Arcadia Abroad – The Umbra Institute: General Studies Program
- Location: Perugia, Italy
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Often called ‘the big university town in a small Italian city,’ Perugia is the home of ISI Perugia – The Umbra Institute, which offers a variety of courses for study abroad students. They are peppered with academic field study to famous Italian cities and sites, community engagement opportunities, internship courses (internship placement areas include the Fair Trade sector, Museums, and Education), and extracurricular activities to take you out of the classroom and into the real Italy. These opportunities range from assisting at a family farm to doll-making for UNICEF.
Perugia’s hilltop location serves as the ideal backdrop for your study – rich in art, architecture, and historical significance, it is internationally recognized as a city of learning.
- Visa:
Required.
Non-US citizens should consult with Arcadia and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition to Haverford. Haverford is responsible for making tuition payment to Arcadia. Students are responsible for paying room and board costs directly to Arcadia.
Academic Overview
Requirements
No Italian language proficiency is required. Students are required to enroll in an Italian language course while abroad.
Students are NOT permitted to enroll in the following courses:
- All iStudy virtual classes
- Digital Marketing: Wine and Wineries of Central Italy
- Communicating Taste – the Media Journalism of Food and Wine
Academic Credit
The program requires a minimum of one Italian language course based on your proficiency. In addition, choose your electives from the established academic pathways for a total of 15-17 credits. Transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C (2.0) or above.
Curriculum
Learn Italian at your level and study the culture while pursuing electives in a variety of disciplines taught in English. Most courses are three or four credit hours. During the semester this means that students take one mandatory Italian course and then three or four additional elective courses.
You may also choose to pursue a specialized academic pathway in Multi-Cultural Psychology or Food, Sustainability & Environment if you wish to combine high academic standards, extensive study in the subject area, and community engagement.
Course Highlights
Anthropology, Art, Art History, Classical Studies, Creative Writing, Disability Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, European Studies, Film, Fine Art, Food Studies, History, Humanities, Italian, Italian Language and Literature, Liberal Arts, Photography, Politics, Psychology, Religion/Theology, Sociology, Sustainability, Studio Arts, Women's Studies, and Writing
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
The comprehensive orientation known as Thresholds, delivered by Arcadia staff, covers all essential information you’ll need to find your feet in Italy and to adjust to living abroad. You’ll get to know your fellow students and the staff. Sessions include: health & safety issues, local transport information, academic adjustment, budgeting, suggestions for meeting new friends, and an introduction to the regional diversity of culture and local traditions. Social and cultural events include getting to know your host city through walking tours and special welcome meals.
Number of Students
80-120
Housing/Meal Plans
Apartments – All apartments include wifi access, bed linens and shared kitchen facilities where you can prepare your own meals. Apartments typically house 2-8 students. In the General Studies Program, your roommates will typically be other North American students studying at the Umbra Institute. You will most often be allocated double rooms, but some apartments may have single and triple rooms.
Properties are within a 10-20 minute walk of the Umbra Institute and are located in the historical center in glorious buildings that are centuries old. Unfortunately, not all the apartments have lifts, so walking stairs is commonplace.
Meals are not included, but the university cafeteria offers meals exclusively to students for very reasonable prices. Most students choose to cook in their apartments (kitchen tools are provided).
Haverford students may not opt for housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
View Scholarship InformationOptions
- Semester
Dates
- Semester I: Late-August to Mid-December
- Semester II: Early-January to Late-April
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 15
- Semester II: October 1