Semester on the Italian Coast
Sant'Anna Institute
A magical semester by the Mediterranean Sea
Study at the Sant’Anna Institute, home to an international community that promotes experiential learning and cross-cultural exploration between faculty, staff, and students. The school sits high atop the cliffs near the colorful Amalfi Coast, overlooking the fishing village of Marina Grande, just a short walk from the café-lined city center where they’ll start to learn your name. With the support from our on-site staff, you’ll soon become a Sorrento local.
What to Expect:
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Language: English and Italian
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Average Courseload: 4-6 courses (12-18 U.S. credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.5
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Visa Requirements: YES - Pre-departure
Highlights:
- Unique Southern Italian culture
- Small class sizes provide interactive learning
- Excursions such as Pompeii, Capri, and Mt. Vesuvius
- Markets selling art famous to the region, including ceramics, lacework and intarsio
- Beautiful campus overlooking a fishing village
Program Details
Sant'Anna Institute
Located atop a seaside cliff, the Sant’Anna Institute is housed in a prominent building offering breathtaking views of the Marina Grande of Sorrento. Courses are rooted in experiential learning, which means you’ll get a unique, hands-on experience.
The grounds offer a tranquil garden, and the campus building houses classrooms, a student lounge, a kitchen, and residential rooms on the top two floors. From the Institute, you can reach the city center by foot in just fifteen minutes, and the train station is a quick 20-minute walk. When you’re not studying, you can join service learning opportunities, language exchange groups, and volunteer projects – as well as explore the city and relax.
The Sant’Anna Institute, founded in 1998, is a private institute accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education, and is a member of Edu Italia. Courses are accredited by Jacksonville University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Accredited by Jacksonville University (Florida), which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available
- Art & Design
- Communications
- Business
- Natural & Applied Sciences
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study with 8 or more classes available
- Humanities
- World Languages
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Course selection:
Now the fun part! Please click here to see a list of courses offered during the semester. Except for the Italian Language and Literature courses, each course is taught in English!
Note: Courses will run subject to demand and adequate enrollment, so it is important to get additional alternate courses approved.
Internship Option:
Want to combine an internship with your studies? Check out the Semester Study + Intern on the Italian Coast program!
Why Life in Sorrento
The gateway to the Amalfi Coast, the town of Sorrento is easily described as a paradise by the sea. From Sorrento, you can catch the train to Rome, take a ferry to the islands of Capri and Ischia, or reach Naples 20 miles away.
This famous, quaint city in Campania is a popular tourist destination, but don’t let that fool you. The small city and friendly people make it easy to quickly become a member of the community. Beyond the tourists, make time to wander the citrus-lined streets, saunter through the Villa Communale Park, or just enjoy the sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius in the distance.
Hiking trails abound for the mountain adventurer looking to conquer the Amalfi coastline. A beautiful bay with incredible beaches and sheltered coves lures any water lover. Sorrento is the producer of Limoncello, delicious food, and stunning sunsets. After we help you acclimate to the Mediterranean lifestyle, you’ll have the confidence to roam the city like a true local.
Live The Local Life
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Cooking Class and Dinner
Learn how to make your favorite dishes and eat them too at fattoria Terranova.
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I Limoneti di Sorrento
Enjoy a visit to “I Limoneti di Sorrento” and food tasting. Take the train or arrange for private transportation.
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Napoli Sotterranea
Visit the underground city of Naples and see the historic places where it all started, including a Greek-Roman Aqueduct.
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Capri
Explore Capri, arriving on a scenic ferry ride from Sorrento.
Sant’Anna Institute Residence Hall
Location
Sant’Anna Institute’s new residence hall space occupies the top two floors of the Institute (talk about an easy walk to class!). Students share double rooms with an en suite bathroom in each bedroom. There’s a shared kitchen and common area, as well a beautiful terrace overlooking the bay. Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meals
You’ll have access to a fully equipped kitchen. Put your skills to the test and try cooking local favorites.
Plus, all Sant’Anna students regardless of housing choice get a special card that gives them discounts at local stores and restaurants.
Inclusions and Amenities
- Air conditioning
- BathroomEnsuite
- Bed linens
- CommuteWalking
- Double Room
- Hair Dryer
- Kitchen Equipment
- Single Room
- Study Areas
- Towels
- Wi-Fi
Shared Apartments in Sorrento
Location
If the residence hall fills, you’ll live in double rooms in shared accommodations. The apartments are fully-furnished.
Note: Apartments in Italy, especially in the historical centers, are all situated in antique buildings.
Check out the photo gallery to get an idea of what your housing could be like. The photos are of apartments that have been available in the past.
Meals
In your apartment, you’ll have access to fully equipped kitchen. Think: Italian dinner parties with your housemates and friends!
Don’t forget – you’ll also get a discount card from Sant’Anna to use at local restaurants and stores.
Inclusions and Amenities
- Bed linens
- CommutePublic TransportationWalking
- Double Room
- Laundry
- Single Room
- Towels
- Wi-Fi
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in US dollars and include the following:
- Jacksonville University Transcript
- Several day excursions (examples from previous terms include Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and Naples)
- Discount card for local restaurants and shops
- Tandem language program
- CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
- Academic advising
- Financial aid counseling
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Full-time tuition & fees
- Housing
- Pre-departure and on-site orientation
- Airport pickup
- Medical & Accident Insurance
- The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival you’ll be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation. In the first few days you’ll take part in both the University and CIS Abroad orientation program where you’ll learn practical tips for living in Italy like where to go out, how to stay safe, where to shop. We will also take you to explore the local eateries in Sorrento and you’ll enjoy a welcome meal.
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
At the end of the program we will all get together for one last epic meal and talk about your adventures and experiences. Our staff will also share some precious tips on going back home feeling like a champ! Your study abroad experience is something to be cherished and shared with your family and friends back home.
Program Excursions
Mt. Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano in the Gulf of Naples, about nine kilometres (5.6 miles) east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. Vesuvius consists of a large cone partially encircled by the steep rim of a summit caldera. Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that buried and destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Capri
A resort since the Roman Republic, Capri is still a tourist destination for both Italians and travelers. Features of the island include the Marina Piccola (the little harbor), the Belvedere of Tragara (a high panoramic promenade lined with villas), the limestone crags called “sea stacks” that project above the sea (the Faraglioni), the town of Anacapri, and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.
Pompeii, Naples and Amalfi Coast
To get the full experience of the famous buried city of Pompeii, take a guided tour of the ruins. From there, head to the dramatic and stunningly beautiful Amalfi Coast, which looks over the Mediterranean Sea from its rocky shores. Included is a ferry ride for a day trip to the stunning island of Capri. Finally, shop in local stores and dine at famous pizzerias in Naples.
Site Director
Travel Tip:
If while traveling there’s no internet, embrace it. Play a card game with someone in the hostel common room, read a book, lie on the beach, go for a walk, talk to a stranger, think about life. Some of my favourite travel memories are from times when I didn’t have an Internet connection.
Travel Tip:
If while traveling there’s no internet, embrace it. Play a card game with someone in the hostel common room, read a book, lie on the beach, go for a walk, talk to a stranger, think about life. Some of my favourite travel memories are from times when I didn’t have an Internet connection.
About:
Romina is a native Roman with degrees in International Communications (2005) and International Relations (2007) at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. Shortly after graduating, she moved back to Rome and began her study abroad career working for IES. In Rome, she began pursing her M.A. in International Affairs at the SIOI. After completing an internship at the Italian Development Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome, her career took a turn as Romina was offered a position to work as a Communication and Public Information Officer within the civilian component of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Herat for the NATO mission in Afghanistan. Between 2008-09, Romina completed two missions in Afghanistan. In 2009, she began working for the Italian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, which then led her to cover the same position at the Italian Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen. In Spring 2011, the Italian government ordered embassy staff to return home due to the uncertain situation of the Arab Spring. Ever since, Romina has enjoyed her return to the eternal city, and to her career in study abroad through CIS Abroad.
Travel Tip:
Step out of your comfort zone by trying new things. Be willing to talk to the locals and ask them questions! I’ve discovered this is the best way to have an authentic travel experience and really get to know the place you happen to be.
Travel Tip:
Step out of your comfort zone by trying new things. Be willing to talk to the locals and ask them questions! I’ve discovered this is the best way to have an authentic travel experience and really get to know the place you happen to be.
About:
Studying abroad in Madrid as a college student sparked my interest in international education. After finishing my studies in International Relations and Spanish stateside, I decided to make a move back to Spain to start a career as an ESL instructor. Since then, I have worked as a teacher, director, and international program coordinator throughout Europe. Travel and education are my biggest passions in life. I believe exploring the world is one of the greatest ways to learn and bring people together. Outside of work, I am always planning my next adventure and looking to find the next best restaurant or bar to get a taste of local culture. I have travelled to over 50 countries and have no plans of slowing down anytime soon!
Your Support Staff
Create an impromptu picnic. Find some strawberries from a farmers market or some bread and cheese from a little shop or maybe a fresh pastry, make your way to a green space, and just take it all in.
You’ll be supported every step of the way!
Advising
Kaylee Klinger, our student advisor and 2x CIS Abroad alum, can help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal objectives. It’s not always an easy choice, but you can’t go wrong! Once you’ve decided, we’ll guide to you submit an online application.
Enrollment
Once you’ve submitted your initial application and the fee, you’ll be assigned a Program Enrollment Coordinator. We’ll work closely together to guide you through the enrollment process and prepare you for a life-changing experience!
Dates & Prices
ADVISOR TIP: Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
- Application Deadline: Oct 15
- Arrival: January 15
- Departure: May 6
- Price: $16,690
- Application Deadline: Jun 1
- Arrival: August 27
- Departure: December 16
- Price: $17,290
- Application Deadline: Oct 15 (Estimated)
- Arrival: January 14 (Estimated)
- Departure: May 4 (Estimated)
- Price: $17,290 (Estimated)
As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.