Marine Biology Study Abroad Programs in Italy

My experience studying abroad in Molise Italy was absolutely life-changing. I learned so much about culture, made lifetime, friendships, and endless memories. Getting to experience the culture and beauty of Molise was the absolute highlight of my summer.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewJuly 21, 2026

Grazie, Breanna! Colli really is beautiful and it's such a great partnership!

The Molise Italian Studies program was a wonderful way to be immersed in the Molise region, some of the Puglia region, and Rome. By visiting some of the smaller, lesser-known areas in these regions, I got to see firsthand how people live, work, and support their communities through the activities and social work experiences. I can say I grew as a person and have a new outlook on my everyday life at home. It was evident that Italians in these regions value community and connection. I appreciated the opportunities to participate in activities at some of the agencies, such as at LAI and in Capracotta, rather than simply observing the activity. Our tour leader, Andrea, was kind, patient, organized, and knowledgeable throughout the entire trip.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewJuly 05, 2026

Grazie, Maggie! We are so glad to hear this trip made such an impact on you, and we can't wait to hear about your plans moving forward!

I had an absolutely amazing time; I made so many incredible memories that I truly won't ever forget. The friendships I made were so awesome, and the opportunities to experience true culture were life-changing. Both of my professors were absolutely wonderful, and our guide was incredible. Everyone was so amazing and truly tried their best to give us the most rewarding experience possible, and they exceeded my dreams.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewJuly 05, 2026

Grazie, Alex!

Myself and my colleague brought a group of ten university students on a trip with Molise, and we could not be happier! Our guides were knowledgeable and kind. Every single person we encountered along the way as we traveled was welcoming and gracious. So many laughs were shared amongst our students and the Italian community, and we never once felt as if we were not in steady, capable hands with the company. Upon returning home from Italy, we immediately arranged our next trip with Scott and Megan, and plan to continue this trip regularly to allow students to continue to experience all the amazing things our first group did.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewJuly 05, 2026

Thank you, Jen! Looking forward to working with Wilkes again in 2027!

As a student who dreamed of going abroad for years, I never considered a trip like this would be at my fingertips. Many know that traveling abroad is a big decision because it involves location costs return of investment and with being in school of the timeline of when it’s going to happen. I decided to make my minor Hotel restaurant management sophomore year of college, but wasn’t sure of how I was still going to make my broad dream come true. Fall semester of 2024 when I was in one of my HRM studies I wondered what options there could be to study the subject abroad. That’s when I discovered the Molise Italian Studies program NAU in Italy: Economics of Gastronomy. After promptly siding up, I was introduced to a fully guided program with pre-arrival meetings that fully explained the details and necessary precautions of going abroad. Which included an itinerary of the daily activities the lessons that would be focused on and places of accommodation. All details, which transferred extremely well into the actual trip. Each lesson was fully in depth and offered different opportunities. My favorite day was probably the day we visited Di Iorio Tartufi - Italian Truffle where we learned how truffles were safely found and made into a meal. I came home with at least 5 jars!! I highly enjoyed the environment, the greenery, and absolutely the delicious assortment of truffle products. At the end of the day, this program offered me a week of excitement and verity of locations across molise. I couldn’t have asked for a better program to introduce me to the world of traveling.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewJuly 05, 2026

Grazie, Cialyn! So glad to be a part of your HRM journey (& we dream of truffles too)!

The time I spent on this adventure is something I will never forget. I won't forget the amazing people and places we visited. no matter what I know I will hold this experience I won't forget, and there won't be another like it. The Classes were great as well as the sail handling as well. Thank you for the amazing time I and my freinds had

I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in adventure, trying new things, and being a part of a team. When I came across Seamester online, it just felt right from the beginning, and I knew it was something I wanted to do. Actually, going on the trip was even better and like coming home. A value of mine is living life to the fullest, enjoying the small things, and I want to live a life where at the end, I know I did everything and felt everything. I have never felt as alive and so at home as I did on Argo. It is hard to describe all the emotions I've felt over the past 90 days. I have never felt so close to people and myself as I did on Argo. I have learned to love people in a deeper way and gained a new appreciation for everything. I am extremely grateful for all the lifelong friendships made. I am proud of myself for taking the jump and who I've become through the experience. If you share any of the same interests and are considering doing a Seamester, I urge you to do it because it will change you in ways you can't even imagine.

Seamester was an amazing experience. It challenged me in so many ways including physically and mentally, and I grew so much as a person in several different ways. I loved seeing the world on a sailboat and it truely was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

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.

This semester in Sorrento, Italy was truly the best time I have ever had in my entire life. The school and dorms were located right onto the Amalfi Coast, with views of Mt. Vesuvius and the sparkling blue ocean. The classes were super interesting, with options like History of the Italian Mafia, History of Italian Cinema, Food and Culture, and so much more. Every morning I would attend class, then walk the beautiful streets of Sorrento to visit local pizza, sandwich, and coffee shops. Living in Sorrento truly felt like living in a movie with the amazing location and best people all around. Because of the close-knit school environment, I was able to make lifelong friends with other students and locals. It also gave students many opportunities to be involved in student life, like being on the communications team or as a campus ambassador. I truly recommend this school to anyone who is looking to go abroad.

My summer abroad in Sorrento was such an amazing experience and I could not recommend it more! From the people I met in my classes to the welcoming locals, Sorrento felt like home as soon as I got there. CIS provided a variety of excursions and immersive opportunities for students to take part in, making me truly embrace the Italian culture and grow not only in my academic life, but also in my personal life. My favorite excursion was the cruise from Sorrento to Amalfi, which is definitely a day that I will never forget. This program has left me with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime, and none of that would have been possible without CIS!

Spending a summer in Sorrento was the experience of a lifetime. From swimming in the clear blue water to wandering the narrow streets filled with lemon trees and shops, every day felt special. The program created the perfect mix of culture, fun, and travel. Weekend trips to places like Capri, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast gave me memories I’ll never forget. I built great friendships, enjoyed amazing food, and felt at home thanks to the staff and housing. It was truly unforgettable.

From the moment I stepped onto Sant'Anna campus, I was greeted with friendly faces immediately welcoming me home for the next 5 weeks. Quickly, I got to meet some of my best friends with whom I spent the rest of my time there. Being a part of the CIS program gave us opportunities to explore the area around us, like going to a mozzarella farm and getting to taste their homemade food. Along with the mozzarella farm, we had the opportunity to kayak to the beautiful Bagni Regina. I can confidently say that my time abroad was truly one of the best experiences of my life, and I truly believe that this is because of CIS Abroad. They ensured that each student was getting the full experience and enjoying every second of it.

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.

I spent a semester studying abroad at Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy, through CIS Abroad. I had the chance to truly immerse myself in Italian culture. As a marketing major, one of the most impactful experiences was taking an Italy Tourism class, which gave me a firsthand look at how the country promotes its rich culture and beautiful destinations to the world. From exploring local businesses to learning about regional branding strategies, I gained a whole new perspective on international marketing. Living and learning in a new environment also helped me grow personally becoming more adaptable, curious, and confident in navigating different cultures. Going abroad opened me up to so many new opportunities and new people. I got to visit 9 countries and do things I never would have done like paragliding in Switzerland. Doing this pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me in so many ways. Choosing to go through CIS Abroad was the best choice. They offered me with the best site director who made the transition so seamless and helped with every little question I had. Also having an on the phone doctor really helped, whereas students who didn't use CIS had only an Italian doctor. Studying Abroad was the best decision of my life.

Studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy, changed me more than I expected. I knew I’d see cool places, make friends, learn about history, and eat good food, but I didn’t realize how much it would shift the way I think, live, and handle life in general. The city of Sorrento itself was perfect; it was compact, relaxed, and packed with sights and history. It was easier for me to settle in and feel like I actually lived there because it wasn't as touristy as some of the larger cities. I became familiar with the neighborhood stores and restaurants and saw the same people every day and strolled down the same streets. It was genuine. One of the most important lessons I learned from this experience was how much simpler travel is once you're in Europe. Weekend travel to other countries and cities was made easy by trains, buses, and low-cost airlines. I visited locations I never would have imagined visiting at this stage of my life, like Zakynthos, Greece; Split, Croatia; Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Rome; and the Dolomites, and it made me want to stay longer. In addition to the amazing food and travel, I also went through significant personal transformation. I grew more self-sufficient. I developed my ability to solve problems independently, get around in new situations, and become mature; I have more self-confidence now, grew my global network, and adjusted when plans didn't work out. I grew more comfortable going it alone, whether it was ordering food in broken Italian or touring a new city. Another highlight was getting to know people from around the world.I'll keep my global network of classmates, roommates, and locals with me. After my trip to Sorrento, I felt more capable and excited about the world. If I could, I would return right away. Go ahead and study abroad if you're still unsure. It will test you in unexpected ways and shape you in ways you weren't aware you needed. You'll discover how to solve problems independently, adjust when plans don't work out, and accept discomfort. Somehow, you'll learn something from encountering people with different perspectives, eating foods you can't pronounce, and getting lost in unfamiliar places It goes beyond simply visiting interesting locations. It's about developing the ability to live in the world with greater confidence, independence, and a broader outlook. Studying overseas is a reset, not just a vacation from your daily schedule. When you return, you have a slightly different perspective on everything, including yourself.

Life during my semester on the Italian coast was truly sweet. The thing I loved most about my experience was the whole town and ambience of Sorrento. Living just 2 minutes away from a beautiful, warm beach and getting to know several Sorrento locals, I fell in love with the town, food, people, and way of life. I loved how friendly everyone was and how much the Italians loved Sant'Anna students, as well as the Sorrento culture of rest and relaxation. I enjoyed morning runs by the beach, post-dinner gelato, and sunset swims with all of my friends. The Sant'Anna staff and the friendliness of the Italian locals created a phenomenal abroad experience that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for this type of experience. The CIS abroad staff were also extremely supportive with both applying and preparing for the program, as well as adjusting and enjoying life in Sorrento. The program included a cooking class, where I made homemade ravioli and tiramisu, as well as a welcome pool party and farewell dinner. CIS also included multiple excursions such as a boat tour of the Amalfi coast, a food tour in Naples, a kayak tour to Bagni Regina Giovana, and trip to the ancient city of Matera, making my experience abroad unforgettable.

Studying abroad in Sorrento Italy is amazing in itself but studying abroad with CIS makes it a completely different experience. I had many friends in the Sant'Anna program but not in CIS and they were all jealous of the amazing things we got to do. From pizza parties to a boat trip along the almalfi coast CIS truly gave us the full experience. Having an amazing contact like Frankie made my parents much more comfortable about me living in a foreign country. We had access to doctors that spoke english as well as home visits which really made the difference.

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.