CIS Abroad Summer Study in Italy

CIS Abroad Summer Study in Italy

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
General grants/scholarships

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory
Language
Italian

Pricing

$5,490
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.

Sep 02, 2025
Sep 08, 2025
27 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. Locations include Florence, Rome, Italian Coast (Sorrento), and Cinque Terre Riviera (La Spezia).

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers a strong balance of engaging academics and rich cultural immersion with supportive staff and comfortable housing.

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

Video and Photos

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!

Summer on the Italian Cinque Terre Riviera

Spend your summer in La Spezia, a picturesque seaside city with a perfect balance of modern and historic. While studying at a branch campus of Florence University of the Arts, you'll also enjoy easy access to the colorful cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre. Every day can be filled with a walk through the scenic coastal trails, authentic Italian cuisine in local trattorias, and countless other opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and natural beauty of Italy’s coastline.

CIS Abroad Summer in Italy - Florence & Cinque Terre Riviera

Why limit yourself to just one study abroad destination? This unique two-city program allows you to compare and contrast two fascinating destinations: Florence and the Cinque Terre Riviera (La Spezia). This program offers the best of city life and coastal living, all in one unforgettable summer.

Program Reviews

4.90 Rating
based on 41 reviews
  • 5 rating 90.24%
  • 4 rating 9.76%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.15
  • Support 4.7
  • Fun 4.9
  • Housing 4.55
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 17 - 24 of 41 reviews
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
98 people found this review helpful.
Chloee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS Summer on the Italian Coast

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!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice for future travelers on this program is to not be afraid to go by yourself. I was so nervous to be in a foreign country with people I'd never met and not be able to return to the comfort of home easily, but I was so happy I didn't go with a friend or group. This put me in a position where I had to get out of my comfort zone and make an effort to form new connections. It forced me to spend time with people I normally wouldn't have, which led to the most special friendships and best memories. What I didn't realize before going abroad is that the dynamic is much different than college. Everyone is in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people and is eager to meet people, making this process easy and stress-free. The housing in dorms and apartments and the group events make it easy to connect with other students and make plans together. I chose the five-week program thinking I would be homesick and ready to return home, but I deeply regretted not opting for the ten-week program.
Pros
  • Most locals spoke English, making communication and navigation easy
  • The dorms being located in the school made it easy to get to class and meet friends
  • The school is conveniently located near many accommodations including the beach, town square, and ferry and train station.
Cons
  • School took up some travel/ fun time with friends
  • Occasional language barrier can make it difficult to navigate
  • Stayed very busy with class, excursions, travel, and other activities (not necessarily a con for me!)
90 people found this review helpful.
Alana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer On the Italian Coast

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.

122 people found this review helpful.
Krishna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS Abroad: Summer on The Italian Coast Review

I absolutely loved my time at the CIS Summer on the Italian Coast program. Sorrento is a beautiful town and we really got to know the locals over the two months. Sorrento is a short train ride away from Pompeii where you can really dive into the history and walk through the ancient city. I was able to travel around Europe while maintaining good standing in my courses. Sorrento has fabulous restaurants and is a short walk from the Bagni Regina Giovanna. If I had the opportunity to do it all over again I would!

Pros
  • Amazing town
  • Interactive classes
Cons
  • Long travel to the airport
119 people found this review helpful.
Ashlyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing!

All over amazing! I chose to do the apartment, and we got a spacious, clean apartment in the heart of Sorrento. They did an amazing job matching roommates based on our preferences. The class I took was fairly easy, but i’m not complaining because I had so much time to adventure and explore! The activities CIS had were the highlight of my trip including wine tastings, boat tours, and multiple dinners. The environment was great, they were there for me before, during, and after, and I would go again with CIS abroad in a heartbeat!

Pros
  • Stress free
  • New opportunities
  • Fun
112 people found this review helpful.
Katelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIS Abroad Summer on the Italian Coast

My summer studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy with CIS Abroad has been the best experience of my life. CIS Abroad made everything easy for me, through answering application and program questions, airport pick up and drop off after arriving in Italy, and through the support of the program staff while abroad. CIS Abroad planned excursions like a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast, authentic dinners, tour of an olive oil farm, and wine tastings. These gave me the opportunity to experience local culture and experience new things I wouldn't have tried myself. My summer abroad with CIS Abroad allowed me to learn more about myself, grow as a person and a student, take classes I couldn't at my home university, learn more about the world, and have the best experiences.

131 people found this review helpful.
Angie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best memories I have made

Going into this experience I was not sure how I was going to feel about being in a different country without my family helping. However, the people that I met, have become some of my best friends and I would go back and do it all over again if I could to relive the memories I made. All of the advisors and faculty were very helpful with everything and were always easy to reach if I had something to talk about or I had a problem going on. Overall, it was amazing and I am glad I did it. If I am able to study abroad again it will definitely be with one of the programs through CIS.

Pros
  • The advisors were very helpful
  • The people I met were now my best friends
  • They provided a lot of travel opportunities
113 people found this review helpful.
brynne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad in Florence

I absolutely loved my Maymester abroad in Florence. I made so many new friends, tried new food, saw new cities, and took a class I could never take at home. I also loved being able to immerse myself in the communities and become friends with the locals around me. CIS made the transition so easy and I could not be more grateful for this experience. I spent every day for three weeks seeing something new in both my class and in my own spare time. My teacher made it so easy to navigate the city for when we were exploring on our own.

Pros
  • immersing myself into a new culture
  • trying new food
  • new travel experience
117 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers