The Umbra Podcast

Created by students of The Umbra Institute as an assignment for the Spring 2026 course Communicating Taste , this episode explores the role of meat in Italian food culture. From savory local specialties to beloved...

<p>In this episode of the Umbra Institute Podcast, we’re joined by Alfonso Dragone, Director of the Saint Lawrence Charity Foundation in Perugia, along with two of our student volunteers, Lydia and Belle. Together, they...

<p>In this episode, we discuss together with our Umbra Reps of the Spring Semester 2026 the value of Perugia as a location to the experience of students abroad. Dr. Nowak expresses his enthusiasm for an immersive...

<p>In Professor Jacopo Cossater’s class, students created this podcast episode to explore the international cuisines of Perugia.</p><p>Beyond Italian food, what other culinary traditions can be found in the city? In...

<p>In Professor Jacopo Cossater’s class, students created this podcast episode exploring the concept of agriturismo.<br>Why do agriturismos matter for farmers, local communities, and travelers? What sustainability...

<p>In this episode, we explore the rich world of Italian dialects and how language changes from region to region. </p><p>Focusing on the Umbrian dialect spoken in Perugia, we discuss how everyday speech differs from the...

<p>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...

<p>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...

<p>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...

<p>with Molly Haggerty and Catalina Lora, Umbra Reps Spring 2025</p><p>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...

<p>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...

<p>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.</p><p>This episode, created by...

<p>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.</p><p>This conversation...

<p>Explore how tangible objects enhance storytelling and personal narratives. Reflect on insights from the workshop "Using Tangibles to Encourage Human Narratives.”</p>

<p>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...