OWU Food Studies at The Umbra Institute

Summer 2025
Mediterranean Diet in Italy Summer Program - Dr. Christopher Fink
May 16 – June 21, 2025
Estimated Cost: $4,875*
*includes tuition, housing, dedicated transportation from the airport to Perugia and back at the end of the program, and custom programming/ excursions.

Join OWU professor Chris Fink this summer in sunny Italy to study and experience first-hand, the Italian Mediterranean diet. The 5-week program is hosted by the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy. 

The Mediterranean Diet has often been promoted as one of the healthiest diets in the world. It has found broad appeal in part because of its rich, fresh flavors, and focus on 'traditional', often romanticized foods. But the role of community, conviviality, and connection through food is often ignored. 

In this course, we will examine the history of the Mediterranean Diet, how it rose to prominence, and how it is put into practice in and through the community: at markets, kitchens, gardens, in general discourse and rhetoric, and at the dinner table in present-day Italy, particularly in Perugia, and more broadly in Umbria.  Aside from course content, students will have the opportunity to get hands-on experiences outside of the classroom to more effectively understand the nature of food and community. Students also have the option to add a second elective course from Umbra's offerings for an additional fee.

Out of pocket expenses not included in fee: food, personal expenses, and transportation to program site.

Applications due Feb. 1st, 2025

Apply Now!