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Umbra Blog
Umbra presents about assessing community-engaged learning at an online conference organized by SIT
On May 15th, 2023, Zachary Nowak, Jacopo Bernardini, Manuel Barbato, and…
The Umbra Institute launches its podcast
It is, without a doubt, evident that podcasts are becoming an…
My Soccer Experience in Perugia
By Emma Goldstein, University of Denver My name is Emma Goldstein,…
Umbra’s Critical Disabilities Class Partners with VIVA Sports
By Angelie Roche, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Many of…
A Guide to Creative Perugia
By Jacqueline Inman, University of Vermont Perugia is…
MPP Workshop Brings Italian and American Students Together
By Angelie Roche, St. Mary’s College of Maryland On October 11,…
Lessons from Orti Dipinti: Could this be Orto Sole’s Future?
By Haley Benbow, Harvard University A 6:35 AM meeting time pulled…
Are kids too pressured to “succeed”? Lauren’s insight from the MPP program
As a student at the Umbra Institute, I was introduced to…
Solidarity Purchasing Volunteering at Umbra with Fuori di Zucca
At Umbra we very much value learning through experience and community…
Not yet another grammar book: Umbra’s new Italian 101 textbook
Umbra’s new Italian 101 textbook is many things. However, it is…
Tim’s Internship at Terre Margaritelli: a fully immersive experience in the Wine Marketing field
The Umbra Institute offer includes a unique internsip as Marketing and…
Umbra’s Community Urban Garden, Orto Sole, keeps flourishing: Katie’s exceptional contribution
The Umbra Institute Community Garden Project at Orto Sole keeps flourishing…
Faculty led programs at Umbra: the Chicago School between community and beauty
The Chicago School students and their professor PhD Rocco Catrone had…
Women’s Reproductive Health in Italy: A Short Guide for Study Abroad
Current events in the United States have led students to ask…
Exploring Archaeology in Italy
Each summer, students opt to explore archaeology in Italy through the…
Umbra’s Didactic Garden: Local Partnerships Bring Italian students, Umbra’s Interns and Refugees to Orto Sole
Umbra’s Didactic Garden project is a core element of Umbra’s Food,…
Hosting the 5th Perugia Food & Sustainability Studies Conference – “Food Movements – Moving Food”
From June 9th to June 12th, 2022, the International Biennial Perugia…
Summer Semester 2022 is ON!
Our Summer Semester 2022 has begun this weekend with the arrival…
Tim’s Guide to Perugia Nightlife
Written by Umbra Rep Timothy Ringie, University of Massachusetts – Amherst …
What to Pack for Studying Abroad in Italy!
Before leaving to study abroad, you’ll definitely wonder how you’ll live…
My Experience in the FSE Program: New Ideas to Bring Back Home
By Umbra Rep Maddie Coppel, The Ohio State University During my…
Living in a Homestay: an Immersive Experience
By Umbra Rep Agnes Tessner Risser, Wellesley College Hello, my name…
Adventure in Your Backyard
By Umbra Rep Alexis Kulish, Arcadia University It is pretty typical…
How Study Abroad Inspires: Entrepreneurship Advice from an Umbra Alum
Jessica Paholsky (Spring 2012, Pennsylvania State University) Linkedin Contact, Jessica Paholsky…
How I Will Never Eat Cheese The Same: Takeaways From The FSE Field Trip
By Umbra Rep Jackie Hanson, Arcadia University When you are eating…
Cinecittà: A Dive into the History of Cinema
By Umbra Rep Faith Duggan, Clark University Close your eyes and…
Top 5 Day Trip Destinations Near Perugia
It is spring break time and the atmosphere at Umbra is…
Multicultural Psychology Students Visit National School for Guide Dogs
Last Friday, Multicultural Psychology Program (MPP) students went on a field…
Volunteering while Studying Abroad: Umbra and Solidarity Purchasing Group Sign Agreement
Last February, the Umbra Institute signed an agreement with Fuori di…
Reminiscing on a Spring Semester in Perugia, Italy
As we’re nearly halfway through our Spring 2022 semester, one of…
My Reflections on the Food, Sustainability & the Environment Program
By Umbra Rep Lauren Pawlowski, University of Connecticut The Food, Sustainability…
Spring 2022: Sono Arrivati!
The Spring ’22 semester begins this weekend with the arrival…
Umbra’s Didactic Garden: New Collaboration with UniPg’s Green Team
The Umbra Institute’s didactic garden, Orto Sole, will be an outdoor…
How-to: A Packing Guide for Your Spring Semester Abroad
By Lauren Lewis (she/her/hers) – Umbra Rep Spring ’20 and UConn…
Umbra and Local Universities Sign Agreement
As part of its Fall 2021 re-opening, The Umbra Institute has…
Best Spots to Eat on a Budget in Perugia: Lexi’s Selection
By Umbra Rep Lexi De Marinis, University of Richmond Looking for…
A Taste of Cafés in Perugia
Written by Umbra Rep Noah Singer, University of Vermont Coming to…
Harvesting Wine Grapes and Olives: My Immersion into the Italian Culture
by Umbra Rep Timothy Ringie, University of Massachusetts Amherst When I…
Umbra Institute Assumes Management of Urban Garden
Starting in September 2021, the Umbra Institute assumed management of the…
Grocery Shopping in Perugia
By Lexi DeMarinis, University of Richmond When you first arrive in…
10 Things to Do in Your Free Time in Perugia
by Umbra Rep Lauren Pawlowski, University of Connecticut Part of adjusting…
Food, Sustainability, & Environment Students Visit Italian Gastronomic Heartland
Last weekend, students in Umbra’s program for Food, Sustainability, & Environment…
Italy: An Example for the World
16 September 2021 – Washington, DC During a visit to the…
Bentornati! Umbra and Perugia Ready for Fall Reopening
The whole Umbra Institute community is awaiting the arrival of the…
Umbra welcomes new director… back to Perugia
The Umbra Institute is welcoming back longtime staff member Zachary Nowak…
5 Things to Pack for Your Fall Semester in Perugia
Are you planning to study abroad in Perugia, Italy this fall?…
Alum Looks Back and Gives Tips for Working in Corporate
An Interview with Ariel Stern Umbra Institute Fall 2013 Alum…
Love Letter to Perugia
By Claudia Conrad, Umbra Spring 2020 Alum Dear Perugia,…
Returning Home: Demonstrating your Experience
Once the semester ends you will be thinking of getting back…
How to Succeed While Studying Abroad in Italy
1) Set goals and make waves. If you don’t do so…
Setting Yourself up for a Successful Study Abroad Experience
Planning for study abroad isn’t always easy, but there are things…
Visit Italian Museums for Free on the First Sunday of Every Month!
When students choose to study abroad in Italy, one of the…
Best Places to Eat Between Classes
By Olivia Venuta, University of Denver and Umbra Rep Fall ’19…
The Frugal Student: Top 3 Day Trip Destinations Near Perugia
The summer is flying by and locals are flocking to the…
Mind, Body, and Soul: Staying Healthy While Studying Abroad
by Emma Albertoni, University of Denver and Umbra Rep Fall ’19…
Breakfast Abroad. When US meets Italy… in Perugia
By Taylor Feehan, University of Southern Maine and Fall 2019 Umbra…
5 Reasons to Participate in Community Engagement
By Nicole Flohr, Lebanon Valley College and Umbra Rep Fall…
Former Student Returns as Professor to Teach Cultural Communication
An article by Rocco Catrone— adjunct faculty and Behavior Analysis practitioner…
Don’t Tell Rome
by Teresa Cutler-Broyles Perugia has won. And it didn’t even know…
Why You Should Study Abroad in Perugia
By Kate Donati, College of William and Mary and Spring ’19…
Learning Italian while Studying Abroad in Perugia
By Gerardo Moceri, Arizona State University and Spring ’19 Umbra Rep…
Pigotta Dolls for Peace
by Ruby Dann, University of Connecticut and Spring ’19 Umbra Rep…
Umbra Food Studies Professors Participate in International Conference
On March 9th and 10th, Dr. Elisa Ascione, Coordinator of the…
Workout in Perugia
by Kathryn Donati, College of William and Mary and Spring ’19…
Author Idanna Pucci Urges Students to Embrace Curiosity and Perseverance
On February 19th, the Umbra Institute hosted “An Evening with Idanna…
A Walking Tour of Perugia’s Best Cafés
by Kathryn Donati, College of William and Mary and Spring ’19…
Budgeting Perugia
by Ruby Dann, University of Connecticut and Spring ’19 Umbra Rep…
Perchè in Italia? Why Study Abroad in Italy?
By McKenna Brooks, Fall 2018 Umbra Rep Ciao! If you’re reading…
What the Food and Sustainability Studies Program Means to Me
By Ashley Palmer, Fall 2018 Umbra Rep And so we sat…
What You Should Know about Studying in an Italian University
Written by Fall 2018 Alumni: Garrett Yocklin (University of Maryland) Umbra…
Employability Development: Closing the Divide Between Students and Employers
How does study abroad prepare students in terms of their employability?…
Umbra Students Win Forum on Education Abroad’s 2018 Academic Achievement Award
When they left Perugia last summer, Mackenzie Nelsen and Jared Belsky…
Venice Architecture Biennale Trip: More Water Than Expected
By Justin Lewis, Fall 2018 Umbra Rep The Venice Biennale is…
Meeting Halfway: My Thoughts about Language Learning
By Justin Lewis, Umbra Rep Fall 2018 When I first arrived…
Service Learning while Abroad – Photographing Unique Handmade Products
Written by: Gabrielle Sherman, Umbra Rep Fall 2018 Photo credit: Callie…
Truffle Hunting for Health
Written by: Jena Wood, Umbra Summer 2017 student Published in the…
A Love Letter to Perugia from Kelly O’Connell – Fall ’08 Student
We are glad to publish this Alumni contribution. Kelly O’Connell was…
Umbra App Quick Facts
WELCOME TO THE UMBRA APP! Use the App to get in…
6 Things to Pack for Your Fall Semester in Perugia
Are you planning to study abroad in Perugia, Italy this fall?…
Umbra students successfully engage in independent qualitative research on sustainability in Italy
From playing soccer with local Italians, to doing research on sustainable…
Successful Conclusion of the 2018 Archeology Field School
The Umbra’s summer 2018 Archeology Field School ended last week with…
Umbra Professor Conducts Innovative Research at Lake Trasimeno with Students
Inspired by a field trip with one of her classes, Umbra…
Umbra students experience innovative approach to critical disabilities
Kasey O’Neill, Keana Albert and Nicole Winter, summer General Studies students…
Intensive Italian students visit historical re-enactment in Bevagna and eat medieval-style food
In Italy it is easy to come across a medieval village,…
Perugia Food Conference Brings Together International Food Studies Scholars
The fourth edition of the biennial Perugia Food Conference took place…
Business of Wine Offers Summer Internships – Anastasiya’s Story
A semester abroad, a course on Business of Wine, an internship in…
Four things Intensive Italian summer students learned on their bike ride at Lake Trasimeno
This past Friday, the Umbra Institute’s Intensive Italian summer students hopped…
Students Create Space for Perugia Community to Come Together
Students and community members came together to promote an often-overlooked area…
Summer Semester Packing: Six Things to Bring to Perugia
1. Big backpack or duffel bag A backpack or duffel bag…
Student’s Jazz Concert Raptures Audience
This past semester as one of her courses at the Umbra…
Umbra Students Create Dolls for UNICEF
Throughout the semester, 12 Umbra students have been making Pigotta dolls…
Say cheese: Five things students learned from the Italian cheese workshop
Last Thursday evening, Umbra students gathered around a table full of…
Stepping Up to the SoloItaliano Challenge: Students Speak only Italian for Two Days
With the bust of Dante gazing at them, Umbra’s study abroad…
Discounts Available to 2018 Conference Attendees
The Umbra Institute is collaborating with local hotels for the summer…
Perugia Becomes More Connected for Easy Travel
At a presentation in Perugia earlier this week, Mayor Romizi announced…
Beyond Italy: A Student Shares the Lasting Changes and Opportunities of Studying Abroad
An article by Dalton Provost As the intent of the programs…
Beyond Italy: A Student Shares the Lasting Changes and Opportunities of Studying Abroad
An article by Dalton Provost As the intent of the programs go,…
Internship Opportunity for Current and Past Umbra Students
There is an exciting opportunity to intern with Civitella Ranieri, a…
Umbra Professor Shares Art History & American Teaching Methods at the University of Calabria
Dr. Hoch set the scene for the lecture by sharing Francesco…
The SoloItaliano Challenge: Learning to Think in a Foreign Language
“I think the biggest thing I took away from SoloItaliano was…
Organizational Behavior Student Gets Internship in Learning and Organizational Development
Kyndal Burdin (Psychology Major at Hamilton College) was an Umbra student…
What is the Paris Climate Agreement?
The UN Paris Climate Agreement was signed by leaders of nearly…
The Umbra Institute Assists in the Restauration of a Local Landmark
Yesterday afternoon, Umbra’s Academic Director, Francesco Burzacca, and Assistant Director of…
Summer Begins in Perugia Italy
This summer’s Umbra students began their study abroad experience this Saturday…
Italian News Features Research by Umbra’s Contemporary Italy Students
Natalie Cleland and Jackie Gillum of Prof. Antonella Valoroso’s course on…
Sustaining an Engaging Learning Environment: Students Reflect on their Semester Abroad
Today, to mark the end of students’ spring semester studying abroad…
Film Screening: Climate Change in Italy v. America
The screening was accompanied by a brief lecture by Viviana Lorenzo…
Perugia Hosts International Journalism Festival
IJF Events are being hosted in the Sala del Dottorato below…
Art History Students Surprised by the Pope in Milan
Students and Prof. Hoch in front of the Cenacolo, after having…
Living in History: London Professor Presents Brexit and the Freedom of Movement
Dr. Edoardo Bressanelli presented Brexit: The End of Freedom of Movement?:…
Spring 2017’s SoloItaliano Challenge: “Finding your way around words”
Can you imagine speaking only in a foreign language for two…
Tandem & SoloItaliano: Community Immersion Activities at Umbra
Tandem Language Exchange Students studying abroad in Italy can sometimes feel…
Umbra Professors Publish Book: Representing Italy Through Food
Representing Italy through Food is an intriguing collection of interdisciplinary essays…
Resisting the Mafia in Italy: Libera Volunteers Share their Experiences with Students
Students were entranced by the stories shared by a Sicilian volunteer…
Consumer Awareness and Food Activism in Perugia
The STFS 330: Sustainability and Food Production in Italy class visited…
Searching for Italian Diamonds: The Truffle Hunt
The truffle hunt begins in full view of the countryside below…
Umbria Jazz Alumni Reunion – How Can You Register?
Registration Opens on Friday, February 24th at 10 PM EST (US)…
Developing a New International Business Strategy for Local Umbrian Producers
IBST 380 students create their own Deruta ceramics IBST 380 students…
Fair Trade Students Host Film Screening
CESP 351 students hosted a film screening to encourage the local…
Journalism & Communications Club Participants Tour Local Radio Station
Students visit and tour Radiophonica Staff from Radiophonica, a local WebTV…
The History and Culture of Wine and Cheese
The class gathers in front of the Broccatelli Cheese Factory This…
Perugia and Umbra Safe During Morning Earthquake
As many have expressed concern for the Umbra community, we would…
To Be, or Not to Be, in Umbra’s Theater Club
A past theater performance at Onaosi Theater in Perugia In the…
Spring 2017 Students Jump into Umbra’s Intensive Week
Umbra welcomes Spring 2017 students This last weekend, the Umbra Institute…
Community Engagement: Shaping Education with Active, Experiential Learning
Community Engagement (CE) is the cornerstone of the Umbra Institute’s mission…
Presentation Day: Students Share How They Engaged the Community this Fall
Museum Studies Seminar and Practicum: Cathedral Museum Tour: This morning began…
Ceramics for UNICEF: Volunteering during the Holidays
Ornaments on display in Quasar Village This year, the ARCW 350:…
Learning Health and Sustainabilty at the Umbra Institute
Dr. Daniele Nucci presents the Mediterranean Diet Students of STFS…
Welcome to Perugia: Students Collaborate with Local Immigration Non-Profit Association to Help Nigerians Feel More at Home
Yesterday, the PYIR 450: Community-Based Research in Psychology students met a…
Studiare all’Umbra Institute: un’esperienza americana a Perugia
“Studiare in una lingua diversa dalla propria è una grande, bellissima…
Umbra Volunteers Celebrate a Semester of Hard Work Dedicated to UNICEF’s 70 Years of Service
Every semester, the Umbra Institute invites students to volunteer with the…
SoloItaliano: A Paragon of Immersion
Students take an oath to speak only in Italian for two…
What is it Like to Study Abroad during a U.S. Election?
What is it like to study abroad during a U.S. election?…
Fiera dei Morti – Celebrating November in Perugia
Perugia’s sister-city, Grand Rapids, MI sent representatives to share American culture…
Umbra Students Involve Local Children in their Community Project
Haley Donathan demonstrates pumpkin carving during the Borgo Bello Halloween Bash…
Student Shares her Food and Travel Expertise through the Umbra Voice
Paige McNeil is a Hospitality Management Major at the University of…
Perugia and Umbra Safe During Morning Earthquake
As many have expressed concern for the Umbra community, we would…
Perugia and Umbra Safe During Evening Earthquakes
As many have expressed concern for the Umbra community, we would…
Food as Cultural Heritage in Italy: An Anthropology Student’s Perspective
ANFS 370:Anthropology of Food students explored the notion of food as…
Placemaking Class Project Featured in Italian Rai News Segment
Umbra Institute ESUS 310: Placemaking students attract media attention as they…
Education Students Visit Local Primary Schools
As in previous semesters, students will return to provide an interactive…
Umbra Photography Professor Shares Her Work in Berlin’s Foto Biennial 2016
Umbra would like to congratulate Prof. Philippa Stannard, professor of photography…
Student Perspectives: What is Tandem?
Students enjoy discussing lifestyle and cultural differences among friends Learning the…
Uncovering the History and Modernity of the Mafia
Students after a presentation about the Mafia in Umbra’s Aula Magna Last…
Italy’s Most Prestigious Newspaper Publishes the Work of Umbra Staff and Alumni
Current Umbra staff member and Fall 2014 alumna, Ashley Webb, in…
Sustainability Students Meet Dario Cecchini: Responsibilities of a Carnivore
On Saturday, Umbra students taking part in STFS 330: Sustainability of…
Umbra Students Write for Local Online Magazine
Prof. Elisa Ascione translates the words of SapereFood’s Filippo On Thursday…
Umbra Alumna Brings Museum Studies into her Graduate Career
GLASGOW, Scotland — Umbra Institute (Fall 2014) and Roger Williams University…
5 Things That Go Wrong When Traveling and How to Prevent Them
The Umbra Institute hosts a travel workshop at the beginning of…
Engaging Italian Mafia History through Cinema and Activism
HSIT 380: Cosa Nostra: Cinema and History of the Mafia is…
Study Abroad Welcome Weekend at Umbra
Students learn Italian vocabulary and customs through ice-breaker activities. This weekend,…
Perugia and Umbra: Safe in Central Italy Earthquake
As many have expressed concern for Umbra faculty and staff, we…
Reflections: Critically Analyzing Disabilities and Inclusion in Italy
A practicum student getting hands-on experience in the Orto Sinergico “Our…
Archaeology Students Dig through History
Connor works to uncover tiles The Umbra Institute’s Trasimeno Archaeology Field…
The Fathers’ America – A Book by Professor Ernesto Livorni
Ernesto Livorni’s book, “The Fathers’ America” Umbra was excited to welcome…
Umbra’s SoloItaliano Challenge: “Solo in Italia”
Students swear in for the SoloItaliano Challenge Right hand raised high…
Wine Journalism: Writing through Experience
Students pose with Nonna Marcella, author of Goretti’s famous recipe book…
The Culture of the Apple of Eden: Symbology of Gender Roles
Sawyer presenting the imagery portrayed by cultural symbols throughout time This…
Archaeology Students Dig into Life in Italy
Students work at the previous dig site This weekend, the Umbra Institute…
Gender and Personality: Visiting Professor Leslie Burton Presents Study to the University of Perugia in Italy
Professor Burton presenting at the University of Perugia On May 18th, Umbra’s…
SUMMER 2016: Welcome Weekend at the Umbra Institute
The Mandatory Safety and Academic Info Meeting This summer’s study abroad…
Umbra Students Make the Headlines
Students Mariah Noth and Derrick Newton, Jr. during their video interview…
Cross-cultural Community Engagement in Italy
Yesterday, Spring 2016 Umbra students celebrated their achievements as the end…
A Fresco View from Borgo Bello, Perugia
Materials used for Fresco Painting – photo by Laura Kastner Each…
The Umbra Voice: A Semester of Multicultural Communication in Italy
While some events have targeted international relations and political science communication…
Study Abroad in Italy: Where Journalism Meets Food
Students from Umbra’s ANFS 370: Anthropology of Food course, in collaboration…
Wake Up Europe: Umbra Hosts Film-Screening and Debate
Prof. Alberto Bitonti introduces the Great European Disaster Movie with the…
The Italian President Visits Perugia
Italian President Sergio Mattarella Photo from quirinale.it Today, Italy’s President of…
Studying Abroad through the Mountains of Saint Francis
Prof. Paxton and the HIS 360 class pose for a picture…
How to Celebrate Easter in Italy
Italian culture is one of strong family and religious roots. For…
SoloItaliano Challenge: A Microcosm of Immersion
John Cortese and Liz Schasel, winners of Spring 16 SoloItaliano. Elizabeth…
The Fun of Food Studies in Italy
Students prepare the day’s dessert [ Students enjoy the results of…
Making a Difference Abroad: Umbra Students Work with UNICEF
Umbra Student creates her UNICEF Pigotta doll’s ID card Many students…
Happy Women’s Day from Italy
Women’s Day recognizes the achievements of Women This week, Italy celebrates…
Gamification: The Art of Learning through Play
The Umbra Institute is now experimenting with aspects of gamification, a…
Studying Archaeology in Italy: Learning the Etruscan Mystery
Students visit Etruscan tombs “We know more about the dead people…
Learn a Language by Making Memories: Teaching through Tiramisu
Representatives from each team present their Tiramisu In Italian, there is…
Writing and Sharing: Umbra Student Organizes a Creative Works Night in Italy
Sophie Panetti shares her purpose for organizing the Creative Works Open-Mic…
Umbra Professor Publishes His Latest Book on the Power of Imagery
Umbra Professor Alessandro Celani, Ph.D., recently published, Victima.Words and Forms of…
Studying Business in Italy
Students tour Listone Giordano International Business students learn quickly that cultural…
What it Means to Build a Community in Italy
Fall 2015 student design for Terrace project. Photo by Raymond Lorenzo…
Umbra Student Tackles International and Comparative Education
Sarah Fuller, a student in Early Childhood and Special Education as…
Italy is Recognized as the Best Country for Study Abroad
An article by U.S. News has officially declared that Italy is…
How to Vote from Overseas
As some of you may be aware, the U.S. Embassy in Rome…
Intensive Italian Adventures Abroad
Umbra’s Spring 2016 students arrived this past weekend to begin their…
Museum Interns Create a Public Exhibit for the Community of Perugia
The Umbra Institute would like to congratulate its Fall 2015 Museum…
Umbra Staff Shares How to have a Buon Natale in Umbria
Due to its history and modern relationship with the Catholic Church,…
Studying Abroad in Italy: Reflecting and Sharing the Experience of a Lifetime
Students enjoy Monday’s Photo Art Show The Fall 2015 General Studies…
Students End their Study Abroad Experience with Community Engagement Presentations
This afternoon, thirteen courses with Community Engagement components provided conference-style presentations…
Umbra Staff Member, Marco Bagli, Awarded Young Researcher’s Award in Pavia
Marco Bagli, Student Services Co-coordinator for the Umbra Institute, was recently…
Urban Spaces of Perugia: Umbra Students Renovate the Terrace of Via del Cortone
Student design for Terrace project. Photo by Raymond Lorenzo Urban Spaces…
Know Your Euro: Europe’s New 20 Euro Banknote
Many Americans going abroad for the first time compare foreign currency…
The SoloItaliano Challenge: Umbra Students Declare “I Don’t Speak English”
Marc Capparelli (Quinnipiac University) swears to speak only in Italian This…
6 Things to Know About Your Morning Caffeine Fix
Each semester, Umbra provides a coffee workshop for students. During this…
Journalism and Communication in Italy: Umbra’s New Student Club
Written by Elizabeth Santoro Students discuss brand journalism according to traditional…
Perugia: Officially the Youth Capital of Italy for the Year of 2016
Tuesday, November 3rd, Perugia received the official title as the Youth…
Exploratory Study Abroad: Umbra Students Travel Italy for an Academic Weekend
HSIT 350: History and Culture of Food in Italy: This past…
Celebrating Fair Chocolate
This past weekend, Umbra’s Fair Trade Seminar and Practicum students welcomed Perugia’s…
A Day in Assisi
On Friday, October 9th, HSWS 380 Saints, Sinners and Harlots, students…
Umbra Professor Participates in a Sociological Art Exhibition in Rome
Umbra’s own Professor Alessandro Celani will be participating in the “La…
Back to (High) School!
Fall 2015 Umbra Students at Liceo Alessi’s Information Meeting Umbra is…
It’s not too Late to Spend Spring in Italy!
Spring in Italy is a beautiful time of year, as mountaintops…
Umbra Goes to the Opera
Umbra Goes to the Opera “Che gelida manina, se la lasci…
A Weekend of New Experiences
The Fall 2015 semester is well under way here at Umbra,…
Umbra Promotes International Education and Expo Lingue
The Umbra Institute Collaborates with Perugia’s Expo Lingue to Promote the…
Summer Internship Offered to Food & Sustainability Students
This past spring, 2015, Michael Madigan took part in the Umbra…
What Majors and Minors Study at Umbra?
Students at Umbra take advantage of a diverse Study Abroad curriculum…
Orientation and Congratulations: Perugia Welcomes Umbra’s Fall 2015 Students
Sunshine greeted Umbra’s Fall 2015 students at Fiumicino Airport and accompanied…
Umbra-Università per Stranieri Partnership Enhanced: Italian Students to Enroll at Umbra
The Università per Stranieri in Perugia (The University for Foreigners) and…
Food & Sustainability Studies Program Alum Works on a Farm
We recently got this report back from Cynthia Baur, a Dickinson…
SoloItaliano Challenge: Intensive Italian Students Intensify Their Experience
This summer’s Intensive Italian Language and Culture Program students experienced something even…
Creighton Students Learn About Food and Sustainability
Eight students from Creighton University, accompanied by professors Maria Teresa Maenza-Vanderboegh…
History and Culture of Food Class Visits Covered Market of Perugia
Alissa Foster, who is currently taking the History and Culture of…
Fresco Painting Class Takes on Borgo Bello Neighborhood
Umbra’s Fresco Painting class has ventured outside of their studio! For a few…
Umbra Photography Professor Philippa Stannard Awarded
We are very proud to announce that our Umbra Photography professor…
Summer Students Explore the South!
The Amalfi Coast This summer’s optional trip gave a select number…
Summer Food Studies: Introduction to Italian Coffee Culture
What is the difference between a caffè macchiato and a latte…
Promising Wine Journalists Refine Their Palates
Professor John C. Hartsock’s course, JCFS 380 Wine Journalism: Telling Stories of…
Benvenuti, Intensive Italian and Archaeology Students!
This past weekend, Umbra welcomed its new Intensive Italian Program and…
May in Perugia: Maymester Students Explore Italy!
The famous Dario Cecchini butcher poses with LVC students. This May,…
Umbra Welcomes Summer Session Students to Perugia!
On Saturday, seventy excited students arrived from all over the States…
Umbra Institute at NAFSA 2015 in Boston
The Umbra Institute is available to meet with you or any…
Umbra Professors Speak at American Academy Conference in Rome
The Umbra Institute has co-sponsored a conference titled “Italy’s covered markets:…
Urban Spaces Students Open Perugia’s First Urban Garden
The Urban Spaces class with professors Ray and Viviana Lorenzo After…
Umbra Student Organizes Intercultural Potluck
Perugia is not just a city of Italians, but a community…
What We Learned: Fair Trade
In recent months, Umbra’s fair trade interns have been busy organizing…
Homestay: Living with an Italian Family
“Living in someone’s home, especially in a foreign country, teaches you…
Umbra Professor Keynote Speaker at Italian-American Conference
Urban Spaces Professor Raymond Lorenzo will be representing the Umbra Institute…
Umbra Students Prepare for Re-Entry
On Tuesday night, Umbra students started to think about going back…
A Delicious Journey Through Italy’s Food Valley
This weekend the History and Culture of Food in Italy class…
Umbra’s Sustainability Course is on the Air!
The Umbra Institute is radio famous! Through a recent partnership with…
GOOOOOOOALLLLLL! Umbra Soccer Takes Off
This semester Umbra Italian Professor Giuliano Agamennoni took it upon himself…
Behind the Scenes at Pashmere
Umbra’s Intercultural Marketing course provides students with the theory behind business…
A Dog, a Man, and an Umbra Class in the Forest: Truffle-Hunting Field Trip
Last weekend, the students in Professor Simon Young’s HSIT350: The History…
Umbra Professor Analyzes Study Abroad Through Student Narratives
Umbra Institute professor Christian Tarchi has conducted a study analyzing students’…
Umbra’s First SoloItaliano Challenge
In class, students pledge to speak only in Italian. This week,…
A Tribute to David Larsen
It is with great sadness that we deliver the news that…
UNICEF x Umbra Progetto Pigotta Spring 2015 is a Success!
For the seventh year in a row, the Umbra Institute has…
University of Perugia is Ranked Italy’s Number One Mid-Sized University
The University of Perugia has been awarded the number one ranking…
The Secret to Authentic Italian Cuisine: Passion and Simple Ingredients
Fresh and simple ingredients await the class. This week, Professor Elisa…
Politics and Economics Students Explore Human Rights
As part of an ongoing project, students in PSEU 340: Politics…
Students Discover Wine Therapy
This week, BSEU 390: Business in Europe: Environment & Practices students…
Umbra’s Student Chorus Takes on Everything From Opera to Rap
Umbra students and the Maestro at the first Choral Workshop of…
Ashley Webb, Intern at Fashion Company Pashmere
Ashley Webb is currently interning at Pashmere, a high-end fashion company…
Perugia Seen by a Drone
See Perugia as you’ve never seen it before! A drone will…
The Ocean Isn’t Always Blue
“Well, the ocean isn’t really always blue, is it? It’s sometimes…
An Inside Look at Political Intrigue, Murder Plots, and Coded Letters During the Italian Renaissance
Yesterday, the Institute was fortunate enough to host a presentation by…
The Spring 2015 Group Has Landed!
Balmy temperatures (for January) greeted Umbra’s Spring 2015 group during their…
Food Studies Program Alum Shines—And Eats!
Brad Jones—accomplished food activist, academic and author—can trace his passion for…
Student Voice: The Many Tastes of Chocolate
Fair Trade Intern and Umbra student Ashley Webb recently wrote an…
Sustainability Students Bring RepEAT to School
On Monday, students of Sustainability and Food Production in Italy conducted…
Umbra Professor Dr. Adrian S. Hoch Publishes Article on a Past Queen of Naples
Umbra Professor Dr. Adrian S. Hoch has published her article, “Beyond…
OrtoBello Event – Come One, Come All!
Stop by the Urban Center on the Sant’Ercolano steps next Tuesday,…
The Dark Side of Chocolate – Interns Hold Documentary Screening
Interns in INIT 350: Fair Trade at the Umbra Institute traveled…
Flash Mob With a Purpose: Urban Spaces Students in Borgo Bello
Students in Umbra’s Urban Spaces course are redefining community. This course…
Umbra Alum Kate Davis on Interning in Italy
We caught up with Umbra alumna Kate Davis (Fall Semester 2012)…
Giving Back by Teaching English
One of Umbra’s missions as a place of academic and personal…
Enrich Your Study Abroad Experience by Volunteering at UNICEF
Umbra students are proving yet again to have not only a…
Fair Trade Interns at Altrocioccolato
Fair trade interns with Professor Giordana and Agostino Cefalo, the coordinator…
Oprah Winfrey Hunts Truffles in Umbria
Oprah on the hunt! Photo via Gayle King’s Instagram What do…
On the Hunt for Umbrian Gold
Truffle master Matteo Bartolini advises the Umbra group Not-so-bright and very…
Student Workshop Highlights Human Rights
On Tuesday afternoon, study abroad students in PSEU 340: Politics and…
“What’s in your bottle?” asks Umbra alum in her new documentary
Jessica Paholsky, an Umbra alumna from the Spring 2012 semester, has…
Fair Trade Interns Volunteer at Film Festival
Recently, Umbra’s INIT 350: Academic Seminar and Internship in Fair Trade…
Sustainability of Food Class presents at Nutrition Conference
Students in Umbra’s Sustainability and Food Production in Italy course have…
Dr. Camilla Caporicci Publishes “The Dark Lady”
Umbra Academic Assistant and Writing Center Coordinator Dr. Camilla Caporicci has…
Pizzaioli in Training
Last Tuesday, fifteen students gathered at Pizza e Musica, a local…
Sun and Sea
Last Friday, 43 students and 3 staff members boarded a coach…
Once Upon a Time, There Was an Umbra Professor…
One of Umbra’s history teachers, Simon Young, will speak this weekend…
Orientation at the Umbra Institute
Perugia is abuzz with new students! Umbra’s Fall 2014 group arrived…
Sustainability Class Visits “World’s Most Famous Butcher” Dario Cecchini!
Professor Nowak regales students with the history of the Tuscan countryside…
UNICEF and Umbra Collaborate on “Il Progetto Pigotta”
Dolls have provided comfort and companionship to generations of children the…
Hungry? Why not Gim ch’è Bulo??
Do you love getting out and trying new food? Are you…
Direct Enrollment Students at UniPG Excel in Final Exams
Umbra is proud of our DE Students! Two Umbra students, Lauren…
Everything from Opera to Rap Workshop- Improving your Italian Pronunciation
What do famous opera composer Verdi and modern Italian singer Jovanotti…
Student’s Voice: Studying an Italian Master
Earlier this semester, students enrolled in AHST 371: Leonardo da Vinci:…
C.A.R.O. Vicolo: The Greening of Via Fiorenzuola
After several intensive and fun-filled months of community engagement, co-design, constructing,…
Student’s Voice: A Crash Course in Fair Trade
In the final installment of our special, three-part mini blog series,…
Student’s Voice: A Passion for Learning
In the second installment of our special three-part mini blog series,…
The Umbra Institute Sponsors a Food Conference in NY
The Umbra Institute was one of the main sponsors of the…
Student’s Voice: Food For Thought
As Umbra’s spring semester is winding down, we asked several students…
Umbra Professor Publishes Book Analyzing Hellenistic Sculpture
Umbra Professor Alessandro Celani has published a new book, A Certain…
Visiting Professor, Alex R. Hybel, Releases Two New Books
Professor Alex R. Hybel The Umbra Institute is excited to announce…
Local Traditions in Siena: Il Palio
Piazza del Campo, site of Il Palio. While studying abroad, Umbra…
On the Hunt for Saints, Sinners, and Harlots
Rain will not deter these students! On an early Friday morning,…
Sustainability Class Visits “World’s Most Famous Butcher” Dario Cecchini
The sun was shining this past Saturday on the picturesque village…
Umbra Students Partner with Umbrian Winery, Goretti
Umbra’s BSFS 380: The Business of Wine: Italy and Beyond explores…
Umbra’s Summer Archaeology Field School
The Umbra Institute is proud to introduce the first edition of…