CIS - Study Abroad at the Umbra Institute in Perugia!

  Italy

• All Other Areas in Italy: 
Perugia

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall: late August - mid-December; Spring: early January - late April

Description: CIS has partnered with the Umbra Institute located in the heart of Perugia, Italy. Perugia is located about halfway between Florence and Rome in Umbria, a region known as the "green heart of Italy" for its lush natural treasures and central location.   Umbria is a large and diverse region abundant with mountains and lakes, river valleys and agricultural fields. As the regional and provincial capital the city of Perugia is a focal point for visitors to the region. This authentic and intimate town exudes regional pride for its art, tradition and cuisine, as well as a history that spans over 2,500 years.

The Umbra Institute was founded in 1999 in Perugia, Italy as a center for higher education offering academic programs for students of US colleges and universities. The Umbra Institute is recognized by the Ministry of Education in Italy and is recognized by Italian universities as an approved provider of credit-bearing courses for the University of Perugia (Università degli Studi di Perugia). Furthermore, the Institute has developed relations with the local government, foundations, and cultural institutions to provide students with a truly immersive experience in the city and local culture.

All courses are designed to integrate the local resources and to immerse students into the Perugian environment through on-site learning. The Umbra faculty is comprised of professors from Italy, the European Union, and the United States, and is committed to teaching in the liberal arts tradition. Umbra professors are leaders in their disciplines and most hold terminal degrees.

Students have the option to participate in the General Studies Program, Intensive Italian Language & Culture Program or the Independent Research Program.   All instruction is in English except in clearly designated advanced Italian courses.   Students must enroll in a 4- or 6-credit Italian language course (prior study of Italian is not required) and also choose from elective courses for a minimum of 12 credits per semester.

Highlights: As part of the CIS Program at the Umbra Institute, students will partake in excursions, cultural events, dinners and sports events. In addition, many of the students find time to travel to nearby European destinations  a weekend in France or Switzerland is not out of the ordinary. At night you will not need to go far to find entertainment in Perugia. You can take part in the evening ritual of la passeggiata , a slow gentle stroll through the center of town, or meet up with friends for gelato. If you want to immerse yourself in Italian culture, the Institute also arranges a language exchange program where students can meet Italians students. If you are interested in meeting Italians and becoming part of the local culture, Perugia is the destination for you!

To help students acclimate to their new surroundings, each term begins with a three day orientation. The program not only includes sessions on academics, living in Perugia, and health and safety issues but also provides Italian language workshops and walking tours of the city. Throughout their stay in Perugia students will be supported 24 hours per day by the staff at the Institute.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please contact CIS

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded: 2000