Program Description

This summer program offered by UW-Madison provides students with the opportunity to study the Italian language for one month at the Università Italiana per Stranieri di Perugia (UPS). Established in 1925, UPS is dedicated to teaching Italian language, culture, and civilization to students from around the world. Perugia, in the hills overlooking the Tiber River Valley, is in the heart of Italy. The capital of the Umbria region, Perugia boasts a rich history in architecture, museums, and monuments dating from the Etruscan and Roman periods to the present. From Perugia, one can explore other historic sites in the nearby towns of Assisi and Spoleto or discover the Umbria countryside.

This summer program in Perugia is ideal for students that are interested in improving their Italian skills while living in the center of Italy. The program can accommodate both beginners and those with more advanced Italian skills. Students earn credit in the Italian language sequence, making this a great opportunity for student looking to advance their Italian language study and fulfill language requirements.

Academics

The primary goal of this program is the study of Italian language. Students’ language abilities will be evaluated prior to departure in an interview with the Resident Director and also upon arrival with a placement examination. According to language ability, students will be placed in the appropriate Italian language courses. All the courses in July are intensive courses and consist of theoretical and practical teaching of grammar, conversation and laboratory practice. Participants will be studying with other international students at UPS. All courses are taught in Italian by university professors who are experts in their fields. A UW-Madison faculty member also serves as the Resident Director of this program. The resident director provides both academic and daily support to students.

Participants will earn four credits in Italian language. Each student will be assigned a UW-Madison Italian study abroad course equivalent. These course equivalents meet the same requirements as the courses taught at UW-Madison, allowing students to advance in the UW-Madison Italian language sequence. Non UW-Madison students attending the program should check with their home school advisor to see how the credit received on the program will be applied to degree requirements.

Housing

Students can arrange their own housing or the Resident Director can assist students in arranging their housing for the duration of the program. Students typically live in apartments with other American and international students. Meals are not included in the program fee, but relatively inexpensive lunches and dinners in the university cafeterias can be purchased; students can also cook their own meals.

Excursions and Activities

An orientation meeting will take place upon arrival in Perugia with the Resident Director prior to the beginning of classes. Students will be introduced to the city, UPS, and daily life in Perugia.

In addition to participating in activities and excursions organized by the program, students can travel on their own or join the university-sponsored excursions. UPS organizes weekend trips to the most important cities in Italy and to the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic coast. UPS also coordinates guided visits to historical and artistic monuments of Perugia and the surrounding region.

The University Social Center coordinates various cultural, recreational and sports activities. Students may take an active part in concerts and shows organized by the university or join the university choir. Italian films are shown for free at the university throughout the summer. As registered students, participants may also use the city’s sports facilities (gymnasiums, tennis courts, indoor swimming, pool, etc.).

There are several associations in Perugia, which organize concerts, plays and other entertainment. Of particular importance are the concerts, which are held by the "Amici della Musica," the "Teatro Morlacchi" theater season, Umbria Jazz Festival, the Sagra Musicale Umbra, the African Cinema Festival and the Perugia summer festival.