FoodStudies in Perugia: Feeding your mind, soul, and appetite Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Food studies program at the Umbra Institute was phenomenal. Hands down. The learning experience this program offered was incredibly hands-on and involved, tangibly connecting the student to the heart of Italian food culture. This real-world perspective was refreshing coming from an often highly competitve, academically strenous home university, and provided an entirely different, yet no less valuable, means of understanding.

On-site administration of your program

The Umbra staff is incredibly knowledgable and helful. The few times where we had issues at our house, we had a quick response from one of the staff, and they were always willing to give recommendations and advice!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The appartments were very nice, and decently furnished, and were all inside the beautiful historic center of Perugia. Yes, obviously some adjustments had to be made concerning some of the "comforts" of American lifestyle- as in internet access, unlimited TV channels.. and dryers, but I found that these lack of ammenities ended up being a blessing in disguise, and a new perspective on life in other countries. As far as nightlife, Perugia is really unique in that the whole town gathers on the steps in the center of town to hang out and drink, which makes going out and getting home easy and safe! It is different than normal college perceptions of "going out" but still incredibly enjoyable and fun!

Authentic Italian food is unreal. The end. But do take the time to cook for yourself! Gathering ingredients from the various markets and cooking with my roommates are some of the best memories I have from my time abroad.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So many! For starters, the Eurochocolate fest is in Perugia during the fall semester, which, despite it's "touristy" vibe, is still exciting and delicious. Our Program organizes a field trip each semester, ours was to the Almafi coast, which are always well planned, and fun. And the food studies program included so many invaluable field trips all across Italy, from workshops in Perugia, to trips to the Parmeggiano-Reggiano factory in Parma!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Perugia is incredibly safe and welcoming to study abroad students! The only "health" issue I dealt with while abroad was dealing with a pesky mosquito problem.. which while annoying did not in anyway damper my experience

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The best way to learn a language is to speak it. Keep talking. No matter how stupid or inept you might feel, you have to keep talking, and listening, and engaging with the language. Because I had very entertaining, and very American roommates and friends while abroad, I found that English was still my primary language, and a comfort . However, because Perugia is so small, and non-touristy I was forced to at least aquire a good working vocabulary to get along in everyday life, and found that my Italian improved immensly from conversing with store owners and locals.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• The food studies program
• The city of Perugia- perfect for studying abroad

• The italian language aspect