CIS Abroad Semester Programs in Italy
CIS Abroad Semester Programs in Italy
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
General grants/scholarships

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory
Language
Italian

Pricing

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.

Oct 13, 2026
33 travelers are looking at this program

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

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; on the colorful Amalfi Coast in quaint Sorrento; or on the Italian Cinque Terre Riviera, in La Spezia. 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.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Students praise the program’s strong support, helpful advisors, and immersive cultural experiences in Italy’s smaller cities like Florence, Perugia, and Sorrento.

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

Video and Photos

Popular Programs

Sorrento, Italy

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 - Florence University of the Arts

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 at American University of 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

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.

la spezia city center

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

4.82 Rating
based on 82 reviews
  • 5 rating 81.71%
  • 4 rating 18.29%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4
  • Support 4.7
  • Fun 4.7
  • Housing 4.45
  • Safety 4.7
Showing 1 - 8 of 82 reviews
Sean Garrity Profile Picture
Sean
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Sorrento, Italy Abroad Experience

Since there aren't ubers or taxis, you were forced to walk everywhere which really gets you more involved with the town and the people and the culture. Just exploring every area was so fun and there is also a train right in the middle of town and it was fun getting off at nearby stops since they offer so much to see such as beaches and small shops. I used all of the resources provided to me by CIS Abroad which made exploration so much easier since a lot of the events offered were included with CIS Abroad. The locals were all very nice and as long as you make an attempt to speak the language and be involved with the culture, everyone will love you.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I brought a snorkel and goggles with me and with the supervision of a local I met, I would go snorkeling in super deep, yet super clear water and I never would have expected myself to just go snorkeling on my own.
Pros
  • Lots of exploration
  • Many opportunities for photos
  • Train located right in the center of town
What other participants should know
  • Lots of walking which can get strenuous
  • For the spring semester, a lot of places were closed at the beginning
  • For the spring semester, it rained a lot for the first couples months
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Semester Ever!!

I studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy with CIS Abroad and it was the best decision ever! Sorrento offered so many experiences for me to do everything I love. I went on hikes along the Amalfi coast, explored the ruins of Pompeii several times, volunteered at a foster home, and studied at the gorgeous Sant' Anna Institute overlooking the Mediterranean Sea everyday. I was able to explore Sorrento and beyond with several excursions through the program, field trips with my Marine Biology and Archaeology classes, and traveling to several different countries with the friends I made there. I made some of the best memories there and wish I could go back just to relive it all over again!! I would recommend it to anyone thinking to study abroad!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Pack the basics in your suitcase and you can buy anything else you need once you're there! I also recommend buying postcards anywhere you go for the memories!
Pros
  • Sant' Anna views look over Mediterranean Sea while in class
  • great small town to get to know the friendly locals
  • amazing hikes, beaches, and history of the area
What other participants should know
  • winter weather and rainy season for first two months
22 people found this review helpful.
Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS Florence Spring semester abroad

I had a fantastic time during my semester in Florence! The staff at CIS was so helpful and supportive. I would recommend all the included activities the program offers, they are a great way to stay involved and meet people! I made amazing relationships and connections that will last a lifetime. I could not be more thankful for CIS abroad, the staff, and my time in Florence. Make sure you stay involved and say yes to everything even if you are unsure. Those memories will last a lifetime and it is SO worth it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Say yes to everything!
34 people found this review helpful.
Stephen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS Study Abroad: A fantastic experience!

I studied abroad through CIS Abroad in Florence, Italy during the Spring 2026 semester. I cannot recommend it enough! Truly a fantastic experience, being able to fully immerse myself in the city of Florence. CIS did an incredible job supporting us students and organizing many events which helped us dive deeper in to the local culture! I met so many awesome people and learned so much about the city and Italy as a whole. Florence's location also allowed for such easy travel, whether it was throughout Italy or to a different country. If you are thinking about studying abroad, do it -- it is so worth it.

41 people found this review helpful.
Sophia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ONCE IN A LIFE TIME EXPERIENCE

My experience with CEA CAPA in Sorrento was unforgettable! From living in such a beautiful place to traveling throughout Europe and making lifelong friendships, every part of the experience was amazing. The program gave me the support I needed while also encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone and become more independent. Living in Sorrento allowed me to experience Italian culture in a way that I never could have as a tourist. I loved getting to know the town, locals and trying new foods, creating a routine that made Sorrento feel like home. Some of my favorite memories were the simple moments like getting food with friends, walking around the town, or spending time in the marina looking for sea glass. Looking back, I’m so thankful I chose CEA CAPA for my study abroad experience. I learned so much about myself while getting to experience a new culture and see parts of the world I always dreamed about. I’m so grateful I chose CEA CAPA.

34 people found this review helpful.
Becca Crisman Profile Picture
Becca
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS was Awesome!

CIS did an amazing job of interacting with students, making us feel comfortable, coming up with fun activities, and being inclusive of everyone. I LOVED talking to the CIS staff on-site. I loved this program because of the cool people I met and the places I was able to travel to. I encourage everyone to study abroad with CIS. So many students I met were from various American schools on the other side of the country, so it was extremely interesting to get to know them. My classes were at FUA, and I found them to be extremely informative.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I solo traveled to Prague and Paris, as well as Italian cities like Venice, Verona, Siena, and Pompeii. This was so nerve-wracking at first, but it was so necessary for my confidence, and I feel so much more independent.
49 people found this review helpful.
Daniella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Experience of a Lifetime

Studying abroad through CIS Abroad in Sorrento, Italy was truly life changing. Knowing nobody going into the program was intimidating at first, but CIS staff really made me feel like I was at home. CIS Abroad also provided us with all necessary services like airport pickup, airport drop off, and even someone to talk to when needed. The staff also did an amazing job at getting us involved with the community from cooking classes to guided hikes. There is nothing I would change. I would pick this program again and again!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would bring rain boots for January-March as it can rain a lot in this time period.
Pros
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Close-knit community
  • Friendly community
What other participants should know
  • "Winter" weather
43 people found this review helpful.
charlotte
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS Abroad

My experience abroad with CIS Abroad was truly incredible and easily one of the best experiences of my life. From the very beginning, CIS Abroad made it clear that they genuinely cared about helping students make the most of their time abroad, not just academically, but personally, socially, and culturally as well. Every detail felt intentional, supportive, and designed to help us fully immerse ourselves in our host country.

One of the things I appreciated most was the variety of housing options available. Having comfortable, well-located housing made such a difference in how easily I could adjust to life abroad. It allowed me to feel safe, independent, and truly at home in a new country. Being surrounded by other students who were also navigating this exciting experience helped create a strong sense of community from the start.

The excursions and activities organized by CIS Abroad were another highlight. They went far beyond what I expected from a study abroad program. From cultural trips to unique experiences like a spa day—yes, a spa day abroad, which still feels unreal—every excursion gave us the chance to relax, explore, and connect with both the culture and each other. These experiences allowed me to see parts of the country I may never have discovered on my own and helped balance the academic side of studying abroad with fun and meaningful memories.

The group dinners organized through CIS Abroad were especially impactful. What started as simple shared meals quickly turned into moments of connection that helped form lasting friendships. Sitting down together, sharing stories, laughing, and experiencing local food created bonds that felt genuine and natural. Through these dinners, I met friends who quickly became my travel buddies, and we explored new cities, navigated unfamiliar places, and made unforgettable memories together. Even after returning home, I am still in contact with many of them, which speaks volumes about the strong relationships that were formed during this time.

Beyond the logistics and activities, CIS Abroad provided consistent support throughout the entire experience. Knowing that there was always someone to reach out to if I needed help made studying abroad feel less overwhelming and more empowering. That support gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, try new things, and fully embrace life abroad.

I loved every minute of my experience with CIS Abroad, and I truly miss it every day. The memories, friendships, and personal growth I gained are things I will carry with me forever. Studying abroad changed me in ways I never expected, and I am incredibly grateful to CIS Abroad for making that possible. If given the chance, I would do it all over again without hesitation.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Immerse yourself in anything and everything, you'll never regret going out of your comfort zone.
Pros
  • Experiencing new cultures
  • Being out of your comfort zone
  • Living your life to the fullest
What other participants should know
  • being away from family
109 people found this review helpful.

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