Go to Perugia if you're looking for the real Italy

Ratings
Overall
5
Academics: 3
Support: 5
Fun: 5
Housing: 4
Safety: 4
Review

If you're looking for the non-touristy, real local feel of Italy, the Umbra Institute in Perugia is the place to be. Being in a small town in the heart of Italy allows Umbra to provide students with the most authentic Italian feel from the people, to the food, to the shopping.
Being in a town where English is not used too often, Umbra teaches students Italian at the pace they choose through classes and interactive activities such as city tours, and cornetto (croissant) making! You'll be able to shop at grocery stores and get lunch without struggling to put a few key Italian words together; the language will come with ease and you'll get to know your local cashiers!
Not only will your local panino and gelato shop know your order but you're put in an incredible position to truly get to know the locals! Through English/Italian learning sessions, you get the opportunity to meet tons of local Italian college students. By beginning the friendships at these sessions, you have the chance to continue them outside with dinners, apertive, and nights out!
Umbra not only sets up fun interactive events in town with pizza making, gelato making, cheese and wine tastings, but also outside of town. You're given the opportunity to visit and help harvest at a vineyard, harvest olives, and visit parmigiana and balsamico companies!
Studying abroad in Perugia was absolutely incredible, partly due to the location and authentic-ness of Perugia but also the staff at Umbra. As incredible as the program is, if there is ever an issue, the staff is there to help you through the difficulties. From having a fuse go out in my apartment to filing a police case when my wallet was stolen in Rome, the staff at Umbra helped me through every little detail. I would recommend this incredible to absolutely everyone looking to truly be immersed in Italian culture and would re do the semester in a heartbeat!

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would
Year Completed
2013
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