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Programs : Brochure

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  • Locations: Perugia, Italy
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: The Umbra Institute  
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: Italian Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior, 5-grad student, 6-other
Housing Options: Apartment (shared), Homestay Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Agriculture, Anthropology, Archaeology, Architectural History, Architecture, Art History, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Communication, Communications, Creative Writing, Culture, Culture,, Developmental Sciences, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environmental Studies, European Studies, Film, Film & Media Study, Finance, Fine Art, Gender Studies, Geography, Geology, Global Studies, Government, Health & Human Services, History, Human Rights, Humanities, International Business, International Relations, International Studies, Italian, Italian Language & Literature, Journalism, Law, Liberal Arts, Linguistics, Literature, Management, Mathematics & Statistics, Media Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Other Language & Literature, Peace & Conflict Studies, Philosophy, Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation, Physics, Political Science, Politics, Psychology, Public Health, Sciences, Sociology, Sports Science, Writing
Program Type: Study Abroad Minimum GPA: 2.75
Click here for a definition of this term Program: Direct
Program Description:

Direct Enrollment: University of Perugia

University of PerugiaAbout the Program

The Direct Enrollment Program at the University of Perugia (Università degli Studi di Perugia) offers students the unique opportunity to gain a truly immersive experience in Italian culture and in the European style of education. Students will take courses with Italian and international students at both of Perugia’s prestigious universities – the Università per Stranieri and the Università degli Studi di Perugia. Students will apply through the Umbra Institute and benefit from the same services (orientation, safety, cultural activities, etc.) as students enrolled in the other Umbra programs. Students may enroll in the Direct Enrollment program one semester or a full year; each semester involves language review courses at the Università per Stranieri, tutorials and support sessions at the Umbra Institute, and several courses at the Università degli Studi di Perugia.

All students will begin the semester enrolled in an intensive Italian language course for six weeks prior to starting courses at the Università degli Studi di Perugia. This period is dedicated to improving language skills and introducing students to the European university setting. Italian language tutorials will be held weekly and led by Umbra professors at the Umbra Institute. Fall students will attend the credit-bearing Language Review Program in September/October and spring students will attend in January/February.

Academics

Students can select from a list of courses taught in Italian at the Università degli Studi di Perugia. Umbra suggests that students take two courses.
For an overview of the types of courses offered, visit the UNIPG webpage.

Academic Calendar:
Fall Semester
September – mid-October: Language Review Program
October – December: Classes at the Università degli Studi di Perugia
Spring Semester
January – mid-February: Language Review Program
February – April: Classes at the Università degli Studi di Perugia

*Please note: Direct Enrollment students do not have a traditional fall or spring break, but will enjoy holidays listed in the Italian academic calendar.

Umbra HousingHousing

Students will continue the immersion experience by living with Italian and/or international students in shared apartments. These flatmates will also be attending the Università per Stranieri and/or the Università degli Studi di Perugia. This placement will further improve their language proficiency and ensure that Italian is the primary language spoken both at home and at school. It also allows students to experience university student life in Italy with peers from the same institutions.

Student Life & Services

Umbra arranges an airport pick-up on arrival day each semester, during which staff personally welcomes students to Italy and Perugia. Through orientation students meet Umbra’s Resident and Academic Directors, chat with community engagement coordinators about volunteering and other opportunities, receive apartment tips from dedicated housing staff, and learn travel tricks from the student services team.

Students are encouraged to be as involved as possible while studying in Perugia. For a complete list of student activity and community engagement options, click here.

Another unique feature available to Umbra students is the Umbra App (available on iPhone and Android). The App gives students immediate access to semester event details and sign-ups, walking directions to local restaurants and businesses, and provides a list of local discount information. Students can also contact each other, faculty, or staff through the App, view course information, and more.

Health and Safety

  • The Umbra Institute is dedicated to ensuring that students enjoy a safe and rewarding study abroad experience. As a full-service program with more than 15 years’ experience in study abroad, Umbra is there to assist each student from the time they apply, through their arrival, and up to the day of departure. Services relative to health and safety include:
  • Orientation: an Italian State Police lieutenant gives a presentation on safety and security in Italy and throughout Europe.
  • Emergency Phone: available 24 hours a day.
  • On-site Coaching and Counseling Service
  • Housing Office: offering apartment maintenance and assistance.
  • Umbra App Safety Check-in: In case of an emergency, all students will receive a Safety Check-in notification through the App. They will then be prompted to respond with either “I’m Safe” or “Request Assistance,” so that appropriate steps can be taken to ensure their well-being.
  • Doctors and Medical Care Available 24 Hours a Day: Students may choose to contact medical personnel on their own, but most students come to Umbra staff for support and assistance in making an appointment, either during business hours or through contacting the emergency phone.
  • Travel Workshop and Travel Forms. 

Umbra StudentsThe Umbra Institute Highlights

  • International staff and faculty;
  • US Office providing pre-departure support;
  • Private airport pick-up in Rome and transfer to Perugia;
  • Communication: Umbra App (for Apple and Android), monthly newsletters, Wi-Fi in all student apartments, Handbooks and Guidebook;
  • Emergency phone available 24 hours a day;
  • Life-coaching and counseling service;
  • Staff trained in crisis management;
  • Multi-day orientation in Perugia including a practical city walking tour;
  • Cell phone or SIM cards rental services available;
  • Educational and cultural workshops (Travel Workshop, Career Workshop, etc.);
  • Optional Trip, a staff-guided trip offered to explore beautiful, scenic Italy;
  • Co-curricular field trips to world-renowned historic sites and famous cities;
  • Italian language courses to learn practical skills to communicate with locals;
  • Tandem language exchange; and
  • A variety of extracurricular activities (pizza-making workshop, sports with Italian university students, etc.). 

Application

Students should have a minimum of four semesters of Italian language courses and have achieved a B2 proficiency in Italian based on the Common European Framework. This direct enrollment program is designed for motivated and mature students who are interested in immersing themselves fully in the Italian culture and university educational system.

If you’re ready to begin your journey, start this easy online application