In this episode, host Amanda Fontana, Study Abroad Advisor at the Umbra Institute, sits down with Umbra students Julia Neumann (Bates College) and Emely Chuco (University of Connecticut) to discuss the predeparture process for studying abroad in Perugia. From completing orientation and obtaining a visa to managing expectations and preparing mentally for life in a new country, the conversation dives into both the practical steps and the emotional journey of leaving home to study abroad for the first time.
Tune in for honest reflections, helpful tips, and inspiring insights from students who were once right where you are — getting ready to embark on their Umbra adventure.
Traveling every weekend across Europe may sound exciting, but it’s not always realistic—or sustainable. While living in Perugia, you have a unique opportunity that tourists don’t: to slow down, immerse yourself in daily Italian life, and discover the beauty of local experiences.
Still, figuring out how to balance time, money, and the urge to explore can feel daunting. That’s why Paulina Allen, our SP25 work-study student, sat down with two fellow Umbra students and an Umbra staff member to share their best tips for traveling locally and making the most of your study abroad adventure—without breaking the bank.
At the Umbra Institute, we support your journey with plenty of resources: from newsletters and workshops to day trips and activities that inspire mindful travel and deeper connections.
In this episode, we explore the city of Perugia through the perspective of both a local Italian student and several Umbra Institute students. Our guest, Tommaso, a student at the University of Perugia (UniPG), shares his favorite places around the city—including study spots, parks, dinner destinations, and more. After spending three months in Perugia, our Umbra student representatives also offer their own insights and recommendations. Whether you're looking for hidden gems or everyday favorites, this episode highlights what makes Perugia special from both local and international viewpoints.
The episode was created by our Umbra Reps from Spring 2025 semester!
with Molly Haggerty and Catalina Lora, Umbra Reps Spring 2025
In this episode, Molly and Catalina—two of our Spring 2025 Umbra Reps—dive into a fun and candid conversation about the ups and downs of learning Italian while living abroad.
From unexpected first encounters with the language outside the classroom to the ways their previous language knowledge helped—or sometimes didn’t—they reflect on what it really feels like to immerse yourself in a new linguistic and cultural world.
Tune in for honest stories, helpful tips, and a few laughs along the way.
What does it feel like to land in a new city where you don’t yet speak the language? In this episode, we follow the story of Ali, a student who arrived in Perugia to study at Umbra without knowing a word of Italian. Through her experience, we explore the challenges—and the small victories—of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and finding connection in unfamiliar places.
You'll also hear how Umbra supports students through this transition, helping them not just to navigate the language, but to feel at home. Tune in for an honest, inspiring look at the early days of immersion—and what it means to truly dive in.
This episode is brought to you by students ofthe Communicating Taste – Social Media and Journalism of Food & Wine class led by our professor Jacopo Cossater, wine expert and journalist.
This episode, created by Victoria, Annie, and Chelsea, is oneof the outputs of their class.
It explores their personal experiences with Italian cuisineand culinary habits, especially their adventures in dining at restaurants and how it compares to their food experiences back home in the United States.
If you are curious about food culture in Italy in thecontext of restaurants, come with us and enjoy the journey. Let’s dig in!
In this episode, we’re debunking common misconceptions, tackling the biggest challenges of the application process, and sharing practical tips to help you get in and thrive once you’re there.
This conversation is a reflection on Dr. John Lawrence Dennis, Dr. Zachary Nowak, and Dr. Filippo Sposini's "How to Get Into Grad School" workshop, where we gained valuable insights on what really matters when applying.
Hit play and get the real talk on grad school! 🎧
Explore how tangible objects enhance storytelling and personal narratives. Reflect on insights from the workshop "Using Tangibles to Encourage Human Narratives.”
In this episode, our students explore the challenges and personal growth that arise from stepping beyond the comfort of speaking their native language. Join Morgan, Reagan, and Mira, members of our Fall 2024 Umbra Representatives Team, as they candidly share their experiences—embracing the initial discomfort and discovering the remarkable opportunities that come with this journey. Don’t miss their inspiring and insightful conversation!
Explore the concept of digital detox and its importance for adolescents' well-being. Drawing from insights from the workshop held by Dr. Giorgio Ghizzoni, guest lecturer at the Umbra Institute, discusses the effects of intense social media use on mental health and shares practical strategies for reducing screen time.
This episode delves into the transformation of Italian psychiatry after the 1978 reform, which marked a shift from institutional care to community-based services. Drawing on insights from Professor Sposini’s workshop, part of MPP program Faculty, we discuss the impact on patient outcomes, family burdens, and the ongoing challenges in mental health care, particularly for schizophrenia and mood disorders.
Explore the Photovoice project as a method for documenting and reflecting on multicultural experiences with our professor of Art Therapy Phillipa Stannard, certified art therapist and professor of Art Therapy at the Umbra Institute.
We will discuss the themes captured in students' Photovoice journals and the psychological insights gained.
The Multicultural Psychology Program Podcast Series is a new initiative of the Multicultural Psychology Program (MPP) which aims to enhance students' learning with hands-on experience by promoting the integration of knowledge of multicultural psychology with real-world contexts.
Each episode will be hosted by Umbra intern Lindsey Cottle and facilitated by MPP student groups, who will present and discuss various MPP-related issues and interview expert guests throughout the series. The podcast project encourages the practical application of academic studies, fostering a deeper understanding of multicultural psychology, diversity, and inclusion.
Join host Kendall Mann, a rising senior at DePauw University, United States, and TRAP 2024 student as she talks with two guests about the Trasimeno Archaeological Project and what it entails.
Dr. Rebecca Schindler of DePauw University serves as the site director of the project. She, along with local archaeologist Giancarlo Santarelli, discuss this year’s project and excavation process. They break down what it looks like to participate in this project and why it's important to be able to uncover this town’s history and disseminate the knowledge to the public.
Listen to this episode to hear about the multidisciplinary approach of archaeology, the relationship between DePauw University, the Umbra Institute, and the Commune of Castiglione del Lago, and the opening of the new archaeology museum showcasing this project under the Palazzo in Castiglione del Lago.
For more information about the next Summer Archaeology Program, visit www.umbra.org/archaeology-summer/
Since 2012, the Umbra Institute has hosted the Food Conference biennially. This academic gathering serves as a platform for scholars in the field of Food Studies to connect, share insights, and discuss the latest research.
In this episode, we will explore the 2024 Conference highlights with Professor Elisa Ascione (John Felice Rome Center, Loyola University Chicago), Professor Christopher Fink (Ohio Wesleyan University), and Professor Clelia Viecelli (The Umbra Institute).
Join host Jacopo as he dives into the fascinating world of food myths and fun facts with two distinguished guests: Don Spratt, Professor of Biochemistry and Director of STEM Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunities at Clark University, and Visiting Professor at the Umbra Institute, where he teaches Italian Kitchen Chemistry; and Zachary Nowak, PhD in American Studies from Harvard University and Professor of History and Culture of Food at the Umbra Institute.
In this episode, Jacopo, Don, and Zachary explore the science and history behind some of the most intriguing questions about food. Does milk do the body good? Is sugar really addictive? They will uncover the truths, debunk the myths, and share interesting anecdotes from both scientific and historical perspectives. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening conversation that will leave you with a new appreciation for the foods you eat every day.
"How to make groceries in Perugia" is a special episode brought to you by the Communicating Taste students of the Spring Semester 2024. This episode serves as the course's final project and was entirely designed and created by the students.
They will guide you through the essentials of grocery shopping in Italy, with a special focus on Perugia. Where should you shop for your groceries? How should you go about making your purchases? They will share practical tips for navigating local markets and stores, as well as cultural insights to enrich your shopping experience.
Tune in and gather these invaluable tips!
Join this conversation with Anna Yankee, Hamilton College, and Jason Shrem, Clark University, in which they tell us about their experience of two semesters here in Italy.
From September to April they had the chance to deep dive in Italian culture and language.
What has been the evolution of their experience here? What’s been the role of the Italian language in their experience? And most of all, what is that one thing of Italian culture that they will adopt in their life from now on?
What classes are there at Umbra? What do you do in your free time? What is Perugia like?
Join this conversation with our Umbra representatives for the Spring 2023 semester: Esther Fatungase (Arcadia University), Fabiana Atencio Flores (University of Connecticut) , Isabella Iacovetta (University of Colorado Boulder) and Ava Donovan (Roger Williams University).
If you want you to hear more about the daily life of an Umbra Student this episode was made for you!
Explore this topic with our Umbra Reps students from Fall 2023: Elsa Martin (Williams College), Alexandra Ahlbeck (Denison University), Janet Scharmer (Santa Clara University) and Vanessa Sordello (Santa Clara University). Solo traveling might feel intimidating but it can be a wonderful experience! Listen to our student’s experience and tips.
In this episode Cheryl Mei, an Umbra Student from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, presents her academic project for the Positive Psychology course taught by Professor John Dennis.
She had a straightforward idea: to stop passers-by and ask them what happiness means to them.
Enjoy listening to the voices Cheryl collected from the US, Canada, Italy, Germany, and Egypt!
By the way, what does happiness mean to you?
