Location
  • Italy
    • Florence
    • Rome
    • Sorrento
Term
Maymester, Short Term, Summer
Subject Areas
Advertising Anthropology Archaeology Architecture Art History Arts Biology Business Conservation and Preservation Creative Writing Culinary Arts Design Economics Environmental Studies Fashion Design Film Geology Global Studies History Hospitality Humanities International Business International Relations Language Studies Liberal Arts Literature Marine Biology Marketing Media Relations Photography Physics Psychology Public Relations Religious Studies Tourism +25

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory
Language
Italian

Pricing

Starting Price
4060
Price Details
Price may be an estimate, the lower end of a range, or from a previous term. Please see our website for specifics.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

Please visit our website to see all that's included.

Mar 10, 2025
Feb 02, 2025
23 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Italy offers everything you could ever want for a rewarding summer 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 any of our immersive and supportive programs, from a culinary-focused travelling study tour to a summer studying and living alongside locals.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Several sessions to fit any schedule - study for 3 weeks or up to 3 months!
  • Choose from programs in Rome, Italy's capital; Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; or in Sorrento, on the colorful Amalfi Coast
  • Exceptional support, incredible activities, and options for a wide range of majors
  • Host institutions range from large, English-speaking universities to small study centers focused on language and culture
  • Small class sizes offer great academic engagement and interaction

Popular Programs

Summer on the Italian Coast - Engineering

Imagine waking up to the scent of lemon, orange, and olive groves -- the sound of bells clinking together from behind the piazza, the Mediterranean splashing against the bluffs, or the buzz of the small seaside city of Sorrento gently drifting through your window. A summer in Southern Italy means trekking the Amalfi Coast, taking a day-trip to the sun-stained villas of Belvedere of Tragara, or exploring the scorched earth of Mt. Vesuvius. During your stay in Sorrento you will be enrolled at the

Summer on the Italian Coast - Engineering

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.

View of Florence, Italy

In summer, the streets of Florence come alive with locals and tourists dining outside amidst jaw-dropping architecture, churches, statues, and fountains. Soak in the creative vibes as you study at Florence University of the Arts and live near all the action. To make the most of your time abroad, we’ll quickly immerse you in local Italian and Florentine culture. You’ll tour galleries and famous sites, and you’ll practice Italian as your order your next Tuscan meal—with gelato, of course.

Student in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Our Summer in Rome program places you at the American University of Rome, located on top of the Janiculum, one of Rome’s highest hills overlooking the city’s historic center. You’ll take innovative classes on a pine tree-studded urban campus, and you can easily explore Rome’s impressive landmarks and ruins. The Colosseum will come alive as you see history first hand. Summer in Rome is abuzz with outdoor markets, festivals, and abundant cultural events.

CIS Abroad Maymester on the Italian Coast

Spend a picturesque Maymester on the southern Italian Coast in Sorrento, Italy! Immerse yourself in Italian culture, food, and history. Study Italian language, literature, or history; or, take a popular intro to Marine Biology class and explore the marina by boat. You’ll create memories to last a lifetime!

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating
based on 32 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.75%
  • 4 rating 6.25%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.15
  • Support 4.65
  • Fun 4.95
  • Housing 4.55
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 32 reviews
Default avatar
Gillian
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

La bella vita in Italia

Studying at Sant’Anna Institute through CIS Abroad was an unforgettable experience. I lived in the school dorms, located on the beautiful seaside of Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento has the charm of the Amalfi Coast, with less crowds and tourism. In my classes I studied archeology, volcanology, marine biology, and human rights. We went on amazing field trips such as snorkeling, hiking Mount Vesuvius, and exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii. In my free time, I swam and read by the beach, which was just a 5 minute walk away from the school. CIS abroad provided incredible excursions throughout the 4 month stay. We experienced cooking classes, kayaking, a street food tour, and even staying in a luxury cave in the third oldest city in the world! Everyone at both Sant’Anna and CIS Abroad was welcoming, helpful, and kind. They truly care about your well being and happiness. I couldn’t recommend this program more. Go to Sorrento, you won’t regret it!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I stayed in a cave in the third oldest city in the world! We got to hike up to secluded caves in the mountains and see how people lived until 1960.
Pros
  • Beautiful area
  • You get to experience the rich history of Southern Italy
  • Small- not overwhelming like some cities
Cons
  • Small- not much to do
  • Many places close in the off-season
  • The location makes it slightly hard to travel
16 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Liliana
5/5
No, I don't recommend this program

You Need to Study Abroad with CIS in ITALY!

Studying abroad with CIS in Italy has been an unforgettable experience. The academic programs are well-structured and engaging, offering a perfect blend of classroom learning and cultural immersion. The program staff were incredibly supportive, always ready to assist with any challenges. The social scene was vibrant, with plenty of opportunities to connect with other students and locals. Housing was comfortable, and the local community felt safe and welcoming. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to expand their horizons and dive deep into Italian culture. PS love Frankie!

20 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS is the best program!

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!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would stay for longer!!
Pros
  • Orgainized
  • Helpful
  • Caring
Cons
  • Didn't stay long enough
34 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Camryn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Month of My Life!

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!

29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Izaak
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS Abroad Maymester on the Italian Coast (Sorrento)

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.

34 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Taylin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer on the Italian coast. Sorrento, Italy.

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.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If i were to do this again, I would take the opportunity to travel to more places. I traveled towards the end but if i could do it again i would go to so many more places around Europe.
Pros
  • Made new friends
  • Ate amazing food
  • Learned so much about culture
Cons
  • I didn’t speak Italian/language barriers
38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maymester in Italy

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.

35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Edie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maymester in Sorrento, Italy

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!

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest moments of my trip was when my group of friends and I were having breakfast and coffee at one of our favorite cafes. Right as we got our food and coffee, a seagull flew over us and pooped literally down the line of our table, directly on us. We couldn't stop laughing because we really couldn't believe it. Luckily, the cafe owner and our waiter were extremely nice, helping us get cleaned up and even gave us new, complimentary food. It became a lasting joke throughout the rest of our trip and even today.
Pros
  • I made friendships that I still communicate with today
  • I am more eager to take advantage of new opportunities
  • I gained a broader world view
41 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers