Sorrento
QUICK FACTS
| HOST INSTITUTION | Sant’Anna Institute |
|---|---|
| LANGUAGE & ACADEMICS | Open to all Italian levels. Classes are taught in English, except for Italian language classes and some Italian literature classes. Subject areas include: Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, Business, Classics, Communications, Fine Arts, History, International Relations, Italian Culture, Italian Language, Italian Literature, Marketing, Nutrition, Photography, Politics, Religion, Sciences, Sociology. Credit-bearing internships are available. |
| HOUSING | Residence hall, Italian homestay, or shared apartment |
| SAMPLE ACTIVITES | Gelato Making, Hiking |
| PROGRAM CALENDARS | Click here! |
THE CITY
A small city of 16,500 in southern Italy, Sorrento is an enchanting beach town right on the water. Imagine looking out your classroom window onto the Mediterranean Sea with Mount Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri in the distance!
Because very few Americans live and study here, you can experience Italian culture in depth. Enjoy the best of both worlds – a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city with an approachable, small town feel and a history that is several millennia old. With origins dating back to the Roman Republic, Sorrento is steeped in history both figuratively and literally, as the town is built into cliffs of ancient compacted volcanic ash, rising up from the sea. Amidst the modern shops and restaurants, a stroll around town will encounter narrow alleyways, ancient ruins, and tranquil churches.
Located just 1 hour from Naples and a half hour from Pompeii, and with bus, train, and ferry transportation nearby, you can easily explore the rest of Europe and everything it has to offer.
COURSE OFFERINGS
SEMESTER & ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
summer programs
January Term
HOST INSTITUTION
Sant’Anna Institute
Founded in 1998, the mission of Sant’Anna Institute is to provide a learning experience that engages students through total immersion of local language, community, and culture. Sant’Anna Institute is a community of cultural exchange, attracting students from all over the world who come here to learn Italian and experience life in southern Italy.
The Institute is housed in a historical building, perched on one of Sorrento’s cliffs of ancient volcanic ash. Classrooms overlook the school’s lush gardens and the Marina Grande, Sorrento’s main fishing port. With views of the Mediterranean Sea, Mount Vesuvius, and the Isle of Capri, it is a picturesque place to study. Field trips are part of many courses at Sant’Anna Institute.
Click here to view an interactive map of Sant’Anna Institute.
Excursions
ASA semester programs include 2 excursions. Destinations vary by term.
EXPERIENCES
Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad. Here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you can have abroad with ASA!
Did you go abroad with ASA and have a memorable experience we should add to this list? Email us at hello@academicstudies.com!
HOUSING
Sant’Anna Institute offers four housing types: Italian homestay, On-campus Residence Hall, Shared Apartment, and Off-campus Residence Hall.
Students will complete a Housing Questionnaire after being accepted to the program where they can rank housing in order of preference. Most of the time, we’re able to place students in their first choice housing option, but due to limited space in certain options, we can’t guarantee all preferences will be met.
Italian Homestay: Double occupancy rooms; Includes breakfast and dinner.
On-Campus Residence Hall: Double, triple, or quadruple bedrooms. Meals are not included but there is a shared kitchen available for use. Residence hall is part of the Sant’Anna Institute building, thus you are ensured a quick walk to class and beautiful ocean view.
Shared Apartment: Double, triple, or quadruple occupancy rooms. Meals are not included but students are provided a stocked kitchen. Apartments are located throughout Sorrento.
Off-Campus Residence Hall: Double or triple rooms; On-site cafeteria/restaurant where breakfast and dinner are served. Students receive a fixed number of meal vouchers for use in the cafeteria. The building has a rooftop with swimming pool & sun beds; Located in the Santa Lucia Neighborhood, just 15-20 minutes walking from campus.
All ASA housing includes Internet access and is located in safe neighborhoods within a reasonable distance from school.
HOUSING FAQ
+ Can I room with a friend?
Yes, in most cases we are able to accommodate requests to live with a friend. Please keep in mind that roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back! You will complete a detailed Housing Questionnaire after being accepted to the program, and on this form you can request a roommate.
+ When will I find out where I’ll be living?
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program.
+ What if I don’t like my host family?
If it is a problem with the homestay and not a language or cultural misunderstanding, ASA will move you to a different homestay right away. We have on-site staff in every city who are there to help students with any issues they encounter while abroad, and who check in periodically with students throughout their stay to ensure all is well.
+ Will my host family speak English?
No, but there’s no need to worry! Living in a homestay is the best way for you to learn Italian, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will improve. Also, don’t forget that they've hosted international students before, so they understand that you are there to learn their language and want to help you.
+ Will I have a roommate?
Yes. In homestays, bedrooms are double occupancy. In the Residence Halls and shared apartments, rooms are double, triple, or quadruple occupancy.
+ What should I bring with me?
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins. Students living in a homestay should consider bringing a small gift for their host, such as a candle, kitchen towel, chocolates, etc.
+ Are meals included?
Homestay accommodation includes breakfast and dinner. The On-Campus residence hall and shared apartment accommodation does not include meals, but there is a shared kitchen, and grocery stores are within walking distance. The Off Campus residence hall includes a meal plan with vouchers for a set number of breakfasts and dinners in the on-site cafeteria.
+ What is the food like?
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
+ How far will I live from school?
Homestays, the off-campus residence hall, and shared apartments are located about a 15-25 minute walk from the school. The On-campus residence hall is part of the Sant'Anna Institute bulding, so you will be just a minute's walk from your clases.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Information for underrepresented groups considering Sorrento will be posted below soon. In the meantime, you can check out Diversity Abroad’s Italy Travel Guide.
If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please call us at 617-327-9388 or email hello@academicstudies.com.
ELIGIBILITY
Sant’Anna Institute: Classes without Internship
Summer/Semester/Academic Year/January term
Requirements
Minimum GPA requirement 2.5
Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Italian.
At least 18 years of age
Official Transcript from your most recent institution attended (Gap year students will be required to submit a copy of your high school diploma in addition to an official transcript)
Personal Statement (1-2 pages) describing your personal and academic reasons for wanting to study abroad at Sant’Anna Institute.
ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.
Sant’Anna Institute: Classes + Internship
Summer/Semester/Academic Year
Requirements
Minimum GPA requirement 3.0 (Students with GPA below 3.0 will not be considered for the internship program but may apply for the classes-only program.)
Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Italian.
At least 18 years of age
Completed at least 2 semesters at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying (or 3 semesters completed before applying plus verification of current semester courses in progress)
Must be of junior or senior standing when you begin your internship based on earned credits.
Desired internship area must be within your major or minor field of study.
Accepted into your major area of study with successful completion of core coursework in the major
A clean discipline record from your home university
Official Transcript from your college or university
Personal Statement (1-2 pages) describing your personal and academic reasons for wanting to study and intern abroad at Sant’Anna Institute.
CV/résumé in Word format demonstrating experience relevant to desired internship area.
Cover Letter/Letter of Intent
Two letters of recommendation from a current or past employer.
ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.
SANT’ANNA INSTITUTE: CLASSES + research project
SEMESTER/ACADEMIC YEAR
Requirements
Minimum GPA requirement 3.0 (Students with GPA below 3.0 will not be considered for the research program but may apply for the classes-only program.)
Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Italian.
At least 18 years of age
Completed at least 2 semesters at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying (or 3 semesters completed before applying plus verification of current semester courses in progress)
Must be of junior or senior standing when you begin semester
Official Transcript from your college or university
Personal Statement (1-2 pages) describing your personal and academic reasons for wanting to study and research abroad at Sant’Anna Institute.
One letter of recommendation from a professor or advisor at your home university.
ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.
INTERNSHIPS
Students at Sant’Anna Institute may complete a for-credit internship in tandem with coursework for an additional fee of $500. An internship is a great way to meet Italian people while building your résumé and gaining hands-on experience. Internships are available summer or semester terms.
EXAMPLE INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS
Candidates may apply for internships in their major or minor field of study. Although Sant’Anna Institute will do their very best to find a placement in your top choice area of interest, we cannot guarantee a placement in your top choice area of interest. For this reason, internship applicants must have at least 2 areas of interest in mind when they apply. Internships are available in the following areas:
Archaeology
Architecture / Interior Design
Art History
Community Health
Culinary Arts
Education / ESL Teaching
Emergency Management
English
Environmental Science
Event Management
Fashion Merchandising
Fitness Management
Food & Beverage Management
Geology / Volcanology
Hospitality
Human Rights
Human Services Management
International Business
International Politics
Italian Studies
Journalism
Leadership / Student Wellness
Marine Biology
Marketing
Nutrition
Studio Art
Political Science
Sports Business
Social Work
Tourism
Veterinary Science
Women’s Studies
Service Learning & Community Engagement
Community Engagement projects are voluntary and independent from the courses that students attend, while Service Learning projects are designed specifically for certain courses to allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, and at the same time, provide a service to the city hosting them. Sorrento is a small city, and Sant’Anna Institute is very involved with the local community. They have ties to dozens of local businesses and organizations, through which they are able to offer ASA students a range of meaningful projects. In fact, due to the reputation of these projects within the town, oftentimes businesses and organizations in the community reach out to Sant’Anna looking to collaborate.
From an academic point of view, these projects are a form of experiential learning, allowing students to learn in partnership with the community and develop competencies that promote the advancement of socially responsible citizenry. Time spent working with a community-based organization becomes part of the students’ homework. In the case of Service Learning projects, the community serves as a “living text” for the class – another powerful source of information to complement course readings, lectures, and discussions. Service Learning and Community Engagement Programs at SASL engage both students and the broader community in reciprocal partnerships to create educational projects, promote leadership through service, foster and support inclusive environments, and advance social justice and civic engagement. For full details about service learning and community engagement opportunities, please click here!
research projectS
Students at Sant’Anna Institute may complete a research project in tandem with coursework for no additional fee. A research project is a great way to meet Italian people while building your résumé and gaining hands-on experience. Research projects are available for semester terms only.
Please Note: Research project hours will not be included in the official transcript at the end of the program. If a student is interested in receiving credit for the research project, it will need to be arranged between Sant’Anna Institute and the students home university directly. Your ASA program manager can assist with this process if desired.
Types of projects:
Although Sant’Anna Institute will do their very best to find a place in your you in your top choice, we cannot guarantee a placement. For this reason, research project applicants must have at least 2 areas of interest in mind when they apply. Research projects are available in the following areas:
1. History of the Mafia: Organized crime in Italy from a Historical Perspective
2. Gender Studies: Gender-based violence in Italy
3. Human Rights: Field research on migrants and refugees
4. Marine Biology/Sustainability – On-site at the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella (Extra fee of $500)
5. Italian Literature – Dante’s Comedy in the contemporary culture
COST & DATES
Billing Information and Cancellation Policy
Price Breakdowns / Estimated Costs of Attendance
Internship carries additional fee of $500.
Please wait to book a flight until you receive arrival instructions from ASA.
January term
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Term 2025 Arrive Jan. 5 - Depart Jan. 25 On Campus Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | $4,995 | Oct. 15, '24 | Oct. 30, '24 | SOIJ25 | No |
| January Term 2025 Arrive Jan. 5 - Depart Jan. 25 Off Campus Residence Hall with Meal Plan | $5,295 | Oct. 15, '24 | Oct. 30, '24 | SOIJ25MP | No |
spring SEMESTER
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring I 2025 Arrive Jan. 26 - Depart May 10 On Campus Residence Hall without meals | $18,195 | Oct. 11, '24 | Oct. 30, '24 | SOISPA25 | Yes |
| Spring I 2025 Arrive Jan. 26 - Depart May 10 Shared Apartment without meals | $18,195 | Oct. 11, '24 | Oct. 30, '24 | SOISPB25 | Yes |
| Spring I 2025 Arrive Jan. 26 - Depart May 10 Homestay with meals | $18,995 | Oct. 11, '24 | Oct. 30, '24 | SOISPC25 | Yes |
| Spring I 2025 Arrive Jan. 26 - Depart May 10 Off Campus Residence Hall with Meal Plan | $19,795 | Oct. 11, '24 | Oct. 30, '24 | SOISPA25MP | Yes |
SUMMER Session 1
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer IA 2024 (3 credits) Arrive May 26 - Depart June 29 Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | $6,295 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU1A24 | No |
| Summer IB 2024 (3 credits) Arrive May 26 - Depart June 29 Homestay with breakfast and dinner | $6,495 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU1B24 | No |
| Summer IC 2024 (6 credits) Arrive May 26 - Depart June 29 Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | $7,095 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU1C24 | No |
| Summer ID 2024 (6 credits) Arrive May 26 - Depart June 29 Homestay with breakfast and dinner | $7,295 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU1D24 | No |
| Summer IA 2025 (3 credits) Late May - Late June Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU1A25 | No |
| Summer IB 2025 (3 credits) Late May - Late June Homestay with breakfast and dinner | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU1B25 | No |
| Summer IC 2025 (6 credits) Late May - Late June Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU1C25 | No |
| Summer ID 2025 (6 credits) Late May - Late June Homestay with breakfast and dinner | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU1D25 | No |
SUMMER Session 2
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer IIA 2024 (3 credits) Arrive June 30 - Depart Aug. 3 Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | $6,295 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU2A24 | No |
| Summer IIB 2024 (3 credits) Arrive June 30 - Depart Aug. 3 Homestay with breakfast and dinner | $6,495 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU2B24 | No |
| Summer IIC 2024 (6 credits) Arrive June 30 - Depart Aug. 3 Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | $7,095 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU2C24 | No |
| Summer IID 2024 (6 credits) Arrive June 30 - Depart Aug. 3 Homestay with breakfast and dinner | $7,295 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU2D24 | No |
| Summer IIA 2025 (3 credits) Late June - Early Aug. Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU2A25 | No |
| Summer IIB 2025 (3 credits) Late June - Early Aug. Homestay with breakfast and dinner | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU2B25 | No |
| Summer IIC 2025 (6 credits) Late June - Early Aug. Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU2C25 | No |
| Summer IID 2025 (6 credits) Late June - Early Aug. Homestay with breakfast and dinner | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU2D25 | No |
SUMMER Session 3
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer IIIA 2024 (6 credits) Arrive May 26 - Depart Aug. 3 Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | $10,295 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU3A24 | No |
| Summer IIIB 2024 (6 credits) Arrive May 26 - Depart Aug. 3 Homestay with breakfast and dinner | $10,695 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU3B24 | No |
| Summer IIIC 2024 (9 credits) Arrive May 26 - Depart Aug. 3 Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | $11,495 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU3C24 | No |
| Summer IIID 2024 (9 credits) Arrive May 26 - Depart Aug. 3 Homestay with breakfast and dinner | $11,895 | Feb. 28, '24 | March 15, '24 | SOISU3D24 | No |
| Summer IIIA 2025 (6 credits) Late May - Early Aug. Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU3A25 | No |
| Summer IIIB 2025 (6 credits) Late May - Early Aug. Homestay with breakfast and dinner | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU3B25 | No |
| Summer IIIC 2025 (9 credits) Late May - Early Aug. Residence Hall or Shared Apartment without meals | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU3C25 | No |
| Summer IIID 2025 (9 credits) Late May - Early Aug. Homestay with breakfast and dinner | TBA | Feb. 28, '25 | March 14, '25 | SOISU3D25 | No |
fall SEMESTER
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall A 2024 Arrive Aug. 25 - Depart Dec. 14 Residence Hall without meals | $17,995 | May 1, '24 | May 30, '24 | SOIFA24 | Yes |
| Fall B 2024 Arrive Aug. 25 - Depart Dec. 14 Shared Apartment without meals | $17,995 | May 1, '24 | May 30, '24 | SOIFB24 | Yes |
| Fall C 2024 Arrive Aug. 25 - Depart Dec. 14 Homestay with breakfast and dinner | $18,695 | May 1, '24 | May 30, '24 | SOIFC24 | Yes |
| Fall A 2025 Late Aug. - Mid Dec. Residence Hall without meals | TBA | May 1, '25 | May 30, '25 | SOIFA25 | Yes |
| Fall B 2025 Late Aug. - Mid Dec. Shared Apartment without meals | TBA | May 1, '25 | May 30, '25 | SOIFB25 | Yes |
| Fall C 2025 Late Aug. - Mid Dec. Homestay with breakfast and dinner | TBA | May 1, '25 | May 30, '25 | SOIFC25 | Yes |
$500 discount for Academic Year participation, applied during the second semester
WHAT’S INCLUDED
INCLUDED
ROOM & BOARD / ROOM ONLY: Choose between these 4 housing options:
Option A: Residence hall without meals, with kitchen facilities
Option B: Italian homestay with daily breakfast and dinner included
Option C: Shared apartment without meals, with kitchen facilities
Option D: Off campus residence hall with some meals included (vouchers for breakfast and dinner)
TUITION at Sant’Anna Institute for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.
ACADEMIC CREDITS: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Final transcript is issued by Jacksonville University through Summer 2024. From Fall 2024 onward the school of record is Arcadia University. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.
EXCURSIONS: Semester programs include 2 day trips.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES in Sorrento (museum visits, walking tours, etc.)
INTERNET ACCESS: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.
AIRPORT PICK-UP: Group ground transportation is provided from Naples (NAP) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.
SITE DIRECTOR: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.
VISA ADVISING: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to “Student Visa Information” to find out if a visa is required for your program.
PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION
SUBSCRIPTION TO SAFETURE SAFETY-ENHANCING MOBILE APP
SUBSCRIPTION TO MINDHAMOK: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs
Not Included
$500 internship fee (only charged to you if you sign up for an internship)
Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location
Books, materials, lab fees
Local transportation
Personal expenses
All meals if living in the On-campus Residence Hall or shared apartment; some meals if living in a homestay or Off-campus Residence Hall
Laundry
Meals on activities
Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time
Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program
Student Visa and Permit of Stay, if required
For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students only, medical insurance during winter break is included.
If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance for your financial aid office, or if you simply want an estimate of the not-included costs listed above, please click here.