Urbino is a picturesque Renaissance hill town and the jewel of the Marche region of central Italy. Although Urbino was a Roman and medieval city, its peak came during the 15th century when Duke Federico da Montefeltro established one of Europe’s most illustrious courts. Urbino’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Urbino is relatively small and off the beaten path of tourists, yet it's a hip college town with one of the oldest universities in Italy. The town is nestled on a sloping hillside and the surrounding scenery is awe inspiring. You're not likely to see buses with large groups of tourists here.
Beautiful Adriatic beaches are a short distance away and reachable via local bus service that runs multiple times per day. Florence and Venice are easily reachable via train in the nearby town of Pesaro.
Looking to study abroad in Urbino? Many of your peers have embarked on this experience, enabling them to learn more about different cultures, as well as to learn more about themselves. Read some of their stories.
Ester Jon
James Madison University Class of 2020
Creative Advertising
Urbino-Summer, 2019
What was your favorite part about being abroad?
Traveling to a new area in Italy every weekend was an obvious thrill ride. However, what truly made the program an experience I will never forget, was the people. The people on the trip, including both the students and instructors, made every second worthwhile. They made all of the excursions, traveling, school, and day-to-day activities exciting and memorable.
Where did you travel outside of Urbino?
My friends and I traveled to Venice, Florence, Pesaro, and Rome! All beautiful and filled with unique opportunities.
How has studying abroad been a valuable experience for you?
Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did I create great friendships, but I was also able to immerse myself into an unfamiliar environment and grow as a person. I learned material that I would have never been able to learn in a classroom setting. The mentors used their expertise to help all of the students grow, and being able to apply this newfound knowledge hands-on was very rewarding.
How did immersing yourself in another culture like the one in Urbino change your outlook?
It made me realize how large the world really is. Urbino is a small city, but it is filled with all kinds of people. Everyone has different passions and desires in life, and different ways they express them. You never know who you will meet and what they will teach you!
Katherine Inman
James Madison University Class of 2020
Interactive Design
Urbino – Summer, 2019
What was your favorite part about being abroad?
My favorite part about being abroad was getting to experience another culture. It was exciting to be learning and taking classes with my friends while exploring places I’d always dreamt of seeing.
How did immersing yourself in another culture like the one in Urbino change your outlook?
It broadened my perspective on the world. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and learned about different ways of living. It also reminded me that life is short so why not go on every adventure while I can. There’s no better time than the present to travel and explore the world.
What is something you will always remember from being abroad?
I will always remember the friends I made there. They were some of the most genuine, creative, and funny people I have met. But, I also can’t ever forget the gelato!
Where were you able to travel outside of Urbino?
I was able to travel to Florence, Rome, Venice, Lake Como, and Lugano, Switzerland.
Where would you travel next if given the opportunity?
I would go to Australia or Africa!
Jazmine Otey
James Madison University Class of 2020
SMAD Journalism Concentration
Urbino – Summer, 2019
What made your time in Urbino a valuable experience?
I absolutely loved the small town of Urbino and its people. Not only did I appreciate the sites, food, and music, but I also loved our program. Being able to work on hands on assignments with the aid of professionals truly sharpened my skills as a journalist.
How did immersing yourself in another culture like the one in Urbino change your outlook?
Being immersed in another culture made me value things that I took for granted back home. This trip was also my first time out of the country and it definitely has pushed me to want to travel more and explore other cultures. I am even considering becoming a travel writer.
What is something you will always remember from being abroad?
I will always remember the close, unforgettable friendships I made while in Italy. I went into this program not knowing anyone and extremely nervous about making friends. But I quickly found my place and developed many new friendships. From traveling to Venice on our free weekend to walking to get Gelato late at night, I will never forget the times I spent with those girls. “Take everything in because you will miss it as soon as you leave.”
Where were you able to travel outside of Urbino?
I was able to travel to Rome, Venice, and Pesaro.
Where would you travel next if given the opportunity?
I would really like to travel to Brazil. It is an absolutely beautiful place and I’ve always wanted to learn more about the culture.
Is there anything you wish you knew before going abroad?
I wish I knew that it was gonna be one of the best times of my life and that I had nothing to be nervous about.
Michele Goad
James Madison University Class of 2016
Converged Media/Interactive Design Urbino – Summer, 2015
What was your favorite part about being abroad?
Traveling. Every weekend, we figured out the trains and booked hotels all by ourselves. Our group had great weekend adventures and these were, by far, my favorite part of studying abroad.
“Focus on making it a memorable experience and taking every single opportunity you are handed."
While abroad, what are some things you were able to do besides travel?
I was able to meet new people from JMU and other schools across the country, as well as outside the country. I experienced life in a completely different culture, I learned (well, attempted to learn) a new language and I completed a multimedia project with a language barrier.
You mention the language barrier, was this a struggle while abroad?
Yes, before going abroad, I didn’t realize how difficult a language barrier is. You don’t really understand how hard it is until you are actually trying to communicate with someone that speaks an entirely different language, but it makes you become very creative in getting your point across.
Caroline Davis
Senior
Converged Media/Interactive Design
Urbino – Summer, 2015
How has studying abroad been a valuable experience for you?
Studying abroad helped me step out of my comfort zone in many situations, through educational experiences/lessons as well as through cultural experiences and having to communicate and travel in a foreign country.
Has your outlook changed from this experience of traveling in a foreign country?
Yes, since traveling abroad, I have definitely developed more of an interest in learning about new cultures and lifestyles.
"Put your phone/camera away every once in a while and just take it all in!"
You studied abroad almost two years ago, but is there anything you will always remember from being there?
I will always remember traveling, the conversations with the natives, the beautiful landscape, and just being able to call Italy my home for a month.
If you were to go abroad again, where would you travel next?
Germany, France, and Spain!
Is there anything you wish you knew before going abroad?
I wish I knew that there was no doubt I would make good friends while I was abroad. I wish I planned on staying longer after the program was over.
Becca Malzhan
James Madison University Class of 2016
Digital Video and Cinema
Urbino – Summer, 2015
What made your time in Urbino a valuable experience?
I think entering another culture in itself is a valuable learning experience. On top of that, the Urbino program allowed us to create real media pieces – a promotional video, magazine, and digital stories.
How did immersing yourself in another culture like the one in Urbino change your outlook?
It’s opened my mind to how other cultures outside of my own operate and the similar/different perspectives we share.
What is something you will always remember from being abroad?
All of the trips we took inside and outside of Urbino while exploring new cities with friends.
“Explore as much as you can because time goes by quickly while abroad!”
Where were you able to travel outside of Urbino?
I was able to travel to Rome, Venice, Pisa, and Florence.
Where would you travel next if given the opportunity?
While abroad, we stayed in Italy, but I would want to travel throughout Europe if given the opportunity.
