Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- Italian Language experience is recommended but not required.
Program Description
If you are interested in a program that gives you a thorough immersion into the Italian way of life while studying alongside international students, then Umbra University’s Intensive Italian Semester is perfect for you. It involves a direct enroll with Università per Stranieri (University for Foreigners).
The Università per Stranieri is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of Italian language instruction in Italy. To be accepted into the Direct Enrollment Program, you should exhibit exceptional maturity, responsibility, openness, and a fervent interest in a challenging academic environment.
Dates
Fall: mid August - mid December
Spring: early January - late April
Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available.
Location
Nicknamed the "University City," Perugia is home to thousands of students who study at the Università degli Studi di Perugia, Università per Straniere di Perugia, and the many studio and performing arts schools in the area. An ancient hilltop town that has preserved its medieval and Renaissance character, Perugia is located in the heartland of Italy about halfway between Rome and Florence. Countless artistic masterpieces adorn many of its buildings, including remarkable frescoes and paintings by Perugino, Pinturicchio, Guercino, Caravaggio, and Raphael. The city's Etruscan walls, medieval churches, and Renaissance and Baroque palaces are enduring reminders of its splendid past. Within this charming old world setting, you'll also find many modern amenities. Corso Vannucci, the main street in the city center, is a broad pedestrian thoroughfare constantly buzzing with action. At night, the area bursts into life, with pedestrians happily scurrying to one of the many local jazz cafés, piano bars, concerts, or art exhibits.
The Umbra Institute is located right in the heart of Perugia, in the Palazzo degli Oddi. The Palazzo is actually a palace owned by the descendants of Italian nobility. This spectacular setting is adorned by magnificent neoclassical paintings, frescoed ceilings and walls dating as far back as the 15th century, and a neighboring Italian courtyard and garden. In addition to the Palazzo's Renaissance splendor, it is replete with modern resources and amenities including a library, computer lab, classrooms, and student lounge.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.