May 23rd – June 3rd 2023
Program Costs: $4,582-$5,040
The Umbra Institute Center for Sustainability & Food Studies in the lovely hill town of Perugia will serve as our host to explore Italy’s farm-to-fork food system. We will visit farms, markets, and wineries, go fishing with local fishermen, and truffle hunting in the Apennine Mountains to explore sustainability and the impact of global pressures on their food systems. Visits to balsamic vinegar production in Modena, Parmesan cheese and prosciutto production in Parma will allow us to explore ancient foods made in modern facilities.
Anuradha Prakash, Ph.D., is Professor of Food Science at Chapman University in Orange, CA and Science Advisor to the FDA Pacific Regional Lab-Southwest. She is an Associate Editor for Radiation Physics and Chemistry. For the last nineteen years, her research program has focused on using irradiation to enhance the safety and shelf-life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and ready-to-eat meals. At present, she is evaluating the effect of irradiation on the quality of fruit treated by irradiation for insect disinfestation with the ultimate goal of eliminating global trade barriers by reducing the threat posed by invasive pests.
Sara Mattavelli holds a PhD in Italian with a Minor in Second Language Acquisition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master’s degree from the University of Virginia, and a laurea magistrale in Language Sciences and Foreign Literature from the Università Cattolica in Milan (Italy). She has previously taught at Duke University, William & Mary, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Virginia, and Scripps College. Her research interests include second language acquisition, literacy-based approaches to L2 instruction, translanguaging, and contemporary Italian literature.
Each semester, Chapman University students take advantage of the Umbra Institute’s beautiful location in historic Perugia, Italy. The close partnership between Chapman and Umbra allows students to complete courses, taught in English, that count toward their degree. Courses are designed to use Perugia as a classroom and to give students ample time to travel elsewhere in Italy and Europe.
Apply through ChapmanAll apartments are located walking distance from the Institute and the city’s many events and amenities. With panoramic views abound, the city invites exploration & discovery around every corner.
Apartments are fully equipped (WiFi included!) making it easy for you and your friends to plan a dinner in or to catch your next train or plane out of town, and explore pizzerias, trattorias, or coffee bars.
Being a university city, Perugia hosts events throughout the year—from Eurochocolate to the Umbria Jazz Festival. Whether attending one of Umbra’s workshops (ex. Travel Workshop) or events (ex. Wine Tasting), there is always something to do!
Visit Museums
Explore the Local Culture
Live Like a Local