Maymester on the Italian Coast

Studying abroad in Sorrento with CIS Abroad completely changed the way I see the world. The program gave me the chance to step outside my comfort zone and experience life in a whole new way. From classes overlooking the coast to sharing meals with new friends, every day was unforgettable. Living in Italy taught me to slow down, appreciate the little things, and embrace new cultures. It wasn’t just a summer abroad—it gave me memories and lessons that shaped my outlook on life.

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While completing the Maymester on the Italian Coast, I was fully immersed in Italian culture while living in an apartment in the heart of Sorrento. I strolled through the city every morning, taking in the breathtaking views on the way to class. I was also able to visit many other parts of Italy via train as well as many parts of Europe. I took a class to learn Italian which was helpful, but almost everybody I met spoke Italian so it was not necessary. Some of the best experiences included visiting big cities like Rome, Venice and Florence, but also getting the chance to explore smaller residential communities and partaking in Italian activities getting to understand their way of life. The food was very diverse everywhere and differed by region but it was very fresh and delicious.

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This study abroad experience truly felt like a dream. Each day of the week, I would take in the mild afternoon air on my short walk from my housing to the Sant'Anna institute, where I would attend the daily lecture for my course on the history of the mafia. I cannot imagine a better way to spend my time there! This region truly offers so much beauty, especially for those who spend enough time to get below the tourist surface. The on-site staff with CISAbroad did an amazing job at supporting us. Both CIS and Sant'Anna offered amazing daytrips and cultural immersion activities. I would highly recommend this short-term program to any undergraduate, especially if your major does not give you time to spend a full semester abroad!

I truly cannot speak highly enough about my study abroad experience. Sorrento was the perfect location for what I was hoping for. It had all of the beautiful nature and culture that I was hoping to see and experience. It was also a small town, which allowed me to make relationships with locals, become regulars at our favorite coffee shops and restaurants, and really get to feel like I got to experience the community of Sorrento. The program I booked this experience through was CIS Abroad, and they did such a good job getting us involved in the area and making sure we felt supported the whole time. I also LOVED my class, I took Marine Biology which I have always been interested in. We had an amazing professor and got to go on once-in-a-lifetime field trips. I recommend this program highly to anyone who may be interested!

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