CIS Abroad Summer Study in Italy

I had an amazing experience with CIS Abroad! From start to finish, the program exceeded my expectations. They had the best options tailored to fit exactly what I was looking for in a study abroad experience. The advisors were absolutely awesome—genuinely caring, always available, and incredibly helpful in making sure I had everything I needed. They went above and beyond to ensure that all aspects of my time abroad were well-organized, from pre-departure to my return home. I never felt lost or unsupported at any point during my journey. Everything was seamless, and they couldn't have been more helpful. If you're looking for a program that not only delivers a memorable experience but also makes you feel valued and supported, I highly recommend CIS Abroad. They made my study abroad experience one I will never forget!

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 excursions to Pompeii for a walking tour and 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 program was absolutely fantastic! Three weeks was plenty of time to explore Sorrento and the surrounding area in decent depth. We studied at the Sant'Anna Institute, which is designed for international students; they had many activities for us, such as an orientation tour and a day trip to Pompeii! The course I completed (History of the Mafia) was very interesting, as were the accompanying field trips. May is truly a great month to be in this part of the world; the weather is extremely pleasant, and the major tourist crowd does not arrive until June. The on-site staff with CISAbroad were extremely helpful and supportive; they clearly love what they do, and they made many efforts to connect with the students.

Having never traveled overseas before, this experience was very enlightening. I embarked on this journey alone, knowing no one except the study abroad advisers at my school, and I am very pleased that this was the case. I learned so much about myself, others, my future, and where and who I want to be, as well as about the culture in Italy and throughout Europe.

Sant’Anna was an amazing school with a wide range of classes to offer. The staff and faculty were all extremely kind and helpful. The school also provided many free activities for the students.

CIS Abroad was an excellent program as well. The advisers were incredibly helpful both in getting me to Italy and while I was there. The staff in Italy were fun and kind, and they organized many enjoyable activities for CIS students, such as a boat cruise to Amalfi!

I would highly recommend this program to anyone. It was the best experience, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

My time in Florence, Italy was great, thanks to CIS Abroad! From a smooth pickup at the airport to arriving at the awesome accommodation (rooftop pool and gym), the CIS Abroad team thought through every detail. They also planned activities throughout my time to get to know us better and show us around the city. They took us on a boat cruise, gave us a walking tour, showed us the famous viewpoint to see all of Florence, showed us the best gelato and pizza, and so much more. They were there every step of the way.

I truly cannot speak highly enough about my study abroad experience. Sorrento was the perfect location for what I was hoping for. It had all of the beautiful nature and culture that I was hoping to see and experience. It was also a small town, which allowed me to make relationships with locals, become regulars at our favorite coffee shops and restaurants, and really get to feel like I got to experience the community of Sorrento. The program I booked this experience through was CIS Abroad, and they did such a good job getting us involved in the area and making sure we felt supported the whole time. I also LOVED my class, I took Marine Biology which I have always been interested in. We had an amazing professor and got to go on once-in-a-lifetime field trips. I recommend this program highly to anyone who may be interested!

My experience with CIS Abroad on the Italian Coast was more than I could have ever imagined. The summer study abroad program provided a perfect blend of fun, engaging classes, cultural immersion, and breathtaking coastal views. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the charm of the local towns, the vibrant culture, and the welcoming community.
The courses were taught by passionate professors who truly cared about their students. I was always excited to attend my classes, History of the Mafia and Drawing on Location, as they were immersive and intriguing. My professors were personable, knew everyone by name, and spent one-on-one time with me to help with assignments. They incorporated humor and excitement that made learning fun and enjoyable. They also provided multiple class field trips where they took us to various beautiful spots around Sorrento, including hidden gems that weren't widely known!
CIS Abroad did an excellent job of integrating cultural activities into the program. We were provided with gelato and pizza-making classes, wine tasting, Italian dinners, a boat trip to Amalfi, beach club day, and a farewell party including a cultural tarantella dance. I was highly impressed with the amount of activities provided included in the program fee. The program coordinators, Frankie and Emma, attended all events and were fantastic. They were fun and genuinely cared about all the students, always wanting to get to know us better.
The support from CIS Abroad staff was exceptional. They were always available to assist with questions or concerns making living in Sorrento feel safe and comfortable. I made a great decision to stay in the Sant'Anna Dorms that were in the school as I loved being able to walk right downstairs to class. Living with other international students made it easy to form lasting friendships and share unique experiences. There was always one or more staff members on sight available to assist us with anything, including a night guard that made me and my parents feel safe. Sant'Anna is located minutes from the town square with a wide range of unique restaurants, shops, and bars, minutes from the beach at Marina Grande, and minutes to the train and ferry stations with popular tourist spots nearby making travel easily accessible.
My summer with CIS Abroad on the Italian coast was a transformative experience that exceeded all my expectations. I came away with not only a deeper appreciation for Italian culture and history but also lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a perfect mix of academics, culture, and coastal beauty!

Without CIS Abroad I would have had a difficult time adjusting to life in Europe. Their transportation and wonderful team helped me adjust and explore the country in a way that I would have never imagined. They made my first study abroad experience wonderful and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a program overseas! Every encounter I had with my site supervisor was informational and supportive wether it was for travel or education. I left with education about a new city as well as inside the classroom that I applied to my life back at my home University.