Umbra Reps – Page 2 – DEV – The Umbra Institute – Study Abroad in Italy

Written by Umbra Rep Timothy Ringie, University of Massachusetts – Amherst

I’ve always had a pretty strong idea of what I wanted my study abroad experience to look like. I knew that I wanted an experience other than one in a large city such as Florence, Rome, or Milan where I’d be surrounded by hundreds of other American and English speaking students and tourists. I wanted the opportunity to practice my Italian and not be able to solely rely on my English in everyday life. In order to do that however, I knew I needed to find a program away from popular destinations and to find one that would provide true immersion into Italian culture.

As I departed the US for the Umbra Institute, the one thing that concerned me most was that I was sacrificing the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant nightlife. It’s not that I was expecting zero nightlife in Perugia, it was just that I assumed it would be vastly different, and on a much smaller scale, than what I would have experienced in Florence or Rome. Wow, I could not have been more mistaken!

During my first weekend here in Perugia, I saw a side of the city I was not expecting. Granted, the population here (160,000 give or take) is far less than that in Rome or Florence, so the nightlife options are less numerous. I believe, however, that this works in Perugia’s favor. Something that I wasn’t aware of before arriving in Perugia was the amount of students that can be found here. The Umbra Institute is just a small part of the overall student body here in the city. Besides the Umbra Institute, there are somewhere around 40,000 students, broken up between the Università degli Studi di Perugia (the Italian University) as well as the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (the University for Foreigners). That means that in addition to a large number of Italian students, there are students here from all over the world as well.

During my first weekend here, I was astounded at what I saw; when I left my apartment at night, the first thing that hit me was the noise. Normally on Via dei Priori, the street which I live on, is not loud at all. The street is lined with shops and restaurants so there are usually a lot of people out and about but not like this. I was greeted by group after group of people making the long walk up the steep hill toward the city center. As I walked up the street, it just kept getting louder and louder. Doorways which seemed unassuming during the day opened up and there were crowds of dozens and dozens hanging around and chatting. As I neared the top of the street, I ran into a literal wall of people, who were all crowding around the entrance of a popular bar called “Gold Bar”. As I made my way through the maze of people, rattling off “mi scusi” and “permesso”, the noise just got louder. I rounded the corner and I looked towards the main square Piazza IV Novembre, I caught a glimpse of what my weekends would be looking like for the next few months. There were literally thousands of people in the square, all congregated in large and small groups. I had certainly not expected such a vibrant nightlife and that was only a taste of what was to come!

As I got more settled into life in Perugia, I began to understand the “nightlife habits” of the Italians as well as the fun spots to go to in Perugia. One thing I noticed is that compared to the United States, everything starts later here in Italy. Aperitivo, which serves as a sort of appetizer to dinner where you meet up and chat with friends, occurs around 6-8pm. Along the Corso Vannucci, the “main street”, there are restaurants set up outdoor seating in the middle of the street which creates a very lively atmosphere. Italians usually don’t start eating dinner until around 8pm and there is no shortage of great restaurants to choose from. After dinner, everybody takes to the streets and before you know it, the streets and piazzas are completely full of people.

Everyone uses the Piazza IV Novembre as a meeting point to decide where to go. Maybe you’ll decide to make the quick walk just past the cathedral to Dempsey’s bar, an American-owned bar which always has a huge ground outside, but even though it’s an American bar, there is no shortage of Italians outside. Or maybe you’ll decide to walk around the corner to Marla’s, a two-floored bar which normally hosts live music. There are also plenty of great areas away from the main piazza and great spots to practice your Italian the further you go from the piazza as they are where the locals tend to hang out. Streets like Corso Cavour and Via della Viola are great areas to interact with the locals. Via della Viola, with fun places like C’era una Vodka or Agricola, is very interesting as you can hear street musicians playing well into the late hours of the night. But watch out as you may have to squeeze to the sides of the street every once in a while as an unfortunate driver tries to navigate through the crowds of people! If you’re into dancing, maybe you’ll visit one of the few discotecas right outside the city, although I personally haven’t visited them as nobody wants to see my dance moves. Or better yet, you may even run into some of the Umbra Institute staff at Elfo’s Pub right off of Via dei Priori collectively enjoying a soccer match on the large projector there. There is no shortage of great venues and spots for all here in Perugia.

Despite all these great places I’ve mentioned, they’ve not been the most memorable part of the nightlife for me here in Perugia. The most memorable for me by far, has been the people. What makes Perugia fundamentally different from a larger city, is the fact that you really feel like a part of the city and community. I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet people from around the world here, not just from Italy but from countries far and wide like Canada, Spain, France, Russia, South Africa, Germany and more. Perugia feels like a melting pot where everyone is open to meeting new people. In larger cities, people are often wary of those they don’t know and will only stick to their friend group. Here in Perugia I’ve found myself engaging in conversations with people from different countries and cultures, with widely different ages and backgrounds. The people here are excited to meet new people and hear their stories.

After having been two and a half months here in Perugia, I seldom go out on a weekend without running into someone who I’ve had a conversation with at some point or another. It’s a really nice feeling when someone you have met from another country remembers your name! Perugia is the best of both worlds when it comes to the nightlife; it is big and diverse enough that there are plenty of options in terms of a night life for those who want it, but it is also small enough to provide awesome opportunities to make connections with the city and the people and form real friendships.

By Umbra Rep Agnes Tessner Risser, Wellesley College

Hello, my name is Agnes Tessner Risser, and I am currently studying abroad at the Umbra Institute for the Spring 2022 Semester. I requested to live in a homestay with an Italian family in Perugia this semester, and it is the best decision that I made for my semester abroad.

I am from Hartford, Connecticut and I am a third-year student at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. I am an architecture and anthropology double major, and I chose to attend The Umbra Institute because of their Food Studies Program. I had never studied Italian language before arriving in Perugia. Usually, homestays are for students who are already proficient in Italian, but I had such a positive experience in 2021 living in a homestay in Denmark that I asked The Umbra Institute if they had any options for beginner-level students who are eager to learn. Luckily, they did, and I ended up being the only Umbra student doing a homestay this semester.

The Family

I was placed in the home of the Marziano-Danese family, who live five minutes away from the Umbra Institute. My host dad, Nino Marziano, is an artist of many disciplines and has lived in the same apartment in Perugia for his entire life. I love to hear about the change he has seen over the decades in Perugia. My host mom, Christine Danese, is an Italian-American who moved to Italy from Chicago when she was 19 years old. She started off in Italy as a bartender and is now a professional translator and language teacher. I am fortunate to have her guidance in navigating Italian language and culture from an American perspective. My host sister, Giada, is the same age as me, 21 years old, and is studying at University of Perugia to become an elementary school teacher. She’s a great friend and teacher, and like me she is very online so we often talk about pop culture. The last member of our immediate family is a very emotive cat named Boogie.

I also enjoy the random chats I’ve had with Nino’s cousin who lives downstairs. Since she doesn’t speak English, I get to put my Italian to the test. She comes upstairs to trade food with Christine and Nino. Giada and I have gone downstairs to help her sort through a mess left by her former tenant. Small moments extending a hand to extended family makes the building feel even more homely.

Everyday’s life

Since we are all busy with our own schedules throughout the day, I usually don’t see my host family until the evening. I always look forward to eating dinner with them because I never know what we’re going to talk about—family stories, travel, their local recommendations, the Italian education system, Broadway musicals— it could be anything. When I arrived, we only spoke in English, but now we start every conversation in Italian until I exhaust my vocabulary. As per the housing agreement I usually prepare my own meals but a couple times a week, Christine shares some of her delicious home cooking with me. The food disappears quickly, but Nino pours me a glass of wine and Giada offers me a dessert, and in classic Italian fashion we often talk over the table for hours.

Since I’m an anthropology student, I’ll highlight one moment that made my homestay feel not only like a home, but an anthropological experience: One Saturday I had just returned from a trip to Rome, and was describing it to my host family. My friends and I had stopped in the “Roman Ghetto” (a Jewish Ghetto established in 1555) for lunch, and I was clumsily trying to explain in Italian that I thought it’s ironic that the area is so gentrified today. However, due to their different backgrounds, Nino and Christine had slightly different understandings of “gentrification.” Usually, we would have switched to English at this point in the conversation, but this time my host family launched into a debate in Italian. Google was consulted on multiple phones, and Nino tried to sneak in some of his classic puns, which Giada translated for me with a sigh. I somehow managed to follow most of the main talking points, and even get a word in here and there. The mood was serious and yet so lighthearted, and I never thought that I’d be sparking conversations about cultural understandings of gentrification in Italian within my first month in Perugia.

Some challenges

It is important to be adaptable if you choose to live in a homestay. For instance, I am usually a vegetarian, but I decided to suspend this habit when eating my host family’s food, because I did not want to miss the chance to participate in such an important part of their family culture.

I also need to be mentally prepared for an Italian “lesson” at any time of day. My host family welcomes me home from classes or weekend trips and asks how they went, so I have to be ready to describe what I did Italian, and receive constructive feedback. These lessons are really just conversations — no measuring, writing, or quizzing is involved — but I can expect to learn at least one new word or grammar structure each time.

Finally, since I do not have Umbra students as roommates in a homestay, I have had to make an extra effort to socialize, especially in the first few weeks. Living in a homestay does not make me feel excluded or separated from the non-homestay students though, and I met Umbra friends who are living solo or with only one roommate. I regularly go out with them after dinner, and even plan trips together. I have heard that many Umbra students want to make friends with locals, which is luckily already a part of my daily life.

Homestay is a great opportunity

I would highly recommend doing a homestay if you are eager to learn about Italian language and culture and are willing to extend past the comfort zone of American culture. Some of the other Umbra apartments are gorgeous, but I have never wished that I was in normal housing because the social value of having an Italian family to come home to every day is, to me, even greater.

P.S. If you are on financial aid like me, check with your home institution’s study abroad and financial aid offices to see if you can get the extra fee for the homestay included as part of your general housing package! Your home institution might cover the cost.

By Umbra Rep Alexis Kulish, Arcadia University

It is pretty typical for us study abroad students to want to catch as many flights as we can to explore the maximum amount of bucket list destinations during our time abroad. However, after being a second time study abroad student, if I could give one piece of advice to someone preparing to spend any amount of time in a new place, it would easily be, “don’t forget to explore the country you are in”. After all, you chose your destination for a reason, right?

I myself was so eager to start planning day and weekend trips as soon as I arrived in Perugia, Italy, but to my surprise I quickly noticed that my weekends were filling up fast, yet I had not even done any research myself. That was all thanks to the Umbra Institute and what seems like countless optional activities and excursions right at my fingertips, with no planning involved. Simply by opening the Umbra Institute App and scrolling up and down over and over through the activities page, scribbling down everything I was interested in doing throughout the semester. Within minutes my tentative schedule of the semester was overflowing with activities

February 20th- Nooks and Crannies Tour of Perugia

February 22nd- Pizza Night 1 (and 2 more throughout the semester)

March 6th- Day Trip to Frasassi Caves

March 13th- Rome Excursion

March 14th- Chocolate Making Class

March 28th- Welcome Back Aperitivo

April 2nd- Hiking in Assisi and Spello

April 9th- Rafting on the Corno River

These are just SOME of the incredible offerings the Institute does as an opportunity for Umbra students to make lifelong friends and everlasting memories, but also immerse us in a culture that we are here to accept, appreciate, and be a part of. Do keep in mind that these excursions change from semester to semester depending on season and new offerings throughout the years, but regardless of when you arrive in Perugia there will always be endless opportunities to make the most of your time in Italy.

Now, I haven’t even gotten to the classes themselves, but I don’t want to spoil too much. But, I will let you know that many of our courses have an integrated portion of field trips to places all around Italy that complement the course lessons, and personally those field trips have given me some of my absolute favorite days of my time abroad, and it is not even over yet! I have learned, as I know many of our students will agree, that the phrase “Meet at the Fountain” has grown to be something I look forward to seeing, and anyone coming to Umbra will very quickly become familiar with hearing that, too.

I also want to mention that the Umbra Institute is certainly not the only way to sightsee and explore during your time abroad. Taking a long walk through town on the weekend or booking a trip to a place like Assisi, Gubbio, or Firenze with some friends can be just as fun and memorable, and you are encouraged to take the plunge into getting to know where you are living! It is much easier to feel at home when you spend time exploring, finding your favorite study spot, or going for dinner at the best pasta restaurant in town once a week. And, with managing your time well, there is also plenty of opportunity to check off those bigger bucket list items… but just be sure to leave some time for those unexpected memories you will make in the comfort of your new home- Italy.

By Umbra Rep Jackie Hanson, Arcadia University

When you are eating a slice, what do you think of? Do you think of how the cheese is made, the people that have helped make the cheese, or the factory that it came from? I never asked myself these questions until very recently after attending the Parma and Modena weekend field trip with the Food, Sustainability, & the Environment program. In this weekend long trip, we visited a Parma Ham factory, a balsamic vinegar producer in Modena, and a Parmigiano Reggiano factory in Parma. Personally, the most eye opening, heart touching, and educational experience was the Parmigiano Reggiano factory in Parma.

In this factory, we were able to see the milk being warmed, whey being separated, the cheese separating from the milk, the drying room, rein making room, and the aging room. For some reason, seeing the whole entire process makes you feel like you have a stronger connection with the cheese. Instead of mindlessly looking for the name, Parmigiano Reggiano, in the food store, you can look at it and know all the thought that has gone into making a small triangle of cheese. Not only does seeing the process make you have a greater appreciation for the cheese, but understanding that the techniques used to make the cheese today have been the same for many years. There is a long line of hands, minds, and hearts that have carefully considered each technique to make this certain type of cheese in this area. More specifically thinking, the salting room of the factory is where the cheese soaks in order to absorb the salt to preserve it and make the rein. This technique has been used since the Middle Ages and continues today.

Furthermore, there is a very special “passing of the baton” with the “cheese master”. From the past and to the present, there is a person that is known to be so skilled in knowing if the quality of the milk and cheese is good just by running their fingers through the clumps after the rennet is added. Typically, this is an older man. In the past, before jobs were not as labor intensive, an entire family could be working in the cheese factory. One person could be milking the cows, stirring the whey, adding the rennet, or shaping the cheeses. Normally the elder of the family, or the person with the most wisdom of the cheese, is granted the most respected position of the “cheese master”. This person knows the cheese so well that they can tell if it is perfect just by seeing, smelling, and touching it. This “passing of the baton” has since faded, but adds to the value of the making of cheese and the history behind the factory. It is not only a group of people who are passionate about food and cheese, but a family who is close enough to work together and share their family’s love for cheese with the rest of the world.

By the end of the trip, I learned way more than I ever thought I would. Now, when I look for cheese at a local food store, I not only look for the right cheese, but I look for the location. When picking up the cheese, I think about the people we met at the factory that would stir the milk, check the quality of the cheese, and inspect the cheese. Each bite of Parmigiano Reggiano is a reminder of the history that went into this cheese making and the people that give many hours into making it so perfect. I highly recommend taking the opportunity to visit the Parmigiano Reggiano factory even if you are not a part of the Food and Sustainability program. There are tours open to the public! It will give you memories for a lifetime!

If you want to learn more about the Food, Sustainability, & the Environment Program, click here.

By Umbra Rep Faith Duggan, Clark University

Close your eyes and pretend you just got off the short train ride from Perugia to Rome. Take a deep breath in; inhale the new city smell, bask in the warm sunny glow of Rome weather. With only one day in Rome, what do you visit? Having grown up in New York City, I wanted to see something that connects to Italian History and Culture but without the hundreds of other tourists elbowing me out of the way. Well luckily, my Independent Film Class: History of Italian Film and Society, taught by professor Lorenzo Picchi gave me the best assignment, to visit Cinecittà. From the train terminal, I found my way to the A-line of the Rome metro system and rode the train for 14 stops, to the outskirts of the city. When I first got off of the train and looked around it felt deserted. There were minimal cars, people, and buildings, but as I turned around to the Cinecittà opening I saw a large school group outside waiting, and other Italians waiting to go in the historical film studio sets.

I learned after I entered that the only way to see the sets is to go through an hour and a half tour, but there are only two tours in English, at 11:30, Saturday and Sunday. Not knowing this, I got there at 12:05, just missing the English tour, so I went on the Italian one at 12:30. Here I was fully immersed in the Italian language, no use of google translate or by standards could help translate for me, so auditorially I couldn’t understand what was happening. But looking at the sets, walking through Italian history I was immersed in the past, completely immersed in what the sets once meant. I loved walking through the sets knocking on everything I passed as what looks so real, was completely hallow, fooling millions of viewers and countless patrons visiting the sets.

I proceeded to walk around the grounds and go to the museum on site. The museum is filled with facts about how a film is made, costumes from films, and parts of the history of Cinecittà. The spectacular nature of Cinecittà sent me down a deep dive into its historical nature. It was originally created by Benito Mussolini in 1936-1937, as a way for the fascist government to control the Italian film industry, and help shape a more fascist society. After all, Mussolini once said “Cinema, the strongest weapon” understanding the power film had in culture. But after the Allies won World War II the facility was closed, which allowed for the spread of Neorealism (Neorealist films were often filmed on location rather than in sets which allowed for a more authentic representation of Italian civilization.) It was until the 1950s, that the sets were rebuilt and opened for use. For roughly 20 years Cinecittà sets held some of the most famous Italian directors and very prominent Hollywood films. However, as television grew, the quality of films coming out of Cinecittà declined. As a result, the studio became obsolete. In recent years, Cinecittà has been used to film Italian television shows, but it is mostly used as a museum, an homage to the Golden Age of Italian Cinema. For any film enthusiasts, I highly suggest the short train ride to Cinecittà, attend the English-speaking tour, and fill me in on what I missed.

By Umbra Rep Lauren Pawlowski, University of Connecticut

The Food, Sustainability & Environment Program (FSE) made my semester abroad in Italy unforgettable! Participating in immersive learning experiences, such as culinary workshops and tours of food production facilities, allowed me to learn more about Italian food and culture outside of the classroom. This included workshops on cheese making, coffee roasting, and a series of cooking demonstrations. We also had the opportunity to go truffle hunting and visit multiple butcheries, just to name a few more experiences. The FSE made me reflect on food systems, local traditions, and environmental sustainability in a way that I never would have the opportunity to do in the United States. I will continue to think of these lessons and utilize the perspectives I’ve gained throughout my career in sustainability.

One of my best weekends abroad was when the FSE visited Parma and Modena to tour the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Modena Balsamic Vinegar, and Prosciutto di Parma production facilities. Having local food producers walk us through the process of creating these traditional products was an incredible experience, one that I probably would not have gotten if I had studied abroad in a different country. For example, the appellation and DOP/DOCG region system is something that sets Italy apart from the US and other countries for food and wine production. Certifying products from these areas ensures top quality and preserves Italian food culture, but being limited to the specific region boundaries makes it harder for producers and farmers to adapt to changing climate conditions. For example, within the last few decades, the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese producers have had to use air conditioning in their facilities to maintain the correct cheese temperature and they changed the cow breed they use to make the milk. The cheese-making facility also has stainless steel machinery and copper cauldrons for a sanitary production process. This is where the blend of traditional artisanal production techniques and modern technology is critical to maintaining sustainability, of both the business and the local cuisine. And it was a unique experience for me to explore these sustainable examples of food production that exemplify a middle ground between small family farms and massive industrial facilities. This is something that is hard to imagine and get the opportunity to see in the United States.

Talking first-hand with locals who are proud of where they live and how they produce their food using artisanal techniques was inspiring. There is an appreciation for food production here that is difficult to find in the US, where concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and fast food places reign supreme. The appreciation for food culture in Italy is exemplified by the abundance of agriturismo locations throughout the country, where hospitality and food production combine to create an educational experience for visitors and tourists. This promotes environmental sustainability, because of the transparency in operations, support for local food systems, and utilization of organic or regenerative farming practices. These are also important values of the Slow Food movement, which originated in Italy. Throughout my travels and FSSP experiences, I had the chance to eat at many Slow Food restaurants, where the managers create strong relationships with every food producer they source ingredients from and they serve only a seasonal food menu. The Slow Food movement is not popular in the US, along with agriturismo locations, so these were very rewarding to see in Italy. Overall, the FSE opened my eyes to the world of Italian cuisine and made me appreciate the local food producers across different regions of the country. This was exactly the type of global experience that I was looking forward to when I applied to study abroad, and there is no better place to learn about food than in the heart of Italy.

Not only did we participate in facility and farm tours and educational presentations, but we also got to sample the delicious dishes at each of the trip locations! Some of the best meals I’ve had in Italy and in my lifetime have been on the FSE field trips, including gnocchi with truffle oil during the truffle hunting field trip and 25-year aged balsamic vinegar on vanilla gelato in Modena.

It was rewarding to be a part of the group of FSE students who were eager to learn along with me and to try the best of what Italy had to offer. I am forever grateful for these special memories and for the families and locals who shared their knowledge, culture, and traditions with us!

For more information about the FSE Program, click here .

By Lauren Lewis (she/her/hers) – Umbra Rep Spring ’20 and UConn student

I was three days away from my abroad adventure in Perugia, Italy. I had already fully packed three suitcases and my carry-on and was anxiously counting down the seconds until I could hop on the plane and start my life-changing spring semester abroad. My sister had then come into my room and stared at all my bags. “Unpack everything, we need to start over,” is what she said, and that’s exactly what I did.

I consider myself lucky that I had a sister who had studied abroad the year before I was going to, as she was able to give me insight on what I would need when living out of suitcases for four months. However, realizing that many people may not have siblings who have studied abroad, and most people have not had the unique experience of living out of a suitcase for four months, I decided to provide all the tricks and tips on how to successfully pack for your spring semester abroad.

The first and more important rule for packing is: Do not overpack! You do not need your entire wardrobe when traveling abroad- in fact, you don’t even need half of your wardrobe. Here are two questions to ask yourself when trying to figure out if you have over packed or not.

Can I carry my bags? If you have too many bags, to the point where you will need someone else’s help carrying them, chances are you have over packed. When you get off the plane, you will need to be able to carry your luggage with you to meet the Umbra staff. In addition to this, you will also have to carry them around the cobblestone streets of Perugia when finding your apartment. Therefore, it is important to be able to carry your luggage. When I studied abroad I brought a large suitcase, a smaller suitcase, and a carry-on. I had more than enough room for all of my belongings and was able to carry my luggage wherever I went. If you are someone who has yet to purchase your suitcases for your study abroad experience, I recommend getting a suitcase set that has rotating wheels and comes with a smaller carry-on bag. The rotating wheels make it easy to move, and the carry-on bag can be used to travel on the weekends.
Do I have room in my suitcase? You will end up buying things when you are in Italy, whether they be souvenirs for your family members or loved ones, or if you are like me- more clothes. Therefore, you must have ample room in your suitcases to bring back things from your study abroad experience.

When packing for your study abroad experience, there are four important items that you should make sure you have packed.

1. Prescription Medicine: It is vital to bring all medications that you will need with you for the duration of your time abroad. Italy may not have the same type of prescription and therefore, if you do not bring it with you, you may not have it for the entirety of your trip.

2. Hygiene Products: I went to Italy, only knowing two to three words in Italian. If you are like me, the language barrier will make it hard to know what products are good for you. Therefore, I recommend bringing your own. It is also important to note that personal hygene items in Italy may be slightly different than what we are accostumed to or, when they are the same, may come under different brand names and packaging. You may have to visit more than one store in Perugia before you find an exact match for your favorite products. Therefore, it is best to stay safe and bring a starter pack of whatever you are comfortable using and don’t want to find yourself missing.

3. An adaptor: All of Europe has different adaptors than we do here in the United States. Therefore, it is best to just pack one before you leave that you can use if you have a layover.

4. Euro: I recommend taking at least 200 to 300 Euros with you at the beginning of your trip because some food places and shops will not take credit cards. If you decide not to bring Euro, DO NOT buy it at the airport. The fees are jacked up and sometimes you may even get counterfeit bills. Therefore, wait until you get into Perugia before you take money out. Despite the Euro, be sure to plan ahead of time how you will access money. Check your bank to see if they have a credit card to use in foreign countries and have multiple ways to access money.

Now it is time to share what most people probably came to this article; to figure out what types of clothing to bring with you for your four-month abroad experience in Italy. Before giving you my recommendations on what types of clothes you should bring, I think it is important to note some important aspects of packing. First off, do not pack outfits. You will be in Italy between 110-120 days unless you decide to stay longer. Your suitcase will not be able to fit 122 different outfits. Therefore, I recommend bringing clothing items that can be interchanged with one another. In addition to this, remember that you are going to Italy, which is one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world. So, don’t be afraid to take a break from your sweatpants and try new clothes that you may have been too scared to wear here in the United States. I encourage you to take advantage of your creativity and to get out of your comfort zone with your fashion pieces!

Warm Coat. A common misconception that people have when going to Italy is that it is warm all year round. Although it does not generally snow in Perugia and is warmer than a lot of places in the United States, it is still cold. Therefore, you should bring a warm coat. I brought a Peacoat, which worked on most days. However, there are a lot of alleyways in Perugia specifically, which serve as wind tunnels. Therefore, I would recommend bringing a puffy coat, or a thicker coat if at all possible.
Undergarments. Be sure to pack at least two weeks of different undergarments to wear. This will provide you with the flexibility to choose how often you want to do laundry.
Pants. I would pack a variety of different kinds of pants that you could wear while abroad including jeans, sweatpants, leggings, and shorts. Ultimately, I would try to pack between 7-9 pairs of pants as this will provide you with some variety, and provide you to dress with the seasons. It is important to note that I did not see many Italian women wearing shorts. However, as I said before going abroad is the perfect opportunity to express yourself in a different way than you have before, so if you are going to wear them, wear them with confidence.
Sweaters. I will reiterate: it will be cold during your first two months abroad. I would plan to bring at least five to seven different kinds of sweaters. I promise you that you will use them!
Shirts. I would bring a variety of long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, and tank tops. I brought between 12-20 different pairs, as some of my tank tops took up virtually no space in my suitcase. Bringing a variety of treats provides you with the ability to mix and match outfits!
Light Jacket. It will eventually start to warm up. However, there will be a moment where it is too hot to wear a thick coat but too cold to not wear a coat at all. Therefore, I would recommend bringing a light jacket that you can use when you travel and also if you are going to go out at night.
Dresses and Skirts. I do not wear dresses as often which is why I only brought between 1-4 pairs. However, they are useful when going out to a fancy dinner with friends, and even to wear on a day to day basis. Depending on who you are feel free to bring more dresses and skirts in exchange for pants!
Shoes. You should also plan on packing three to four pairs of shoes. I recommend bringing a walking shoe or sneaker, a pair of boots, and a pair of flip flops. If you like to work out I would recommend also bringing a pair of running shoes. I would not recommend bringing a pair of heels, as the streets of Perugia are cobblestone and you will have a hard time walking. Just remember, you will be walking a lot more in Italy than you do in America. Therefore, it is important to make sure all of the shoes you are bringing are comfortable!
Pajamas. I included this for the people who are like me and may forget the most basic items to bring when traveling. Be sure to bring warm pajamas for the winter and lighter pajamas for when it gets warmer.

Now that I have gotten through the main clothing items you will need to last your time abroad, I thought I should mention some miscellaneous items that you should think about before starting your journey. If there are any little snacks that you love, I highly recommend looking up to see if Italy will have them. As mentioned before, Italian shops do not carry the same products that we have in the United States. Henceforth, if you can’t survive without a certain food or condiment, I would pack it in your bag. Another item I recommend looking into microfiber travel towels to bring with you. I packed them in my carry on and I was able to use them in the airports and bring them with me when I traveled. The last item that you should think about bringing is a rain jacket or an umbrella. Although it most likely will not snow while you are in Perugia, it will rain. As my mom always says, “It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared!”

But the most important items are…

By this point I have mentioned almost every tangible item you will need to bring with you for your semester abroad. However, I have not mentioned some of the most important things you will need as you embark on your overseas adventure. Be sure to bring an open mind, as you are in a new country and some of their customs and ideologies are different than the ones we see here in the United States. Make sure to also bring patience. Oftentimes when traveling things do not go as planned. Remain calm in these situations because most often everything will work out. Be sure to bring your resilience. Sometimes people get homesick while abroad. In those moments take time to call your family members, friends, and always make sure to make your mental health a priority. Lastly, bring your spirit of adventure. You will have one of the best times of your life while traveling abroad. You will meet new people, learn a new language, and be exposed to a completely new lifestyle. Be sure to take it all in and make every moment count!

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Umbra Institute note for Spring 22 students: for an extensive list of items to bring for your Spring Semester in Perugia, please make sure to read your pre-departure handbook.

By Umbra Rep Lexi De Marinis, University of Richmond

Looking for a quick lunch between classes, or maybe a spot for a nicer local dinner? Here are my favorite places to eat in Perugia for every occasion.

Sandwich: Piada e Delizie

Address: Piazza Francesco Morlacchi, 5

This sandwich place is right around the corner from school, and they make quality and inexpensive (4-5 euro) torta al testo, a typical Perugian focaccia cooked on a cast iron plate. You can either make your own sandwich or choose from the extensive list of combos they have on their menu. They make the sandwich right in front of you and include an olive oil drizzle and sea salt on the torta al testo. I like to make my own with Prosciutto, Arugula, Burrata, and Tomatoes.

Pizza: Pizzeria Mediterranea

Address: Piazza Piccinino, 11

Pizzeria Mediterranea is close to school and my personal favorite pizza in Perugia. Each pizza is 4-7 euro so it’s also a great deal! I recommend La Pizza Lasagna. It is a delicious and unique pizza topped tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy meat, and Ricotta. The Pizza Margherita with Bufala is also amazing!

Charcuterie: La Prosciutteria

Address: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 44

La Prosciutteria is a unique place in Perugia with GIANT charcuterie boards. I particularly like this place because you tell them how many people you have and if you want a small, large, or gourmet board and they put together a board with cheese, meat, fruit, veggies, toasts, and more. They also have options for sandwiches and salads. The atmosphere is lively, and it is a good price. A small board is 5 euro per person, a large 10, and a gourmet 15. The large board comes with plenty of food for a whole meal.

Traditional Osteria: Osteria a Priori

Address: Via dei Priori, 39

Osteria a Priori is the place to go for a nicer, traditional meal. Everything I have eaten there has been delicious and given the quality, the prices are decent. They have seasonal menus that rotate often with whatever is locally available at the time. A few of their dishes are: roasted vegetables with goat cheese (8 euro), lentil soup (8 euro), pumpkin ravioli (9 euro), and a traditional beef dish with vegetables (13 euro). This is a must go place during your time in Perugia!

Non-Italian: Lezioni Di Greco Corner

Address: Piazza Francesco Morlacchi, 11

This is a great Greek place right around the corner from school. You can make your own pita choosing your protein, toppings, and sauce. My personal favorite is the pumpkin (zucca) keftedes in a pita with hummus, tzatziki, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta. This whole meal only costs 4.50 euro! I love to go here when I need a break from pizza, pasta, and cooking at home.

Gelato: Mastro Cianuri

Address: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti 17

At first glance you would not even know that Mastro Cianuri has gelato, but it is the best in Perugia. My personal favorite is their chocolate gelato. A small cone with two toppings is 2 euro, a large 3. They also have small chocolates, coffee, pastries, and a caffe menu.

Written by Umbra Rep Noah Singer, University of Vermont

Coming to study abroad in Perugia, one of my goals was to find a charming café where I could read, write, do homework, or simply relax and people-watch. As you could assume, there are an immense amount of cafés in Italy… an overwhelming amount. Though I have not found one that is unsatisfactory, I felt it necessary to guide others to some of the cafés that have stood out to me.

Antica Latteria

A gem hidden in plain sight, Antica Latteria is a place you must try if you are in Perugia. Founded back in 1925, this fantastic bar is a good place to check out because they make fresh panna (fresh whipped cream) for pastries and coffee. This panna is exquisite; it is so tempting and delectable that it is dangerous! Pictured above is a “caffè con panna” (espresso with whipped cream), I highly recommend trying this. They have a plethora of pastries such as cannolis, brioche with panna, and a variety of sweets without this delicious, whipped cream. Antica Latteria is located just down the street from Piazza IV Novembre, just to the right of the Pam, making it just a short walk from the Umbra Institute.

Caffè del Banco

Caffè del Banco is the perfect place to go in between classes if you need a caffeinated beverage, a snack, sandwich, or the need to satisfy a sweet tooth! It is located about 300 feet away from the Umbra Institute making it a great place to get something quick. Because it is located just outside Piazza IV Novembre, it is also an ideal location to get a drink and people watch! The barista inside Caffè del Banco is always very sweet, and she will remember your face after a few visits. Oftentimes you will see Umbra professors and staff going for a snack or coffee throughout the day!

Caffè Dal Perugino

Caffè Dal Perugino is a terrific little bar just outside of Piazza IV Novembre, and across from the Coop. It is a wonderful place to go if you want a coffee and a panini because it is very cost efficient, and they have high quality products. The baristas here are very kind, always greeting you with a smile, and offering you water (the only other place that has offered me water is Verace). They even have various types of mints and gum at the register, which can help if you are trying to avoid coffee breath! Caffè Dal Perugino is a cute cafè that you must checkout!

Verace

Verace is my favorite cafè and is just a short walk down from Piazza IV Novembre. The owner of this spectacular establishment also owns a restaurant (that is also called Verace) right next to it. This restaurant is fantastic and makes delicious pizza for a reasonable price. They have pizza for sale in the cafè as well, making Verace the perfect place for a cheap, heavenly lunch. Verace has exceptional coffee, friendly baristas that always welcome a chat (they have even taught me some Italian), and they always offer a free glass of water, which is a rarity in Perugia. Personally, I love to go to Verace with a book in the afternoon for a coffee, and to enjoy the quietness in their outdoor seating area. I simply cannot speak highly enough about Verace!

All these bars are wonderful places with a great aesthetic and quality products. They are all within a 5-minute walk of Piazza IV Novembre, which is great because they are right in the city center. On the contrary, if you are at the institute and do not have time to leave the building, or you are looking for the cheapest option, there are coffee vending machines within the building. Though I was skeptical at first, I have learned that these vending machines make delicious cappuccinos for just 70 cents, an espresso shot for 60 cents, and many other cost-efficient options.