Once in a lifetime. January 31, 2026
By A student (American Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/28/2026 to 12/13/2025 with
Umbra Institute: Perugia - The Food and Sustainability Studies Program
I learned so much about sustainability and local food systems. Absolutely worthwhile I met so many unforgettable people.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved the Umbra Institute. Every person on the staff is heavily invested in student success and enjoyment. The professors are incredibly intelligent and bring many unique experiences into their courses. The apartments were beautiful and all accessible in terms of walkability to the school. Perugia was a perfect town not too big or small. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Many opportunities to become involved with local communities and culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My friend had many health issues along the way and people from the Umbra staff came with her to the doctor to make sure everything was okay. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Easy to live on a budget. Cheap groceries, drinks, and restaurants. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To bring hiking shoes! |
