Umbra Blog – Page 5 – DEV – The Umbra Institute – Study Abroad in Italy

The Umbra Institute is welcoming back longtime staff member Zachary Nowak back to Perugia—now as the new director. Nowak started working at Umbra in 2005 as a study services assistant. After learning the ropes helping professors attach their laptops to projectors (these were the pre-wifi days) and chaperoning field trips to Florence, Nowak became the Special Projects Coordinator, working to create co-curricular workshops and field trips that were integrated into the Institute’s academic offering.

This was useful training in community-engaged learning and curriculum development that later led to one of the Institute’s signature academic offerings. After completing a Master’s at Middlebury College, Nowak worked with his colleague Elgin Eckert to found the Food & Sustainability Studies Program in 2011. Nowak left Perugia in 2013 to start a PhD at Harvard University, though has for the last eight years continued to work for the Institute in academic development and US university relations. He earned his PhD in 2018, having added environmental history to his previous profile as a food historian. In the last three years, Nowak has taught for Harvard College while also working with his Perugia-based colleagues to revise Umbra’s food-related curriculum. He joins an academic team that will in the following months continue to build what is now called the Center for Food, Sustainability, & Environment as well as expand other curricular offerings. Nowak is a lecturer for the Harvard Extension School and continues to be active in the fields of food and environmental history.

“It’s fabulous to be back in Perugia, especially with a staff team that has worked so hard to make that even in this very particular semester, the students will have an experience that is both rewarding and safe—and, without a doubt, transformative,” said Nowak.

Are you planning to study abroad in Perugia, Italy this fall? We at the Umbra Institute have constructed a list of 5 things you shouldn’t forget to pack for your fall abroad in Perugia.
This list is not everything you need (please read your pre-departure handbook carefully), but rather a selection of some of the most common items that our students forget each fall:

A winter coat
Italians often spend the start of September soaking up the sun on the beach and tourism easily paints Italy as the ideal location for sun-bathing warmth. However, November and December in Perugia can get chillingly cold. It won’t snow, but snow can be seen on the distant mountain tops as the wind carries a cold breeze into the city. Winter coats can be quite expensive in Italy so we advise that students bring one from home.
Ciabatte or pantofole
That’s right, Italians wear shoes in their homes. This is primarily because most Italian apartments do not have carpeted floors. In warmer months, ciabatte (which are like flip-flops or… crocks!) are worn to keep your feet clean and comfortable. In colder months, pantofole (winter slippers) are worn to keep feet warm as they step along cold wood or tile floors.
Warm clothes to wear at home
Italian homes and public buildings are often cooler than what the average American is used to in the winter. This is because energy is much more expensive in Europe than it is in the U.S., so Italians don’t keep their heat blasting all day, every day. Instead, in part due to Italian law, Italians turn the heat on for a limited number of hours each day, and walk around wearing sweaters and warm pants. Italian law even dictates the range of dates during the year when heat can be used (a period that typically doesn’t start before early- or mid-November.)
Comfortable walking shoes
There are three characteristics of walking in Perugia: uneven cobblestones, stairs, and hills. Perugia is a beautiful hill-top city with postcard-like panoramic views around nearly every corner. However, while abroad, students find that walking is their most comfortable and commonly used way of getting around town. Comfortable walking shoes are not flip-flops, and sometimes not even sandals. Students often find that the most comfortable shoes are shoes designed for running or walking. Note for those of you who may enjoy high-heels: Be careful wearing heels in Italy! It is easy for a stiletto to get caught in a cobblestone crack, and though Umbra staff is available to help you seek medical assistance, no one wants to see you fall or twist your ankle on your way to enjoy a nice evening walk. Our students usually avoid heals during the semester, especially after their first night out; and many ask us to warn others about how uncomfortable such shoes can be.
Anti-Covid items
All students will find an anti-Covid starter pack in their new home in Perugia! However, in order to be fully protected while traveling from the US, it is necessary to bring at least three (3) masks and gloves (keep in mind that your airline might ask you to change your mask every 4 hours, even in flight). You can pack extra masks and bring them with you if you want, as you’ll find that they’re likely to cost more in Italy than in the US. Keep in mind that Italy doesn’t acknowledge use of cloth masks.We also recommend pocket-sized hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for use when soap and water are not readily available and
anti-bacterial wipes or solution to wipe down high-touch surfaces.
A thermometer is also an essential medical device that should be in your personal anti-Covid care kit.

So, are you ready for an exciting semester abroad?

An Interview with Ariel Stern Umbra Institute Fall 2013 Alum
from Brandeis University

This article is part of Umbra’s Alumni Success Series. Study abroad inspires students from all backgrounds and with all sorts of career goals. Therefore, each article in this series is meant to provide advice for current and former students interested in pursuing the types of careers our alumni hold, with some offering opportunities to connect by email or LinkedIn for further advice. Below is a brief Q&A with Ariel Stern. We encourage you to follow us on LinkedIn so you can read future features!

Alum Ariel Stern Discusses her Career

Umbra: What is your current role and what is something that you enjoy about your job?
Ariel: I am the Global Corporate Responsibility Supervisor at EY (Ernst & Young)*, located in New York. I really enjoy Empowering EY’s 270,000+ employees to participate in corporate responsibility programs, as well as creating and implementing programs for social change. Some of these programs include preparing the next generation for the Future of Work (ages 5-24) by enabling and building the confidence of underserved students and underrepresented groups to encourage them to enter (or re-enter) the job force. The best part of this job is how people from my team are based all around the world! Earlier this year I was able to travel to Australia and meet two of my colleagues.

Umbra: Are there any lessons that you have learned through your job, that you feel like the recent graduates should know?
A: If you don’t love what you do, then don’t go for it. Don’t let society dictate what your career journey is. Don’t be a “doctor” or a “lawyer” because it sounds “good”. Follow your passion.

U: What would you recommend students do while abroad if they are interested in your field?
A: I would absolutely recommend getting engaged in local volunteer opportunities within the community. When I lived in Perugia, I had an internship at the Fair-Trade store. It was very cool to learn about how important Fair Trade is for Italians. By getting engaged in community projects, you can learn how citizens of certain countries, like Italians, are able to impact society in a positive way.

When I worked with a Fair-Trade organization in Perugia and I was able to work at a booth during the fair trade chocolate festival. It was so awesome to see all the different fair-trade organizations across Italy, as well as the Cocoa farmers from Africa, where the beans are sourced from. It was a great opportunity to see the economic model as a whole.

U: Can you explain to our readers why the “triple bottom line” will be important for their future careers??
A: In essence, [the triple bottom line] ensures that businesses are profitable for their stakeholders, while at the same time, being sustainable and giving back to society. It is extremely important in any career or job as each of our companies and the people working for them, affect climate change. I also find that you tend to feel better about doing your job when you know you are having a positive impact on the world!

U: When you think about your time in Italy, is there anything you wish you would have done differently?
A: Absolutely not— I had the most amazing three months. The most important thing I did was I stayed in Italy and traveled the country instead of going to a new country every week. Italy is amazing and there are so many cities and excursions to experience. Enjoy the food, water, culture, and all the past history.

U: Is there any more advice you would like to share with our students and alumni?
A: Learn Italian. Spend time with Italians. Learn how to cook Italian food. Learn as much as you can from the people who are the Culture.

If you have interest in EY as an organization and are looking for more information, feel free to check out these links that Ariel provided us with:

*Note that since our interview with Ariel, she has been promoted to Global Corporate Responsibility Marketing Manager at EY. Congratulations Ariel!

Author Bio
Olivia is a recent graduate of the University of Denver and chose ISI Abroad for her internship in order to gain experience in her fields of study; Communication Studies, Writing Practices, and Marketing. Olivia studied in Perugia in Fall 2019 and looks forward to sharing her love for the city with other students.

By Claudia Conrad, Umbra Spring 2020 Alum

Dear Perugia,

I must confess something… I love you.
I may not be from you, but you have made me feel more than welcomed, and there’s no other place that makes me feel the way you do. You make me open my windows in the morning and stick my head out to take in the fresh Perugian air. I love your warm cappuccinos in the morning that make me think about all that I’m grateful for in life. It is the simplicity of eating a warm fluffy croissant on the steps of the piazza that makes me smile. Oh, those wonderful steps. They are comforting and always there for me. They speak to me, fulfill me and introduce me to my soon to be friends. On days filled with bright blue skies and a strong sun, I sit there and bask, soaking up the warmth. I observe the pigeons that gather and then flock. I observe the locals, strolling, arm in arm, on their afternoon walk. I overhear their conversations, the Iitalian language is a constant song I love to listen to.

I will never forget the first time we met. I was excited to meet you, I wanted to know everything about you, but I knew this relationship would be a long and beautiful one, so there was no reason to rush it. You’ve introduced me to friends and loved ones and that is one of the many great gifts you have shared with me. Although we’ve only met a year ago, I feel as if I’ve known you forever. The days with you were so filled with present moments that they went by slowly, however, they gave me the opportunity to appreciate them even more. You inspire me so much. You have led me to flourish. You make me love to dance, and to express myself for who I am. You give me no worries in the world, all excess anxieties are left behind. You are truly a fantasy.

Now, we are apart. We are in a long-distance relationship. I daydream about you a lot. Thinking of the short time we spent together, and what it could’ve been. On days that I feel down, I sit outside, close my eyes, and I pretend that I’m with you. I listen to the playlist I made for you and I sing out loud. I know there is a mutual understanding that we will be united again some day. I can’t help but wonder; how are you feeling? Do you miss the rush of locals walking through the streets in the evening? I know I do.

Please don’t forget about me. I know we will be back together soon. Until then, let your sun shine, let your bells ring, and protect yourself. You are so sacred to me and to so many others.

This is my love letter to you, Perugia.

Once the semester ends you will be thinking of getting back to your friends and family, settling back into your old routine, and even how to deal with reverse culture shock. But it is also very important for you to reflect and reap the benefits of your time abroad as it will continue to impact your life for years to come.

Update your resume with volunteer efforts, service-learning, etc.

1) Update your resume.
Once home, it is time to start thinking about internships and job prospects. It is well-known that study abroad impacts personal, professional, and academic development so use that to your advantage and highlight study abroad on your resume. Feature your community engagement activities and any service-learning and/or research projects you may have completed. Reflect on the goals you set and met and prepare to talk about them in an interview.

Use tools learned during our end-of-semester Unpacking Your International Experience Workshop or contact us for resume tips.

2) Ask for letters of recommendation.
If you followed our previous advice, you likely developed a relationship with Umbra faculty or staff that could be the basis for a solid letter of recommendation. If so, don’t be shy and ask away. Many Umbra alumni have used these letters to get into grad school, law school, or their dream job. Some alumni have even continued academic discussions with faculty that have lead to ongoing career advice.

Umbra alumni reunite in the US, Summer 2019

3) Keep in touch.
Umbra’s small size allows us to get to know students who study with us to the point where those students are remembered many years later. Feel free to reach out just to say hello or to update us on your life and career. Our team loves to hear from you!

We also love to receive guest blogs from our alumni. Alumni often use blog posts to provide study abroad tips, but some use them to build their Google CV (online portfolio) by offering career advice to students considering the same field. Contact [email protected] if you’d like to make such a contribution.

4) Get involved in an international community.
Students often report quickly bonding with their peers while studying abroad. This is because you all experience a similar whirlpool of events and emotions and share similar interests and ‘firsts’ (travel, adventure, culture, language, etc.). It might sound silly, but you may miss talking about how odd Italian supermarkets are or how brutal customs can be when you return home and find that some of your friends and family disengage from such discussions because they haven’t had those same experiences.

To help you readjust to life back home while continuing to reflect on your time abroad, we recommend you find an international community near you. This can also encourage you to continue to develop cultural competencies. Getting involved is easiest on a university campus (through your study abroad office, campus clubs, etc.) but many cities across the U.S. host country/culture-specific events and groups, English-language tutoring, and other international activities in which you can become involved.

5) Become an Umbra study abroad ambassador
In your experience has impacted you in such a positive way that you want to share your enthusiasm for study abroad and encourage others to do the same, then you should consider becoming a study abroad ambassador. As an Umbra alumnus you are uniquely qualified to provide valuable advice and share first-hand experiences with other students on campus. Contact our Alumni Relations Coordinator, Ashley Webb at [email protected] if you’d like to become a champion of study abroad.

View other blogs in this series:
Setting yourself up for a Successful Study Abroad Experience
How to Succeed While Studying Abroad in Italy

1) Set goals and make waves.
If you don’t do so during pre-departure, set goals for yourself during the first week or two in Perugia. Umbra recommends that you establish at least one goal related to your career readiness and one related to your personal development, or how you relate to yourself and those around you.

Then, don’t just float, make waves! Seek experiences that might disrupt your “normal” – travel to a country you never thought you’d visit, go hiking, sit in the front of the classroom, try new foods and habits. Find ways to meet and exceed your goals and expectations and don’t hesitate to reach out to Student Services Staff if you need safe and rewarding ideas!

2) Engage with Umbra staff and professors.
Umbra is a relatively small institution, so it is easy to interact daily with Umbra’s staff and professors.

Interested in Opera, local traditions or the Italian feminist movement? Talk to Dr. Valoroso.
Have you ever wondered how sunscreen impacts the environment? Speak with Dr. Porter.
Want to know the origin of the word ciao? Check with Francesco, or Marta.
Want to know some of the best hikes near Assisi? Chat with Laura in Student Services.
Considering a career in the food industry? Speak with Dr. Ascione

The list can go on and on but what you need to know is that: everyone on our team wants to see you reach your goals and come to love Perugia as much as we do!

3) Plan travel around studying, not the reverse.
Study abroad is not a vacation; it is an academic and personal growth experience. While we want you to travel to flex your independence and problem-solving skills, explore history and experience culture; it is important for you to still attend and engage with your classes. Each class is taught within the context of Italy and learning from it will enhance your experience exploring the rest of the country.

4) Don’t fear culture shock or homesickness.
At one point or another, all of us miss home and the familiar comforts of our own culture. While this can make us feel distracted, sad, or even sick, it is a completely normal and in many ways a necessary part of the growth experience. These feelings can last an afternoon, or they can last a week or more at a time; everyone goes through it differently. Umbra hosts an on-site study abroad coach and counselor specifically for this reason. Our advice is to chat with her anytime you feel that way, so those feelings can work to your advantage during your time abroad.

View other blogs in this series:
Setting yourself up for a Successful Study Abroad Experience
Returning Home: Demonstrating your Successes

Planning for study abroad isn’t always easy, but there are things you can do to help make the process a stress-free experience. Below are a few tips we have for ensuring you are properly prepared prior to your departure.

1) Start speaking with your advisors right away.
They are familiar both with the study abroad experience and with the process students from your school need to follow to ensure course transfer, etc. If you don’t know who your advisor is, contact the Umbra Institute and we will be happy to introduce you to them to get the process started.

2) Review your course options early.
Your degree is likely to have specific course requirements which often cannot be completed off-campus. It is important to plan study abroad into your degree plan by reviewing course options with your advisor to ensure that time abroad doesn’t set you behind.

3) Plan Your Course Transfer in Advance.
Make sure to get a number of alternate courses pre-approved because you may want or need to adjust your curriculum once abroad. Know the approval and transfer process before going abroad to avoid stressful, last-minute email exchanges with your advisor or university’s Registrar.

4) Get your study visa early.
If you plan ahead, the visa process can actually be easy. The trick is to schedule your visa appointment as soon as you can (for a date within 90 days of your departure and once you apply to the program). You can always cancel your visa appointment if you ultimately don’t go to Italy but trying to schedule your appointment when your departure is only 2-3 months away can sometimes be stressful. That said, your Umbra advisor and your advisor at your home institution will help you as much as they can so you will be well-supported throughout the visa process.

Our next blogs will highlight succeeding while abroad and what to do once you return home.

When students choose to study abroad in Italy, one of the first things on their minds is the beauty found in walking through medieval streets, strolling across aqueducts, or meandering through museums. Italy certainly knows how beautiful she is and wants everyone to have the opportunity to experience her world-renowned art and history. For this reason, Italy allows all locals and visitors alike to tour museums for free on the first Sunday of every month!

A total of 485 museums throughout the country open their doors for free each month, including not only local museums in Perugia, but also places like the Uffizi in Florence, St. Angelo Castle, or the Colosseum in Rome!

Current and future students are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly in order to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

To know which museums are free, simply do a quick search of the city you plan to visit along with “first Sunday free museums” and Google should show you a helpful list of the location’s most exciting and free-to-view sites.

By Olivia Venuta, University of Denver and Umbra Rep Fall ’19

Being a full-time student can be time-consuming and most school days, I don’t have time to walk home and make lunch. Lucky for me, Umbra is surrounded by delicious cafes and restaurants for a quick meal in-between classes. Here are five of my favorite lunch spots— tasty and affordable:

1. Caffè del Banco – Caffè del Banco is located on Corso Pietro Vannucci, less than a two-minute walk from Umbra. It is a great place to stop for a coffee, a pastry, or a panini. Most paninis cost less than 3 euros and are pre-made so you can easily grab one and head back to class. The staff is always kind and they take your order very quickly.

2. Shawarma Gerusalemme – Shawarma Gerusalemme is located a bit farther from Umbra, toward the bottom of Via dei Priori. The food is delicious and fresh, so I assure you that it is worth the walk. Some of their lunch options include Kebab Panino, Panino Hamburgher, Falafel e Humus, Patatine, and even Hot Dogs. The first time you eat here, I would recommend that you ask for a “punch card”. If you bring the punch card each time you eat at Shawarma Gerusalemme, your 11th meal will be free—great for students on a budget!

3. Bar Danti – Bar Danti is located in Piazza Danti less than a 3 minute walk from Umbra. They have outdoor seating when the weather is nice and the staff is some of the nicest people I have met while abroad. If you get to know the owners they will treat you like family. Bar Danti has a large array of options including salads, pizza, torta al testo, and smoothies. It is a great place to sit and have a quick lunch with friends.

4. Pinturicchio Cafe+Kitchen – Pinturicchio is one of the only American-style cafes in Perugia, offering scrambled eggs, pancakes, cupcakes, barbecue, and much more. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable with many couches and chairs to lounge on. It is about a 10 minute walk from Umbra, but it is the perfect place to go if you want to sit, do homework, and sip a warm cup of coffee.

Read also Taylor Feehan’s breakfast blog and Kate Donati’s walking tour of Perugia’s best cafés!

The summer is flying by and locals are flocking to the nearest beaches. But which are the best day trip destinations for your next visit to Perugia? This blog kicks off our summer blog features for The Frugal Student – a series of blogs by our interns that will help students navigate study abroad on a budget.

Spoleto

Just an hour train ride from Perugia you’ll find Spoleto, a beautiful town complete with a functioning Roman Aqueduct/bridge, intact Roman theatres, cathedrals, local markets with artisan products, and an abundance of historical museums showcasing the rich culture and heritage. The most prominent event is the ‘Festival dei 2Mondi’ (Festival of 2Worlds) founded by the Italo-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti in 1958. Attendees can browse through exhibitions involving art, dance, music, theatre, and more.

Spoleto’s alluring nature and historical importance has made it the protagonist of numerous films and will undoubtedly leave an impression on every visitor.

From Perugia by train: 1 hour and 15-minute
Festival dei 2Mondi Link: SPOLETO Festival dei 2Mondi

Le Cascate delle Marmore (Marmore Waterfalls)

View of the landscape in a small town near the Marmore Falls

A refreshing start to your summer or fall semester in Italy; offering a range of activities including hiking, rafting, and river walking, this man-made waterfall is the perfect way to take a break from student life.

Originally created by the Romans (271 BCE) to redirect the influx of water to other rivers, and later modified by Aristotile Fioravanti (1422) and others, this three-tiered waterfall still impacts water influx to this day. This journey through Italian architectural ingenuity has inspired countless artists and continues to do so. The surrounding area provides a range of ‘mercatini’ (markets) selling paintings, frames, and more local art to enjoy. Just don’t forget to check the opening times before you go so that you know you’ll get to experience the full majesty of the thundering falls.

From Perugia: take a 1 to 1-hour and 30-minute train to Terni then hop on a 20-minute bus from Terni to the Cascate
Tickets: Entry fees to visit the falls may apply
Link: Cascate delle Marmore Website

Castiglione del Lago

Its beauty, its grace, its Castiglione del Lago.

One of our top-favorite destinations (especially for our Archeology Field School participants), due to the unmatchable historical wealth and breathtaking architecture.

Castiglione del Lago overlooks the vast Lago Trasimeno (Trasimeno Lake). Home of the Fortress and Ducal Palace, this stunning village offers insight into the medieval era. A relaxing location offering an in-depth cultural experience that can be followed by a trip to the local beaches, islands, camping areas or infamous restaurants. Known for its open spaces, welcoming townspeople, Coloriamo i Cieli Festival (Kite Festival), and variety of fauna and fish, Castiglione del Lago is the ideal place for a picnic with friends.

From Perugia by train: 1 to 1.5 hours
General Information: Lago Trasimeno Website
Exemplar Museum link: Palazzo della Corgna

For more low-cost day trip ideas, please refer to our mini travel guides (next to the library) once you get to Perugia or click here for general travel tips.

About the Author:
Sara is interning with the Umbra Institute through ISI Abroad as part of her gap year experience. A bilingual native of England and Italy, she’s traveled the globe seeking to learn diverse cultural and historical perspectives. She’ll be your guide this summer as you plan for your study experience in Perugia.