Summer on the Italian Coast
Engineering
Get ahead in your engineering degree in the seaside city of Sorrento
Take an equivalent of Physics II + lab and 1-2 non-engineering courses by day, and retreat to the romantic piazzas or festive restaurants overlooking the sea by night. This program, vetted by the University of Michigan International Engineering Programs, offers you a chance to enjoy the summer abroad while getting ahead in a core class necessary to your engineering degree. Other courses on offer include Italian, international tourism, marketing, archaeology, and sustainability. The Sant’Anna Institute encourages students to become members of this special community on the Mediterranean during their time abroad. Local shop owners will come to know you, with your discount card that’s valid at a number of stores and restaurants in Sorrento. Visit Pompeii, nearby Naples, and Capri to expand your knowledge of the southern Italian coast.
What to Expect:
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Language: English
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Average Courseload: 1-3 courses (5-11 U.S. credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.5 + min. 2 semesters higher ed. + successful completion of Physics 140 or equivalent
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Visa Requirements: NONE Required!
Highlights:
- Study with engineering faculty from around the world
- Gain the courses you need while expanding your connections and living with other CIS Abroad students
- Numerous beaches and coves at your fingertips
- Miles of hiking and trekking trails along the Amalfi Coast
- Classrooms overlooking the fishing village of Marina Grande
Program Details
Sant'Anna Institute - Engineering
Located atop a seaside cliff, the Sant’Anna Institute is housed in a prominent building offering breathtaking views of the Marina Grande of Sorrento. Your Physics II and lab are taught by esteemed visiting faculty from around the world, vetted by the University of Michigan International Engineering Programs. Other courses are rooted in experiential learning, which means you’ll get a unique, hands-on experience no matter what additional courses you choose.
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.
For this program, you must take Physics 152: General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism (4 credits) plus a 1 credit lab. which spans across both sessions 1 and 2. You can then choose up to 2 additional courses.
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.
Areas of study with at least 2 classes available
- Communications
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available
- Art & Design
- 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
- Italian
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Course Offerings
Required Course
Note: Students must take PHYS 152 General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism (4 credits) plus a 1 credit lab on this uniquely focused program.
PHYS 152 General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism (4 credits)
This calculus-based course introduces students to the major themes and principles of electricity and magnetism (fields, potentials, and Maxwell’s equations) and their applications in the context of charge distributions current distributions, circuits, and optics. Students will be guided in the basics of computational, experimental, and or theoretical physics practice.
PHYS 332 Lab (1 credit)
Students will spend 15 hours (3 hours per each of 5 lab sessions) in laboratory investigations. Labs will be mainly faculty-directed, meaning that the students are given instruction on the operation of lab equipment and guidance in the process of the experiment. Each lab will include theoretical components (questions that need to be answered in the lab report), as well as practical (e.g. building a circuit) and computational (analytical and numerical calculus) ones.
Course Instructors
Zahra Mazaheri
Faculty, Physics at Sant’Anna Institute
University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
Fun fact: Just finished her PhD!
Paolo Iaccarino
Faculty, Physics & Engineering at Sant’Anna Institute
The University of Naples Federico II
Fun fact: He’s a pizza expert
Elective Courses
You can choose up to 2 additional courses from the following electives:
WL 101 Elementary Italian Language
WL 102 Elementary Italian Language
WL 201 Intermediate Italian Language
WL 202 Post-Intermediate Italian Language
WL 325 Advanced Italian Language
WL 325 Special Topics: Post-Advanced Italian
WL 325 Medieval Italian Literature I – Dante
WL 325 Contemporary Italian Literature
ENG 306 WI Creative Writing
ENGL 203 World Literature
HUM 399 Special Topics: Archaeology Field Study
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 375/RELG 350 Religions of the Classical Antiquity
FVA 276 History of Italian Cinema
ART 376 Special Topics: Drawing on Location
ART 205 Introduction to digital photography
INB 303 Competing in the Global Environment
INB 421 Global Business: Italy and Tourism
ECON 335 / GEOG 335 / SUST 335 Sustainability
MKG 320 Product Management: Food Marketing
JU 330 Italian Community, Management and Professional Culture
HIST 350 – Greek Influence in Southern Italy: Colonization & Culture
HIST 350 Special Topics: History of the Mafia
HIST 165 Western Civilization Since 1648
JU 330 Anthropology of Europe (only Session 2)
POL 208 International Politics
POL 375 Special Topics: Human Rights
WGS 201 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
HIST 350- IS 305 History of Italian food and culture
MSC 113 Introduction to Marine Biology
MSC 430 Marine Conservation
JU 330 Introduction to Volcanology
BIOL 221 Human Nutrition
JU 330 New York calls, Naples responds (only Session 2)
Note: Courses will run subject to demand and adequate enrollment, so it is important to get additional alternate courses approved.
Course Descriptions
Please click here to view the course descriptions for the courses above.
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:
- Day excursions to local sites (previous excursions: Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, Naples)
- Discount card for local restaurants and shops
- CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
- Academic advising
- Financial aid counseling
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Full-time tuition & fees
- Jacksonville University transcript
- Housing
- Pre-departure and on-site orientation
- Airport pickup & drop-off at the end of the program
- 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 Institute’s and CIS Abroad’s orientation programs 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
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.
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.
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: Mar 1 (Estimated)
- Arrival: May 26 (Estimated)
- Departure: August 3 (Estimated)
- Price: $10,590 - $12,290 (Estimated)
Price range:
$10,590: 10 weeks, double room dorm/apartment, 5 credits. (Physics II + Lab)
$11,690: 10 weeks, double room dorm/apartment, 8 credits. (Physics II + Lab, and one other course)
$12,290: 10 weeks, double room dorm/apartment, 11 credits. (Physics II + Lab, and two other courses)
Note: single supplement for additional cost; availability not guaranteed, so apply early if this is important to you.
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.