Arcadia Study Abroad Program at the Umbra Institute
Often called "the big university town in a small Italian city," Perugia is the home of the Umbra Institute, which offers distinctive fall, spring, and summer programs. Students can choose from a variety of courses. Academic field trips to famous Italian cities and sites, community engagement opportunities, and extracurricular activities take you out of the classroom and into the real Italy.
Perugia's hilltop location serves as the ideal backdrop for your 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.
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90%Overall
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80%Overall
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I studied abroad in Perugia back in the summer of 2006. Wow, that was five years ago. Time sure does fly, but I still fondly remember the time I spent here.
Perugia is not exactly on the top of tourist destinations in Italy, but it's a fun city and a perfect jumping point to visit the rest of Italy. Florence is a two hour train ride north, and Rome is two hours south. Speaking of trains, the Italian system does take some getting used to. It's not always obvious where you need to switch trains so some basic Italian really comes in handy!
I took two summer classes: Italian art history (my major), and photography. Both were pretty basic to be honest, but the experience was more about being abroad rather than the study, if you know what I mean! Each class also included a field trip which was fun.
I lived with two other students from my university in an apartment the program rented for us. I think you have the option to live with an Italian family, but I'm not 100% on that. At any rate, the apartment was nice and clean complete with a small kitchen that we cooked in a lot. There was a small market down the street to buy food. *Warning* Italian stores close in the afternoon from 2 to 7 (approx.) so buy your food early if you don't want to starve.
That's about it. I had a great summer and really enjoyed traveling around the rest of Italy and Europe. I personally loved visiting Venice and other parts of northern Italy. I also made it to Germany and France which were great.
Good luck! I really can't say enough good things about the experience of studying abroad.
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About Arcadia Study Abroad
Arcadia University, founded in 1853, is pleased to announce the establishment of The College of Global Studies. The College has transformed from the Center for Education Abroad through a total restructuring of the University Academic Affairs. The University is now divided into four colleges: The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, The College of Business, Health & Sciences, The College of Continuing Studies, and The College of Global Studies. It is the first College of its kind to become a full-fledged member of the academy with all the attendant rights and responsibilities thereof.
Arcadia University's College of Global Studies is committed to the full integration of global studies within the University's curriculum. The College of Global Studies will strive to uphold Arcadia University's mission to prepare residential students, as well as international students, for life and service in a global and dynamic society.
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Well, I am back in Charleston and occupied with nursing school, trying to fall back into my regular routine which has drastically changed since my return from Perugia. I have realized how much Perugia has helped me prepare for what is to come. Being home, I see how being so immersed into the Italian culture has made me more open-minded and will help with all aspects in life. Given the limited amount of Italian I was able to speak I found myself in a place in which I had to learn how to communicate with people in different ways. This brought me the opportunity to practice, learn and hone in on my communication skills. Studying to be a nurse I found that being able to communicate to all types of people is a skill that not only is needed, but also is necessary. Italy and my time in Perugia brought me this new ability.
My most memorable experience is when my parents came to visit me in Perugia. I brought my life, all things familiar, and who I was from America over to Italy. Perugia was my home now, and because of that, it was now my turn to lead. I was able to show them the place that I now called home, the place that even years after leaving the walls of Perugia will continue to be my home. I was able to show my family the people, the places, and the adventures that I found myself surrounded by every day. This time reminded me of my first days that I spent in Perugia, when I was overwhelmed. But while navigating the busy streets, and showing my family the places that have become all too familiar to me, that is when I realized Perugia had become my home.
Your months studying abroad will go by in a blink of an eye, so take advantage of every moment you have. Walk around the city, meet the people, try to communicate, and eat the food, and most importantly, speak Italian! The best part of my experience was making friends with people from all over the world, not just Americans. This will not only make you a well-rounded and interesting person, but it will change who you are forever.
Having visited friends who studies all over Italy, Perugia was unequivocally the best choice...and they all envied my "dolce vita" in Umbria wishing they had chosen Perugia as well.
Critical Feedback:
In Italian housing the heat is limited so that was not the best but we got used to it. If you choose a homestay be prepared to have an open mind and live with others string and good points...be prepared so there are no surprises.