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CIS Abroad Semester Programs in Italy

Name: CIS Abroad Semester Programs in Italy
Brand: CIS Abroad
SKU: 269316
Rating: 4.8 (65 reviews)

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4.80 Rating

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Location

Italy
- Florence
- Rome
- Sorrento

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring

Subject Areas

Advertising Architecture Art History Arts Business Classical Studies Communications Cultural Studies Design Digital Media Entrepreneurship European Studies Fashion Design Film Finance Food Science and Nutrition Gender Studies Global Studies History Hospitality Human Rights Interior Design International Business International Relations Language Studies Liberal Arts Literature Marketing Natural Sciences Political Science Public Relations Religious Studies Social Sciences Tourism Visual Arts +25

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Dormitory

Language

Italian

Pricing

Starting Price

18340

Price Details

Price may be an estimate, the lower end of a range, accurate for just one program listed here, or from a previous term. Please see our website and specific program pages for accurate costs.

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Classes Wifi

What's Included (Extra)

Please see our website for all that's included.

Last Updated: Mar 10, 2025

Last Reviewed: Mar 27, 2025

Wish List

27 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Italy offers everything you could ever want for a rewarding study abroad experience: a great climate, rich culture, impressive art, tasty cuisine, and so much more! Be more than just one of the millions of tourists in Italy when you go with CIS Abroad, as you’ll have the chance to get off the beaten track with our staff’s guidance. Choose from programs in Rome, Italy's capital; Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; or on the colorful Amalfi Coast in quaint Sorrento. All options offer exceptional support, incredible activities, and course options for a wide range of majors. The host institutions range from large, English-speaking universities to small study centers focused on language and culture.

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CIS Abroad Semester Programs in Florence, Italy

CIS Abroad Semester Programs in Rome, Italy

CIS Abroad Semester on the Italian Coast

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Program Highlights

Variety of amazing host cities and academic institutions
Courses in English and Italian language at all levels
Local cultural activities and excursions
Exceptional staff support
Small classes with students from the US, Italy, and around the world

Popular Programs

CIS Abroad Semester on the Italian Coast

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.

CIS Abroad Semester in Florence

Live like a local in one of the world’s most popular and timeless destinations. Hit the ground running by participating in a one-week, three-credit traveling Cultural Introduction to Italy course, connecting you with your fellow program participants and your new home country! Study alongside other study abroad students just as excited to experience Italy as you are at Florence University of the Arts, situated throughout downtown Florence.

CIS Abroad Semester in Rome

Enjoy the services and comforts of a U.S.-style university situated on top of Rome's highest hill in the desirable Trastevere district! You'll study alongside Americans, local Italian students, and other international students from over 40 countries. An active campus social life, immersive cultural activities, and expert staff will help you make the most of every moment.

semester on the italian coast study + intern

CIS Abroad Semester Italian Coast Study + Intern

Live, study and work on the Amalfi coast in southwestern Italy! Develop your professional skill sets in your field of study, boost your resume, gain practical work experience, and connect with the local community. Choose from unique courses instructed in English, many of which have a local focus (think: History of Italian Food and Culture). With a designated Internship Coordinator and guided reflection along the way, you are sure to progress in your field and future career path.

CIS Abroad Semester on the Cinque Terre Riviera

Spend a semester immersed in the magic of the Italian Riviera, based in the vibrant coastal city of La Spezia. Forget stuffy classrooms – your campus is a branch of Florence University of the Arts, where learning comes alive. Explore the iconic Cinque Terre, those breathtaking villages cascading down to the sea. Hike the stunning coastal paths, savor authentic Italian cuisine, and soak up the Mediterranean sun. Ready for a semester you'll never forget?

Program Reviews

4.80 Rating

based on 65 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 80%
4 rating 20%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 3.95
Support 4.65
Fun 4.65
Housing 4.35
Safety 4.7

Good for Students, Foodies, Photographers

Showing 1 - 8 of 65 reviews

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 enjoyed morning runs by the beach, post-dinner gelato, and sunset swims with all of my friends. The CIS Abroad staff and the friendliness of the Italian locals created a great experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

One of the coolest excursions that I went on was included with my CIS Abroad program, when we went to Matera, Italy, the second oldest city in the world. This city is composed of limestone rock, and we got to stay in caves that were left behind from the old civilization. We also did a sunrise hike and explored old cave dwellings and saw the beautiful city from the tallest point on a mountain. I have never seen anything like this city before and am still awestruck from my experience.

Pros

2-minute walk from the beach
Friendly locals and staff
Extremely safe town, even walking alone at night, extremely low crime rate

Cons

Only access to Italian food in Sorrento (other types of food such as Thai food are in other towns, so you have to walk or take public transportation if you do not want to eat pasta/pizza one night)
Most places in Sorrento close on November 1st due to tourist season slowing
Train strikes make travel difficult at times

The beautiful sunset from the balcony of Sant'Anna Institute

Sant'Anna Institute seen from the ocean (the grey building)

The CIS abroad excursion to Matera, Italy.

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.

Capri Island just 20 minutes from Sorrento by ferry

Genuinely the best semester I have ever had- Martina was amazing and so helpful at any time of day or night, they organized so many things for us and just made this experience so much fun and easy. I fell in love with Florence and made lifelong friendships and people I am already planning to visit and to go back to florence with! Going abroad has changed my perspective on life and what i’m capable of doing myself and i can’t wait to go out into the world and share my experiences with everyone else!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

Go and do even more than what I did- go and do something in the city and explore outside of it at least once a week

Pros

beautiful
not too crowded
in the middle of everything but not overwhelming

Cons

can be sketchy at night
lots of catcalling

Studying abroad was the best decision I made in my college career. It was such an incredible, eye opening experience that I am so grateful for. I learned so much about my italian heritage and was able to explore and understand the cultures of many different countries throughout Europe. I was in Florence, Italy. The city is truly amazing, it is like walking through living history. The architecture is beautiful, the florentines are welcoming, and there are plenty of other study abroad students and programs that helped me feel at home. CIS Abroad was a great program to be apart of and made this experience so special. My program leaders were very helpful with recommendations for restaurants, cities to visit, etc. and hosted multiple events and activities for the students in our program to meet and bond. I lived in The Social Hub, and overall had a good experience there. It is a dorm style living arrangement with in house laundry, AC (that works closer to what we are used to in the US), a communal kitchen, a meal plan, and some other great amenities like a rooftop bar, a pool, and monthly events/classes to help students get acquainted. FUA (FLorence University of the Arts) was a great school with many course options for almost any field of study. I was able to take courses to complete my degree as well as a bread making class, and a street photography class, which I did for fun (and greatly enjoyed). I reminisce on my study abroad experience constantly and can't wait to find my way back!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

My most nerve-racking moments were my first couple times attempting to speak with the locals in Florence. I knew some italian but was nervous that there would be a large language barrier, and they wouldn't be able to understand me if I needed to speak in English. I was very pleasantly surprised when I made my first attempt and learned that most Florentines speak at least some English, due to the high volume of tourism. Also, they were VERY kind when I tried to speak italian, and most would help me learn and encourage me to try speaking italian. It was so rewarding to be welcomed there by the locals!

Pros

I improved my italian language skills
Great opportunities for meeting other study abroad students/students in my program
Was able to explore multiple European cities and countries with ease

Cons

Student Hotel is a farther walk to city center than most apartments
The meal plan menu got old after a while, only a few items changed weekly
There were only 5 washers and dryers for the entire hotel, so laundry was occasionally a bit difficult

The CIS Semester in Florence Program is very special to me. Our program directors, Martina and Romina, made this experience so unique. They were both so supportive and they pushed everyone to try new things, while also looking out for our safety and well being. They planned many fun events for us to get to know the other students in our program, such as walking tours of the city and cooking classes. Martina helped me and my roommates a lot when we were having some roommate issues and were worried about the mental health of one of our roommates. Martina made sure to hear us out and look out for our roommate. She followed up with us a lot and was easily accessible when we needed her. My experience would not have been as wonderful as it was without these amazing program directors who work for CIS.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

I have never lived in a city before so I was nervous about living in a place with such a big population. Moving to a city from a rural area was certainly a difficult adjustment for me, but I decided to embrace the area and I would often just go wander about. I found places I liked to shop, quiet places to sit and read, cafes to study in, etc. I really made the city my own and tried to make it my own.

Pros

The ability to travel all around Europe.
The ability to try all sorts of new and amazing food.
The ability to meet people from all over the world.

Cons

Homesickness.
I spent a lot of money.
I had many roommate issues.

Me and my friends that I met through CIS, and our program directors!

I studied abroad in Florence, Italy in the Fall of 2024, and it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! Before arriving, I had so many feelings - excitement, nervousness, and much more, but I soon realized after getting to Florence that this was going to be life-changing. I was fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling, I visited eleven countries outside of Italy, and more cities than I can count! Some personal favorites were Barcelona and London!

The academics were constructed in a way that allowed me to enjoy my classes, I took three classes that taught me about the food, culture, and society in Italy, including a class where we went on walks every day! Being able to learn in a hands-on environment in such a cool city was definitely a highlight.
My support system from CIS, whether it was my pre-departure contacts or my on-site directors - was all amazing! I felt very prepared before leaving, and I never had a question go unanswered while in Florence. I loved being able to learn so much from my on-site directors, they had so much knowledge to share!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Before I left for Florence, I knew I wanted to travel as much as I could. However, I never anticipated that I would have the opportunity to go to Paris for just a few days. I have always dreamt of going to Paris, but not in a spir-of-the-moment way! We planned a last minute trip, and next thing I knew I was in Paris, at the top of the Eiffel Tower, looking over the gorgeous city at night, all while it was pouring rain, which, when looking back, made the experience all the more fun!

Pros

Field Learning Courses - Teaching in the City
Ease of Travel

Cons

"Italy Time" - there is no "fast pace", it can be challenging to adjust to this
Transportation Strikes

In front of the La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

I was so overwhelmed when I was tasked with choosing a provider, but after further research, I chose CIS Abroad. I did not know what to expect, but I was excited. Upon arriving in Florence, I was immediately met by Martina, one of our site leaders. This was so helpful because I did not have to figure out where to go or what to do, she just showed me. My housing was also amazing. I met my amazing roommate, Julie, and we stayed at The Social Hub. We were surrounded by other people in our program and got to meet more of them during our orientation. Throughout the whole semester, I felt nothing but support from CIS Abroad, especially from Romina and Martina. They made me feel at home during such a stressful time in a new country. CIS Abroad provided so many fun activities, one of my favorite being our spa trip. So relaxing! In the end, I am so happy with my choice of CIS Abroad and encourage everyone to use them!

Pros

Multiple Excursions
Constant Support
Amazing Housing

Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made. When I left for Rome, I did not know anyone else studying abroad and I had no idea what to expect. I ended up building lifelong friendships while exploring the most beautiful city in the world. Rome is a great spot to study abroad as there is so much to see and do within the city. There was always something for me and my friends to explore and we were always amazed by the natural beauty combined with the history. CIS Abroad also does a great job of helping you learn more about the Italian culture. This allows you to see a different side of Rome and Italy that widens your perspective.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice to future travelers is to make the most of your abroad experience. There is so much that one can do in Rome, and even all of Italy. Whether it's taking a walk to see a historical monument, going to see the Vatican City, or even as little as getting gelato, make the most of your time!! The semester flies by, and the opportunity to study abroad is once in a lifetime.

Pros

Walkable
Super easy location to travel out of
Great community

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Shaye DiPasquale is a Communications major at Elizabethtown College in Lancaster, PA. While studying abroad during the spring 2018 semester, she was able to visit over 8 countries and 25 countries across Europe.

Why did you choose this program?

I’ve identified as Italian-American all my life. My family observes many traditional Italian customs when it comes to food, celebrations, and family gatherings. However, there has always been a part of me that has felt disconnected from my identity. Studying abroad in Florence, Italy gave me the empowering opportunity to trace back my ancestral roots for myself. Also, I knew that I would be able to take courses at the Florence University of the Arts to supplement my major which my home university does not offer.

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What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My university helped me work through the Study Abroad application with CISAbroad. My Study Abroad adviser was great at answering my questions and connecting me with the resources that I needed on-campus. I had to set up my Italian student visa appointment at the Italian Consulate and acquire all the proper documentation needed for that appointment. I also organized my own flight itinerary to get over to Italy. Once I landed in Italy, the CISAbroad on-site staff helped me acquire my permit to stay.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

You will need so much less of everything than you think. I only brought travel size products with me to Italy, with the expectation that I would buy full size toiletries once I got settled in my apartment. As it turns out, I never had to buy any extra products. I also wasn't sure how I'd bring 5 month-worth of winter and spring clothes to Italy in one suitcase, but it was definitely doable!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I only had classes two days a week, so I had plenty of time to explore Florence and to travel to other cities and countries around Europe. Florence University of the Arts always has something going on, whether it’s a sports night where people can gather to participate in a game of soccer or it’s a fitness class in the school's gym. The CISAbroad on-site people are also great at organizing small meet-ups at restaurants and cafes around the city, where students can come and chat!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was traveling to other countries by myself or with other first-time travelers. I thought we would be prone to missing flights or getting lost in the middle of cities. As it turns out, common sense served me well, and I felt comfortable traveling from country to country. I learned that there's a big difference between being lost in a city and choosing to wander around and explore.

What was the most surprising thing about Italy?

I think I was most surprised by how familiar the country felt. There’s something about exploring the quiet alleyways of Tuscan towns that almost felt like a homecoming. Even in a city atmosphere like Florence, it only took a few days for me to feel at home and at peace. I might not have understood most of the Italian chatter floating around me as I walked down the street, but the people there are so warm and inviting that I felt like I belonged there nonetheless.

Sara DiGiamo

2018 Alum

Carly Ristuccia

2017 Alum

Caitlin Hogan

Brooke Morgan

Megan Mason

About CIS Abroad

We provide innovative education programs that broaden academic perspectives, promote global awareness, and encourage personal development while laying the foundation for participants to become engaged world citizens. Our lives were transformed by international experiences. Every day we create a more connected and compassionate world, one person at...