Start Global: Italy
The Program
Start Global: Italy
A first semester study abroad experience for SAS students
Start your Rutgers journey in an exciting way by studying abroad in 1 of 2 locations. Student choose between Start Global: Italy and Start Global: Ireland.
Rutgers’ Start Global: Italy is a program designed for motivated first-semester students who wish to take Rutgers courses in a global setting while engaging in the vibrant culture and community life of a small medieval city in the heart of Italy. Students selecting Start Global have the opportunity to begin their college experience with a high-impact global learning and community-engaged experience, setting them up for success at Rutgers and a future career. Start Global courses allow students to take major and minor courses which have been pre-approved by departments to keep students on track for on-time graduation.
Perugia, Italy
Italy
Perugia
Often called ‘the big university town in a small Italian city,’ Perugia is known for its medieval history and cultural heritage. As a small city, Perugia makes it easier to engage with the local community than is the experience in some of Europe’s larger cities. The hilltop location offers a broad panoramic view of surrounding hills, mountains, and villages. Perugia is a perfect location in the heart of Italy for students who want to be immersed in the cultural life of Italy in a smaller, safer, and more intimate setting. On the other hand, the big cities of Rome and Florence are just two hours away for weekend visits organized by the Institute.
Umbra Institute
The Umbra Institute is located in the historic city center and occupies the main floors of a fifteenth-century palace. The institute offers a diverse range of programs such as Food and Sustainability, Music and Fine Arts, STEM, and Multicultural Psychology, to name a few. The Umbra Institute is known for its emphasis on community engagement activities such as service learning, volunteer programs, and field-based independent research.
Academics
The Program: The student experience will include an in-depth orientation to the Umbra Institute and Perugia prior to the start of classes. The Umbra Institute is experienced in offering hands-on support and resources to guide a first-year student’s transition to college while offering a unique experience abroad.
Distinctive Activities: The Umbra Institute offers a bespoke academic experience on a small campus the heart of a walkable city. As such, many of the Institute’s curricular and co-curricular activities are rooted in the community life of Perugia. Some classes will take you into the city’s museums to study art first-hand and some faculty members will provide behind-the-scenes tours of major historical locations. Other activities might include a guided tour of Italian Theater, a day in Tuscany, and hiking the Gubbino countryside from Assisi to Spello.
Community engagement opportunities include Urban Gardening volunteering at Orti Orbani- San Matteo degli Armeni, volunteering at Don Gualtiero Soup Kitchen, and serving as an English teaching assistant at local middle and high schools.
Housing
You’re going to love your student apartment. How could you not? All student housing is carefully selected by Umbra to be centrally located and holds a mix of modern amenities and old-world charm. You’ll be living with other Umbra students, local Italian students, or international students—your choice. All accommodations are within short walking distance of the Umbra Institute as well as other local resources, such as pharmacies, cafes, banks, supermarkets, and the post office. There’s no need for public transportation in Perugia: everything you need is a hop, skip, and a cobblestone jump away.
Student Apartments
Student accomomdations vary, but the Umbra staff works hard to scrutinize each unit, deeming it clean, well-maintained, safe, and adequately furnished. Accommodations usually have two beds per bedroom and shared closet space, desks, washing machine, and a common living area. Kitchens include a refrigerator, stove, sink, oven, microwave oven, pots, pans, dishes, and cutlery. Students are also provided with sheets, blankets, and pillows. Bathrooms are shared with roommates and include a toilet, bidet, and either a shower or bathtub. Check it out!