The Institute offers courses in a wide variety of subjects including art history, history, Italian studies, international business, literature, marketing, political science, studio art and more. Students have the option to participate in the General Studies Program, the Intensive Italian Language & Culture Program, the Independent Research Program, or enroll directly at the University of Perugia.

All instruction is in English except in clearly designated advanced Italian courses. Students must enroll in a 4- or 6-credit Italian language course (prior study of Italian is not required) and also choose from elective courses for a minimum of 12 credits per semester.

All courses are designed to integrate the local resources and to immerse students in the Perugian environment through on-site learning. The Umbra faculty is comprised of professors from Italy, the European Union, and the United States, and all professors are committed to teaching in the American liberal arts tradition.