Programs : Brochure

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Locations: Perugia, Italy
Program Terms: Academic Year, Spring
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: The Umbra Institute

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction:	Italian	Click here for a definition of this term Class Status:	2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior, 5-grad student, 6-other
Housing Options:	Apartment (shared), Homestay	Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study:	Art, Art History, Arts, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Studio Art, Studio Arts
Program Type:	Study Abroad	Minimum GPA:	2.75
Click here for a definition of this term Program:	Direct

Program Description:

Direct Enrollment:
Accademia di Belle Arti Pietro Vannucci

About Perugia

Perugia is the capital of the Italian region of Umbria, situated halfway between Florence and Rome on a hilltop surrounded by the rolling hills of Umbria and Tuscany. The ancient city serves as the ideal backdrop for study abroad in Italy. Rich in art, architecture, and historic significance, it is internationally recognized as a city of learning.

The city’s multiple train and bus stations, as well as an international airport, allow students to both experience Italian culture and explore Europe. The lively community hosts various festivals (such as Eurochocolate, the International Journalism Festival, and Umbria Jazz) each year and multiple international academic institutions, attracting students and professionals from across the globe.

About the Program

The Direct Enrollment Program at the Accademia di Belle Arti Pietro Vannucci (The Academy of Fine Arts Pietro Vannucci) offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the prestigious environment of one of the oldest Italian institutions for fine arts and to experience firsthand the European style of education. Participants will live and study with Italian and international students. They will apply through the Umbra Institute and benefit from the same services such as orientation, safety, and cultural activities as students enrolled in the other Umbra programs.

Students may choose to enroll for the spring semester or for a full year. All students will conclude their experience at the end of June, after completion of the exams at the Accademia di Belle Arti. Please visit the program webpage for additional information on the calendar, or contact the Umbra Institute.

All students will begin the semester enrolled in an intensive Italian language course for six weeks prior to starting courses at the Università degli Studi di Perugia. This period is dedicated to improving language skills and introducing students to the European university setting. Italian language tutorials will be held weekly and led by Umbra professors at the Umbra Institute. Fall students will attend the credit-bearing Language Review Program in September/October and spring students will attend in January/February.

This particular Direct Enrollment program is designed for motivated and mature students who are interested in immersing themselves fully in Italian culture and the Italian higher education system.

Academics

Students can select from an extensive list of fine art courses taught at the Accademia, from practical courses such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and jewelry-making, to theoretical courses such as art history, aesthetics, web design, fashion, and more. Courses are held at the Accademia facility, housed in the beautiful former convent of San Francesco al Prato, and are taught entirely in Italian. The program yields between 12-18 semester credits.

Sample courses:

Anatomy for Artists: This course teaches the theory and practice of artistic anatomy.
Xylography: Students in this course will study and practice the ancient art of engraving and painting.
Decorative Design: This course trains students in the technical art of graphic design, by hand and with technology.
Painting I: Students enrolled in this course will learn the basic skills in the art of painting.
Painting II: For students with some previous experience, this course will explore techniques of painting with an interdisciplinary approach.

Housing

Students will continue the immersion experience by living with Italian and/or international students in shared apartments. This placement allows students to experience university student life in Italy with peers from the same institution.

Student Life & Services

Umbra arranges an airport pick-up on arrival day each semester, during which staff personally welcomes students to Italy and Perugia. Through orientation students meet Umbra’s Resident and Academic Directors, chat with community engagement coordinators about volunteering and other opportunities, receive apartment tips from dedicated housing staff, and learn travel tricks from the student services team.

Students are encouraged to be as involved as possible while studying in Perugia. For a complete list of student activity and community engagement options, click here.

Another unique feature available to Umbra students is the Umbra App (available on iPhone and Android). The App gives students immediate access to semester event details and sign-ups, walking directions to local restaurants and businesses, and provides a list of local discount information. Students can also contact each other, faculty, or staff through the App, view course information, and more.

Health and Safety

The Umbra Institute is dedicated to ensuring that students enjoy a safe and rewarding study abroad experience. As a full-service program with more than 15 years’ experience in study abroad, Umbra is there to assist each student from the time they apply, through their arrival, and up to the day of departure. Services relative to health and safety include:
Orientation: an Italian State Police lieutenant gives a presentation on safety and security in Italy and throughout Europe.
Emergency Phone: available 24 hours a day.
On-site Coaching and Counseling Service
Housing Office: offering apartment maintenance and assistance.
Umbra App Safety Check-in: In case of an emergency, all students will receive a Safety Check-in notification through the App. They will then be prompted to respond with either “I’m Safe” or “Request Assistance,” so that appropriate steps can be taken to ensure their well-being.
Doctors and Medical Care Available 24 Hours a Day: Students may choose to contact medical personnel on their own, but most students come to Umbra staff for support and assistance in making an appointment, either during business hours or through contacting the emergency phone.
Travel Workshop and Travel Forms.

The Umbra Institute Highlights

International staff and faculty;
US Office providing pre-departure support;
Private airport pick-up in Rome and transfer to Perugia;
Communication: Umbra App (for Apple and Android), monthly newsletters, Wi-Fi in all student apartments, Handbooks and Guidebook;
Emergency phone available 24 hours a day;
Life-coaching and counseling service;
Staff trained in crisis management;
Multi-day orientation in Perugia including a practical city walking tour;
Cell phone or SIM cards rental services available;
Educational and cultural workshops (Travel Workshop, Career Workshop, etc.);
Optional Trip, a staff-guided trip offered to explore beautiful, scenic Italy;
Co-curricular field trips to world-renowned historic sites and famous cities;
Tandem language exchange; and
A variety of extracurricular activities (pizza-making workshop, sports with Italian university students, etc.).

Application

Students should have a minimum of two semesters of Italian language courses and have achieved a B1 proficiency in Italian based on the Common European Framework.

If you’re ready to begin your journey, start this easy online application.