Often called “the big university town in a small Italian city,” Perugia is home to the Umbra Institute, which is the sister-institute to the International Studies Institute in Florence (ISI Florence Programs). Students can choose from a variety of courses with integrated field trips to world-famous Italian cities and sites, community engagement opportunities, and extra-curricular activities. The diverse Umbra faculty and friendly staff strive to incorporate a genuine Italian experience into all elements of the academic curriculum and student’s experience.
Perugia’s hilltop location serves as the ideal backdrop for study abroad in Italy. Rich in art, architecture, and historical significance, it is internationally recognized as a city of learning. The ancient city is surrounded by the rolling hills of Umbria and Tuscany. While lying off the beaten path, travel from Perugia is easy as Rome, Florence, Siena, Assisi, and Cortona lie only a short distance away.
Beyond the unique location, community engagement is the guiding philosophy behind all Umbra academic programs. Thanks to the city’s small size, the daily interaction with Italian students, and effective Italian language studies, Umbra helps students get to know the real Italy—and Italians. Each semester, Umbra students discover that giving back to the host community is one of the most rewarding outcomes of their time abroad. The real and visible impact of these efforts includes intercultural exchange, language acquisition, and new friendships. Students may choose from academic internships and service learning projects to volunteering, Co-ops, and more.
