the only people who truly understand how profound (in any sense of the word) of an impact your time studying abroad has on you. You will find these people wherever you go — I’ve found, however, that the bonds just feel even stronger in Perugia. Maybe it’s because it’s a smaller program, or maybe it’s the hills we have to climb together, or maybe it’s something else entirely — something about this program that attracts people that tend to just fit together.

Ultimately, you come to Perugia for the program, for the classes, and for the cultural immersion. You’ll come back for the people and the memories you make here. (And the chocolate.)

By Gerardo Moceri, Arizona State University and Spring ’19 Umbra Rep

Studying abroad in a smaller town in a foreign country can be a scary thought at first, as the language barrier can sometimes be a lot. However, the experiences you gain from going along with them are well worth it. It is easy to become culturally immersed in a smaller town like Perugia, which makes learning and speaking Italian much more fun. There are many students from all around the world here with whom you can meet and practice Italian. The Umbra Institute also has many opportunities to allow us to practice with other local students. Along with the, living in a smaller city like Perugia, we get to practice our Italian a lot with the locals, and since it is a very popular university town, locals are very open to speaking with you.

I signed up to take Italian 310 at the Umbra Institute because I really wanted to challenge my skills in Italian. I had only one year of experience in Italian before, so I was a little nervous that I would not score well enough on the placement test to remain in the class. However, the test went well and after meeting and speaking Italian with Aimée and Francesco, my professor, I knew I would be ok. There are only six people in our class, so we have gotten very close and the small class helps us be more engaged. It also forces me to get out of my comfort zone, which makes speaking Italian in public easier. I have not only improved my Italian grammatically, but also learned fun expressions that make me feel closer to the culture.

One way in which Umbra helps us better our language skills outside of the classroom is by offering conversation partners who are fluent in Italian. Along with two other Umbra students, we meet with our conversation partner, Pietrina, and she is great in helping our language skills develop. We meet at least two hours a week, playing games, exploring Perugia or going out to dinner, speaking in Italian and learning more about the culture of Perugia. It has definitely been one of the best experiences so far and it has improved my Italian.

About every other week, Umbra hosts an event called Tandem, which allows students from Perugia to meet with Umbra students in a language exchange opportunity. The Italian students get a chance to practice their English, while we get to speak Italian. It is a very open and comfortable setting, making it easier to not be afraid of making mistakes and to speak freely. We help each other out and even make some pretty good local friends. One friend in which I met offered to take us to one of the local Perugia soccer matches for Perugia’s Serie B squad. It was really fun, as he took us to the supporter’s section so we could get the real experience of being a fan of AC Perugia. It also gave us a chance to continue practicing Italian and learn the soccer chants for the team.

I have really loved being involved in the local community here and meeting new faces. There is a local track that I usually go running at in Perugia and there I met some locals who always let me train with them. They are very patient with my Italian and they even like the chance to practice some of their English as well. One of the first times I ran there, a couple saw me running and when I was done they asked what my workout was. They were just getting started with their run though, so I ended up running another thirty minutes with them just because they were very friendly and it was a great chance to meet some locals. The next time we ran together, Alessandro and his wife invited me out to pizza! Another time, they introduced me to some very good runners and I joined in on their workout of running four 1500 meter runs. At first, I could keep up with the runners and we would practice my Italian sometimes as we ran in between breaths. However, towards the end of the workout, my consistent diet of pasta and pizza caught up to me and they ran much quicker than me. Nevertheless, we all had a good workout and got to learn more about each other. I used to be a runner and the track felt like a common home between Perugia and Arizona. Making friends at the track then helped Perugia feel much more like home to me. It also made me learn that no matter what language you speak, smiling and being kind to new people you meet is a true common language we all share. After realizing this, speaking Italian to anyone became much easier. So if I were to offer any advice to students traveling to Perugia, it’s too just go for it when you speak Italian. The more mistakes you make while speaking, the faster you learn and the more immersed you will feel into this welcoming community.

by Ruby Dann, University of Connecticut and Spring ’19 Umbra Rep

My knowledge of Unicef used to be based off the colorful cardboard boxes we set out around the holidays to collect coins as donations for the organization. The boxes were decorated with tiny cartoon children and examples of donation amounts with their potential impact. When I heard about the volunteer opportunity at the beginning of the semester, I wanted to join not only for nostalgic reasons, but also because I believe in the overall child-focused mission.

Coming into the program, it was expected that we would each create a doll in the six weeks with help from the coordinators. The women at the Unicef Headquarters spoke only Italian, but we could understand their devotion to the organization and the gratification that it brought them. It was also enriching to be connected with a different generation and language.
We learned about the organization, each lady’s experience with Unicef, and the way Unicef functions on an international scale.

Before this opportunity, I had a biased view that America was responsible for most of the aid that is distributed on an international scale. The program expanded my knowledge of the efforts of other countries to assist with the well-being of kids everywhere. It is also exciting to note that the Pigotta dolls would be sold for collected funds that would go towards vaccinations for children. The necessity of vaccinations is a debate in America right now. We are privileged to work on raising money to benefit those around the world who do not have access to aid in a time when many Americans decide not to take advantage of essential vaccinations.

Volunteering for Unicef was not only a fun, weekly opportunity to be creative, but also beneficial to our overall cultural learning experience. Spending time with the Italian women who ran the Unicef Headquarters in Perugia immersed us in the Italian language as well as another generation. There are generally few opportunities to be familiar with older generations as students studying abroad, but we were able to learn much about the dedication and history of the ladies through Unicef.

 

For more information about Community Engagement Opportunities at Umbra, click here.

 

On March 9th and 10th, Dr. Elisa Ascione, Coordinator of the Umbra Institute’s Food & Sustainability Program (FSSP), facilitated the Food, Heritage & Community Conference in Prague, Czech Republic. The goal of the conference, sponsored by Progressive Connexions, was “to explore how food is perceived, constructed, celebrated and resisted as cultural heritage at personal, regional, national and global levels.” As the event leader, Dr. Ascione reviewed submissions and created a truly international program that included presentations by professors, activists, and independent scholars with over fifteen different nationalities. The range of topics covered by specific sessions—including Food and Migration; Food, Health and the Life Cycle; Representing Kitchens, Memories, and Identities; and Redefining Heritage and Sustainability—demonstrates the interdisciplinary breadth of the conference. At the end of the conference, participants agreed that it was an intellectually stimulating and professionally gratifying experience.

Among the presenters was Dr. Peter Naccarato, Interim Program Director at the Umbra Institute and Professor of English & World Literatures at Marymount Manhattan College. Dr. Naccarato, presented his paper, “Brooklyn Goes Global: When Local Culinary Culture Becomes a Global Phenomenon.” He explained that this paper was part of a chapter that he and his co-author, Dr. Katie LeBesco, are writing for a forthcoming book on “Global Brooklyn.” The goal of the book is to understand how and why a set of objects, designs, interior decorating, architecture and other practices have traveled from cafes and restaurants in Brooklyn, New York to cities across the world. For their chapter, Dr. Naccarato and Dr. LeBesco are exploring the differences between the actual New York City borough of Brooklyn and the imagined space called “Global Brooklyn.” They consider Brooklyn’s place in the cultural imaginary: Who does and who doesn’t inhabit Global Brooklyn? How do Global Brooklyn’s aesthetic and culinary practices interface with working class and immigrant people who have been displaced within the borough and who have distinctly different eating and drinking practices? What does this mean for the imagined version of Brooklyn that is translated around the world, and how does it impact those who inhabit the “real” physical place?

Asked about his experience at this conference, Dr. Naccarato said that he found it to be “a very engaging conference where he met many people doing creative and thought-provoking work in food studies.” He was especially enthusiastic about the “international breadth and disciplinary range of the presenters,” which he feels “underscores one of the best attributes of food studies.” Dr. Ascione echoed these sentiments, saying that she “was inspired by the scope of topics and themes that emerged from the presentations,” and that the exchange of ideas and research topics has been an enriching experience, professionally as well as personally.

 

For more information about the Food & Sustainability Studies Program, click here.

by Kathryn Donati, College of William and Mary and Spring ’19 Umbra Rep

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a study abroad program, things like location, program cost, dates, and classes. Fitness usually tends to fall at the bottom of that list even though studies have shown that working out consistently boosts mental health, stress levels, and can actually help you feel less homesick if you do activities you normally do at home. So, now you’re in Perugia — how do you workout? Here are your options!

Workout at home! // This might seem like the most obvious option, but it can be hard to muster up the motivation to workout on your own in a casual location, like your living room. This is where the internet can help. YouTube videos, Pinterest graphics, and thousands of blogs all thrive on at-home, equipment free, step-by-step videos. Now is also the perfect time to try new things you may be too timid to try in the gym. So move that couch back, lace up your sneakers, and try that new workout routine!

Final Thoughts: Free & no equipment needed (or available)

Get outside! // The opposite of working out indoors? Go outside! Perugia’s hills make running in the streets taxing on your knees not to mention your cardiovascular system so you can head to the outdoor running track. Free of charge and open all day, the track is the best place to get your cardio kick in. If running isn’t your thing, the local indoor swimming pool offers a discount for students. Take your yoga mat (if you’re obsessed like me and brought it all the way to Perugia) or your favorite picnic blanket, find a patch of green in one of Perugia’s beautiful parks, and flow! Also, the Saturdays you spend exploring your new home definitely count as exercise.

Final Thoughts: Maximum 5 euros, still no equipment, fresh air

Join a gym! // Perugia has a rather limited selection of gyms, according to an American anyway, but if you crave the structure, the treadmill, the free weights, and the sweat smell you have a few options. They come at a variety of price points, and most are a Minimetrò ride away — 1.50 euros one way/12 euros for a 10-pass. Make sure the money you’ll spend on a membership is within your budget and always re-rack your weights when you’re done.

Final Thoughts: The most ‘official’ way to stay in shape, more expensive than other options, equipment and classes.

Workout with friends! // A great way to bond with others on the program, you can go for a hike, go exploring together, or attempt (and fail, the way Ruby and I did here) a pairs workout! Your shyness will fade as soon as you start laughing and at the very least, you’ll get an ab workout.

Final Thoughts: Best bang for your buck, usually free (maybe the cost of a post-workout Mr. Chips run), and creates the best memories

Rely on nature! // When all else fails, you can always rely on Perugia’s never-ending hills to help you work up to those late-night pastas. It’s easy to turn your morning walk to school into a mini-workout and if you’re feeling fancy, feel free to throw some lunges into your hike. With the weight of your backpack, you’ll be ready for your mid-morning gelato in no time.

Final Thoughts: Free, you’re going to do it anyway, and no, it never gets easier

“I don’t want to go to the gym — I’m in Italy!” One of the hardest things about maintaining fitness abroad is the simple fact that you’re abroad. There’s an expiration date on your time here and it can make you feel as if every moment not spent exploring, traveling, or doing something quintessentially “Italian” is a moment wasted. Fight that feeling! Putting yourself first at least once a day is necessary to staying sane, especially in such a new environment. Fit in your fitness, or however self-care looks to you, in the blank moments of your schedule that don’t detract from your exploring time. That block between your morning and afternoon class? Take your sun salutations outside and enjoy the stunning views of Perugia as you also take time to recharge. They don’t have to exist separately here.

 

Overall piece of advice: Make time for yourself.

 

On February 19th, the Umbra Institute hosted “An Evening with Idanna Pucci,” author of The Trials of Maria Barbella: The True Story of a 19th-Century Crime of Passion. The novel tells the compelling story of Pucci’s great-grandmother, Cora Slocomb, who in 1895 read about the case of Maria Barbella, a 22-year-old Italian immigrant who worked in a New York City sweatshop. Barbella was convicted of killing her abusive lover and was sentenced to be the first woman to die in the newly invented electric chair. Convinced that as a woman and an immigrant, Barbella had been treated unfairly by the legal system, Slocomb took up her cause, hiring an attorney who managed to get his client retried and acquitted. Slocomb, at the same time, launched the first national campaign against the death penalty.

Pucci began her presentation by urging students to embrace their sense of curiosity. She explained that it was two sentences in a short booklet written by her great-grandfather that piqued her own curiosity about her great-grandmother. Those sentences made an obscure reference to Cora Slocomb’s role in a legal case from 1895. With only this information in hand, Pucci began a journey of research and discovery that took her from the New York Public Library to a cemetery in Queens, New York! Over many years, she came up against dead ends and made unexpected connections—for example, the role of Thomas Edison in the introduction of the electric chair. Through this extensive process that required great perseverance, Pucci unearthed a remarkable part of her own family’s history while also tracking down Maria Barbella’s descendants. Pucci’s curiosity and perseverance paid off as she eventually located Maria Barbella’s own great-granddaughter and traveled with her back to the southern Italian village of Ferrandina, where Barbella’s story began and where a large mural now immortalizes her.

This event was one of the co-curricular activities sponsored by the Institute’s Multicultural Psychology Program (MPP). It was a great opportunity for students to enhance their exploration of how cultures perceive and treat people who are different from them. For MPP student Natalie Lozito (University of Connecticut), what was especially fascinating about the presentation was seeing that Pucci was able to unearth the stories of her great-grandmother and Maria Barbella through “such an impressively persistent research process that led her to an absolute gold mine.” Similarly, what impressed MPP student Katherine Sokol (University of Connecticut) was “how one woman’s curiosity helped an entire family come together.” She found it “eye-opening to see that if you have a curiosity, and remain persistent, then anything is possible.”

To learn more about the Umbra Institute’s Multicultural Psychology Program, click here.

by Kathryn Donati, College of William and Mary and Spring ’19 Umbra Rep

Whether you crave your daily caffeine fix or enjoy the occasional artisanal hot chocolate, your time in Perugia will not be complete until you find your favorite local bar. My friend, and fellow Umbra student, Eleni and I bravely sacrificed one bright and sunny Friday morning to take a walking tour of the bars and cafes in Perugia’s centro storico. More than just moral support, Eleni was also the official Caffeinated Beverages Taste Tester, as I tend more to the hot chocolate and herbal teas of the world. Here are our very scientific findings.

For the most local experience, you’re going to want to head to Bar Duomo.
Local Perugini flow in and out of Bar Duomo all day, making it one of the best places for people and, more importantly, dog spotting in the piazza. Daniele, behind the bar, has a wide smile and an even wider selection of pastries and sandwiches, making this the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. Eleni sampled Bar Duomo’s caffè al ginseng — short and sweet that perfectly combines the punch of caffeine with the natural pep of ginseng. Bar Duomo’s cioccolata calda was more on the bitter side than other bars, though it was certainly thinner than some of the syrup-like concoctions we sampled. One of the most affordable options, you’re definitely paying local prices at Bar Duomo.

Final Score: 8/10 recommend Bar Duomo for a quick bite, an espresso or small coffee, and a friendly chat with the barista.

For the freshest flavors and roomiest seating, head to Il Bistrot.
Don’t be scared away by the mildly intimidating aura of Il Bistrot, with its business suit-wearing clientele and smartly dressed baristas. Here’s your key to surviving Il Bistrot: if you’re planning to go and sit, feel free to claim a table, wait for a waiter or order at the bar, and pay on your way out, but if you’re in a hurry, make sure you pay at the cassa, or cashier, first and then bring the receipt to the barista. It took us way too long to figure out this system. I ordered one of their fresh fruit smoothies and my mouth enjoyed its quick trip to summer and tropical fruit. Eleni continued her trend of caffè al ginseng and while Il Bistrot’s is slightly less sweet than the one at Bar Duomo, it has a wonderful nutty flavor. They have a fine selection of pastries, although you may have to fight a businessman for the last cornetto. Expect to pay a small premium for fresh fruit and waiters with matching buttons downs, but Il Bistrot’s prices are far from extravagant.

Final Score: 7/10 recommend Il Bistrot for fresh fruit smoothies and posh people watching.

For a change of pace and an oasis of calm (and vegan options!), head to TeaPerugia.
The atmosphere of TeaPerugia is as calming as the tea itself and it washes over you as soon as you step inside. The main barista of the bar is a kind soul and tea matchmaker – expect to find your leafy soulmate with her help. She doesn’t speak much English so have Google Translate at the ready if your Italian isn’t quite off the ground yet, but definitely don’t let that keep you from discovering this gem! We both tried the tea she recommended for us; for Eleni it was frutti rossi, the perfect amount of sweet with a distinct flavor. For me, jasmine and green tea blended together perfectly — it smelled as wonderful as it tasted. Unfortunately, there are no caffeine-free options at TeaPerugia, although her stocks change periodically so don’t be afraid to circle back and check again. We also didn’t try the vegan pastries or amazing food options, the only place in Perugia I’ve found that has couscous on the menu, those around us raved about them. Matchmaking comes at a price and TeaPerugia is no different so expect to dig a little further into that wallet for gourmet tea and vegan snacks – more than worth it for the occasional change of pace.

Final Score: 9/10 recommend TeaPerugia when you need to study, want a healthy choice, or need some peace and quiet.

Overall Favorite: Turan Cafe
Turan is a staple of Piazza IV Novembre and for the location alone it deserves 5 stars. More than just a convenient walk from school, Turan has a friendly staff, good selection of pastries, and the richest cioccolata calda in the city. Make sure you order it with panna and savor it nice and slow. Eleni says the coffee is strong and very reasonably priced. They have a rotating selection of desserts and pastries and make their own chocolate in house. Prices at Turan are average for pastries and coffee and their chocolate products, including the best hot chocolate in Perugia, can be a touch more expensive but nothing about Turan, including the price, keeps me from returning day after day.

Final Score: 10/10 recommend Turan for meeting with friends, grabbing a cornetto between classes, sampling some gourmet homemade chocolate, or studying on your own.

by Ruby Dann, University of Connecticut and Spring ’19 Umbra Rep

When I first began the process of deciding to study abroad, my highest concern was money. I was excited to encounter international travel, culture, and academics but deterred by the fear of spending money. If you are a potential study abroad applicant or current student who finds money to be a stressor, I want to share some tips and reminders to motivate you into enjoying what will be an incredibly rewarding journey. Choosing the Umbra Institute is your first step towards smart spending. Located in a historic city with a hometown vibe, the experience is authentic. Compared to Rome or Florence, Perugia provides a variety of cultural opportunities without touristy prices.

Grocery Shopping
As typical of Italian cities, there is both a historic and a modern section of Perugia. Because of the space available in the historic part, the nearby grocery stores (Coop, Umbrò, Pam) are akin to American minimarts or bodegas. However, there are larger versions of these stores in the modern section of the city. While it is a longer commute and requires the Mini-metrò, the prices are lower at the larger store, and the variety is substantially different. I recommend a collective and planned shopping trip to the large Coop once before each week, and to utilize the smaller, nearby shops when you need one or two items. Also, focus on the brands from which you are selecting. Similarly to American grocery shops, store brands are less expensive for an item of equivalent content. For example, Coop has its own brand of snacks, jarred goods, drinks, etc.

Dining Out
The Umbra Institute puts an emphasis on home cooked meals, as our apartments include furnished kitchens. Challenge yourself to cook in-house as often as possible. Still, indulging yourself in a fancy and filling meal of pizza and wine does not have to be a rare occasion. At a local pizzeria, your order can suffice for two meals. Depending on your toppings, the prices can start from only 4 euro per pizza. House wine is also very inexpensive, and sizes vary depending on your needs. In total, you can spend 11 euro on a classy meal out and still end up with leftovers. Perugia also has local Asian restaurants with very inexpensive dishes. You can try multiple dishes and still pay under 10 euro for your meal.

Transportation
To travel to and from the historic district of Perugia and the train station or other exciting spots in the city, the Minimetrò will be your friend. Plan head and buy a 10-ride card because the convenience and price are worth it. Buses will be your cheapest option for longer travel, but trains are similarly priced and more reliable.

Living in Perugia is about discovering cultural perspective coupled with self-exploration. It is one of the best Italian cities for cost-effectivity. As someone who has never lived away from home, the transition is natural. In addition to what Perugia has to offer, the Umbra Institute hosts multiple free pizza dinners and shares student discounts. Learning how to spend money is part of the study abroad experience, and just one of the countless opportunities for personal growth.

By McKenna Brooks, Fall 2018 Umbra Rep

Ciao! If you’re reading this, then that probably means you’re thinking about studying abroad in Italy. YAY! How exciting! When I decided to study abroad, I was very torn about where I wanted to go. I love traveling and I have so many places that I would love to visit. In the end, I decided on the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy. It turned out to be the right decision and one of the best of my life. In this blog post, I’m highlighting some of my favorite aspects of Italy and why I love living here so much. (See pictures below)

FOOD

If you’re a ‘foodie’ like me, then you’ll love Italy. It’s home to amazing pasta, yummy pastries, and fantastic pizza. I mean, who doesn’t love carbs, sweets, and cheese? Fresh mozzarella, buttery croissants, and homemade pasta will make you never ever want to leave. And if that isn’t enticing enough, the fresh produce is the best I’ve ever had. For all my chefs out there, the raw ingredients will take your grandma’s recipes up a notch. Honestly, if it weren’t for all the uphill walking and no elevators, I’m sure by now I would’ve doubled in size. Italy does live up to the food expectations.

ART

Tons of the world’s most famous painters, sculptors, and architects are Italian. People like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli to name a few. Even if you aren’t an art enthusiast, the buildings, frescoes (similar to murals), and statues are impressive to anyone, regardless of their interests. For example, Florence houses world renown, iconic works, such as Michelangelo’s “David” and Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus.” Even less famous works like frescoes painted by Cimabue and Giotto in Assisi, dating back to the 13th century, can still be appreciated. Living in Italy and visiting numerous museums and cathedrals has given me a newfound love and respect for art.

VIEWS

Okay, if you’ve read this far and aren’t convinced, then maybe this will change your mind. Because of its location, Italy has everything from Mediterranean beaches, vast coastlines, lush forests, rolling plains, and beautiful mountains. The landscape is covered in towering cypress trees, umbrella pines, palm trees, fields of grass and flowers, and panoramic vistas where you can see for miles. Even the towns and cities packed full of buildings and people are undeniably gorgeous. Contrary to the States, seemingly every plaza, street, and apartment has been crafted with artistic care. You can find detailed facades, huge engraved doors with bronze knockers in the shapes of lion heads or hands, expertly paved streets, arches, and spouting fountains surrounded by sculptures. Italy is genuinely such a beautiful country that you’ll fall in love with it immediately.

There is so much I love about Italy. I can only write about a few things, but I hope you can understand how absolutely amazing this country is. Although, this is just my experience and what I appreciate, I’m confident in saying that no matter who you are, you’ll have an absolutely wonderful time in Italy. Grazie per la vostra attenzione! Thanks for reading!