The Franciscan Heritage Program (FHP) is an undergraduate study abroad opportunity underwritten by St. Bonaventure University in association with the Umbra Institute of Perugia, Italy, and serving students from Franciscan-affiliated campuses in the USA.
Students take a full schedule of courses, which are taught in English
except for optional advanced Italian language and culture courses. FHP
students will attend field trips to historic Franciscan sites in Umbria
and nearby Assisi.
Perugia, capital of Umbria, il cuor verde
d’Italia -- the green heart of Italy -- is midway between Florence and
Rome and only 20 miles from Assisi. Here one finds ancient Etruscan
walls, medieval churches, Renaissance palaces, as well as spectacular
views.
Perugia is large enough to offer a varied cultural experience yet small enough to be comfortable. A multicultural
student population of tens of thousands attending the University
of Perugia, the University for Foreigners, and its many studio and
performing arts schools adds a youthful, sophisticated spirit to this
unique and historic city.
|
Ciao from Perugia!
St. Bonaventure University students tell you why you should study in Italy
Click to watch the video
|
| |
St. Bonaventure junior Carrie Wozniak loved her classes in the new Food Studies Program in Perugia. Learn more
|
|
| |
|
|
Qualifications for admission
Students in the Franciscan Heritage Program must be enrolled at one of the institutions affiliated with the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities: Alvernia College; Cardinal Stritch University; Felician College; Franciscan University; Hilbert College; Lourdes College; Madonna University; Marian College; Neumann College; Quincy University; Siena College; Silver Lake College; St. Bonaventure University; St. Francis College; St. Francis University; University of St. Francis, Ill.; University of St. Francis, Ind; Viterbo University.
The Umbra Institute normally requires a current GPA of 2.75 and sophomore status for admission to its programs.
|
Courses and Credits
Students will be required to take at least four courses. All courses will earn SBU credit and grades earned will be included in SBU students’ GPA.
- At least one FHP course. (For SBU students, these will substitute for specified Clare College courses.)
- One course in Italian language (at the appropriate level.)
- Two or three elective courses offered by the Umbra Institute.
Tuition and Fees
The Franciscan Heritage Program is offered by St. Bonaventure University through the Umbra Institute of Perugia, Italy. Students enrolled in this program will earn St. Bonaventure University credit for courses completed at the Umbra Institute.
Tuition and Housing Fee is $14,600 for the semester, but the Franciscan Heritage Program offers a significant financial aid discount to qualified students who apply early. (For details, click on the fact sheet link in the next paragraph.)
Can you afford to go to Perugia? For most accepted students, the cost of going to Italy for the semester is less than the cost of staying home! For the "Can I Afford to Study in Italy?" fact sheet, click here.
Fees may be changed without notice. Financial aid is available to eligible students attending AFCU institutions. Above fees include tuition, housing, airport transfers in Italy, resident director, orientation, Institute and University facilities, cultural activities, discount card, transcripts, and student health insurance. Above fees do not include: airfare, meals, excursions, textbooks, course materials or course travel and museum fees.
|
Housing and Meals
The Umbra Institute provides housing in beautiful apartments situated throughout the city center. Apartments are shared, and most house between two and six Umbra students. There are also opportunities to stay with a host family.
All student housing is within walking distance of the historic center and the Institute, and you'll find that walking through the city is an extremely easy, pleasant, and social experience. After just a few weeks in Perugia, you’re sure to bump into people you know while out and about.
|
 As there is no meal plan for the Umbra program, students are encouraged to shop and cook for themselves. All apartments are stocked with basic kitchen utensils.
If cooking just isn’t your thing, the Università per Stranieri (University for Foreigners) offers low-price cafeteria meals, and the Umbra student ID card is valid for discounts at many trattorias, pizzerias, and pubs around the city. After all, it is Italy: savory food is never far away.
|