Study Abroad Programs in Sorrento, Italy

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.

Studying at Sant’Anna Institute through CIS Abroad was an unforgettable experience. I lived in the school dorms, located on the beautiful seaside of Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento has the charm of the Amalfi Coast, with less crowds and tourism. In my classes I studied archeology, volcanology, marine biology, and human rights. We went on amazing field trips such as snorkeling, hiking Mount Vesuvius, and exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii. In my free time, I swam and read by the beach, which was just a 5 minute walk away from the school. CIS abroad provided incredible excursions throughout the 4 month stay. We experienced cooking classes, kayaking, a street food tour, and even staying in a luxury cave in the third oldest city in the world! Everyone at both Sant’Anna and CIS Abroad was welcoming, helpful, and kind. They truly care about your well being and happiness. I couldn’t recommend this program more. Go to Sorrento, you won’t regret it!

My time in Italy exceeded my expectations in countless ways! The CIS staff went over and above to make us feel welcomed, supported, and loved. The events they hosted were incredible! We were treated to a welcome and farewell dinner at local restaurants. We also went on 2 excursions: one to Pompeii for a walking tour and one to Naples for a food tour! My class, marine biology, went on an excursion to Ieranto Bay to hike, snorkel, kayak, and swim. This was truly one of the most surreal experiences of my life! Sorrento itself was a safe and beautiful town that felt like home in just 3 short weeks. The locals made you feel genuinely loved and cared for. Overall, exploring the beauty of the Italian Coast with amazing new friends made for the best month of my life!

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 would a million times recommend this experience. I did the 10-week program. The first 5 weeks I did a class for my major and the second 5 weeks I did a social media and marketing internship with an art gallery in Sorrento, Italy. Sant'Anna Institution was very helpful in getting me set up with my internship. The staff was so friendly and became an integral part of my experience. I can't speak highly enough about this program. Seriously it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I was nervous about doing 10 weeks as opposed to 5 but I took a leap of faith not knowing anyone going on the program and leaving my family for the longest I had been away from home. I now look back on this experience with absolutely no regrets. You get to experience things and places some people will never experience in their lifetime. I will forever be grateful for the people I met from all over the world (actually) and the beautiful destinations I visited. One of my favorite parts about CIS was their encouragement to travel outside of just Sorrento. I took full advantage of being in Europe and got to go to Greece, Switzerland, and Croatia. It was very common for students to go to different places for a long weekend and that to me was one of my favorite parts. The dorm life at Sant'Anna was amazing. The rooms were newly renovated and we had a beautiful view of Marina Grande outside our window. I would 100% recommend staying in the dorms. I got to meet so many other students and it was very convenient for class and other activities that the school hosted. The onsite directors Frankie and Emma were AMAZING!! They were so awesome in organizing different activities for CIS students and I learned that was not common with other programs as some students didn't get to do the things we did. Some of these activities include an Amalfi Coast boat tour, kayaking, pizza pizza-making class and a winery tour that were all included in the cost of CIS Abroad. Overall, I could talk about this experience for days and there isn't a single day I don't think about this life-changing experience. It is worth more than the Instagram pictures and crazy stories, but is one of finding myself, cultural appreciation, life lessons, culture shock, independence, and growing into the person I am today.

My entire life I have always dreamed of going on a trip like this and through CIS Abroad they made it possible. How much it cost to live in Sorrento for five weeks was honestly surprising as it counted tuition as well. CIS had so many fun events like our boat tour to Almafi with all of the students on the program to nice dinners in Sorrento where we got to meet so many people in the program. I learned so much about the Italian culture, had the best food of my life, saw the most gorgeous places, and made lifelong friends. It truly was the best five weeks I have ever had.

I absolutely loved every single second of studying abroad at Santanna Institute in Sorrento, Italy. Through their immersive program, I was able to attend weekly cultural immersion events and really dive into the local community. Santanna Institute has classes Monday-Thursday and encourages students to travel safely on the weekends. With this opportunity, I was able to travel almost every single weekend making my time abroad just that more magical. Not to mention I met some of my best friends and made memories I know will stay close to my heart forever. My best advice to someone who is thinking about studying abroad is to just do it, I can guarantee that you will not regret it.

The Summer on the Italian Coast program in Sorrento, Italy was incredible! CIS Abroad organized so many fun activities for students and provided excellent support throughout the program. A highlight for me was living on campus in the residence hall since the rooms were clean, spacious, and close to my classes. I also enjoyed preparing meals in the kitchen which had a terrace next to it. With easy access to the ocean, Sorrento is the ideal place to spend the summer! I had so much fun visiting places nearby like Positano, Capri, and Amalfi. I highly recommend participating in this program through CIS Abroad!!

This was an immersive program in a beautiful location! I was able to meet students from all over the United States as well as many locals from the Sorrento Peninsula. Sorrento has a small town feel, but you're never too far away from anything. Sorrento was very safe, walkable, picturesque, and full of things to do -- especially outdoors! My program through CIS included lots of fun activities and the staff on the ground at Sant'Anna Institute in Sorrento were the kindest people who loved interacting and hosting activities with the students. Spending a semester in Sorrento will always hold a special place in my heart. I certainly recommend this program!

I studied abroad this past summer of 24' at the institute of Sant'Anna! It's such a great location from where you live either dorms or apartments and near the coast of Marina Grande! There is always something to do after classes like shopping, going to wine tasting, or even traveling to Naples. The staff at Sant'Anna are always so sweet and understanding to you. I would highly recommend taking marine biology and archeology! These were the best classes I have taken and the field trips are so fun! Def. have a chance to talk to the president of Sant'Anna she is very welcoming and loves to chat/learn about you! This opportunity is one of the best experiences of my life and I would love to come back again! P.S. Absolutey LOVE Frankie one of the CIS coordinators in Italy!

I had an amazing time during my five weeks abroad in Sorrento, Italy. Southern Italian culture including the food, local life, and way of life was a change from the fast paced American culture that I am used to. CIS gave many resources and assistance for travel during time off from class as well as providing trips in the area including an Amalfi Boat cruise, a local wine tasting, an olive oil tasting, and several group dinners. Both the pre departure and on site staff were amazing and always available for any help needed. Despite the summer heat, there are so many public and private beach options which is an experience within itself. I cannot wait to return to Sorrento one day!