Created by students of The Umbra Institute as an assignment for the Spring 2026 course Communicating Taste, this episode reflects on the relationship between food, culture, and identity through the perspective of a student living in Perugia. From shared meals to local traditions, it explores how culinary experiences shape our understanding of community and belonging.

Created by students of The Umbra Institute as an assignment for the Spring 2026 course Communicating Taste, this episode delves into the world of Umbria’s most prized culinary treasure: the truffle. Discover its history, cultural significance, and the unique flavors that have made this ingredient a symbol of Umbrian cuisine.

Created by students of The Umbra Institute as an assignment for the Spring 2026 course Communicating Taste, this episode examines the Slow Food movement in Umbria. Through conversations about local producers, traditional recipes, and sustainable practices, students explore how food can preserve cultural heritage while fostering a deeper connection to place.

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 regional classics, our student hosts uncover the flavors, traditions, and stories behind some of the most popular meats enjoyed in Perugia and across Italy.Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of consuming meat from a variety of animals. Listeners who are sensitive to topics involving animal consumption, food ethics, or dietary choices may wish to use discretion while listening.

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 offer a closer look at what volunteering with Caritas truly means, exploring its impact on the local community and the unique role international students play in supporting those in need.This first episode in our Caritas–Umbra collaboration series introduces the partnership and highlights the meaningful experiences of volunteering at the “Don Gualtiero” soup kitchen.Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll dive into solidarity emporiums and the student-led workshops that further enrich this collaboration.

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 Italian experience, both historically and culinarily, while also providing insight as to why Perugia makes a good home, if only for a few months. 

In Professor Jacopo Cossater’s class, students created this podcast episode to explore the international cuisines of Perugia.Beyond Italian food, what other culinary traditions can be found in the city? In this episode, students take us on a journey through Perugia’s international restaurants, sharing their stories and reflecting on what it means to bring flavors from around the world to a historic Italian city.Let’s dive right in!

In Professor Jacopo Cossater’s class, students created this podcast episode exploring the concept of agriturismo.Why do agriturismos matter for farmers, local communities, and travelers? What sustainability values and traditions lie behind these farm-based restaurants? And why are they becoming so popular?Let’s dive right in!

In this episode, we explore the rich world of Italian dialects and how language changes from region to region. Focusing on the Umbrian dialect spoken in Perugia, we discuss how everyday speech differs from the standardized Italian taught in classrooms. We also talk with two students from the University of Perugia—one from Jesi (Emilia Romagna region) and one from Perugia —who share their regional expressions, and insights into how dialect shapes connections, identity, and community.This episode was created by Umbra Reps Fall 2025 students Katherine Wells (University of Richmond) and Meredith Stemm (Grand Valley State University).

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.