Programs

Study, live, and explore in the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance

Live like a local in one of the world's most popular and timeless destinations. You'll study at Florence University of the Arts (FUA) alongside other study abroad students just as excited to experience Italy as you are. Discover the city's hidden gems through "Florentine Fridays" (most Fridays are class-free!) that take you on morning jaunts to places like markets, museums, art galleries, churches, and beautiful gardens. Enjoy exceptional support through both FUA and CIS Abroad, ensuring you're comfortable and making the absolute most of your time in Florence. Choose from dozens of courses taught in English in subject areas including the arts, business, communication, education, health, humanities, math, and social sciences, as well as Italian language and culture. There are plenty of reasons why Florence is a top study abroad destination and this program so highly regarded!

What to Expect

Language(s):

English, Italian

Average Courseload:

4-5 courses (12-15 U.S. credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.80

Highlights:

Engaging classes, with an average of 8-20 students

Program based in the heart of it all (between campus and housing), in the historic city center

Robust orientation, exceptional support, and frequent social and cultural activities and trips

Variety of courses taught in English across arts, business, communication, education, health, humanities, math, and social sciences

Program Details

January on the Italian Coast - Sant'Anna Institute

Sant'Anna Institute

Located atop a seaside cliff, the Sant'Anna Institute is housed in a prominent building offering breathtaking views of the Marina Grande of Sorrento. Courses are rooted in experiential learning, which means you'll get a unique, hands-on experience.

The grounds offer a tranquil garden, and the campus building houses classrooms, a student lounge, a kitchen, and residential rooms on the top two floors. From the Institute, you can reach the city center by foot in just fifteen minutes, and the train station is a quick 20-minute walk. When you're not studying, you can join service learning opportunities, language exchange groups, and volunteer projects - as well as explore the city and relax.

The Sant'Anna Institute, founded in 1998, is a private institute accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education, and is a member of Edu Italia. Courses are accredited by Jacksonville University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accredited by Jacksonville University (Florida), which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Course Information

Browse Courses

Course listings are for exploratory purposes, final course availability is determined during the enrollment process.

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Life in Sorrento

The gateway to the Amalfi Coast, the town of Sorrento is easily described as a paradise by the sea. From Sorrento, you can catch the train to Rome, take a ferry to the islands of Capri and Ischia, or reach Naples 20 miles away.

This famous, quaint city in Campania is a popular tourist destination, but don't let that fool you. The small city and friendly people make it easy to quickly become a member of the community. Beyond the tourists, make time to wander the citrus-lined streets, saunter through the Villa Communale Park, or just enjoy the sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius in the distance.

Hiking trails abound for the mountain adventurer looking to conquer the Amalfi coastline. A beautiful bay with incredible beaches and sheltered coves lures any water lover. Sorrento is the producer of Limoncello, delicious food, and stunning sunsets. After we help you acclimate to the Mediterranean lifestyle, you'll have the confidence to roam the city like a true local.

Live the Local Life

Cooking Class and Dinner

Learn how to make your favorite dishes and eat them too at fattoria Terranova.

I Limoneti di Sorrento

Enjoy a visit to "I Limoneti di Sorrento" and food tasting. Take the train or arrange for private transportation.

Napoli Sotterranea

Visit the underground city of Naples and see the historic places where it all started, including a Greek-Roman Aqueduct.

Capri

Explore Capri, arriving on a scenic ferry ride from Sorrento.

Italian Coast - Residence Halls On Campus

Location

Sant’Anna Institute’s new dorm hall space occupies the top two floors of the Institute (talk about an easy walk to class!). Students share double or triple rooms with an en suite bathroom in each bedroom. There's a shared kitchen and common area, as well a beautiful terrace overlooking the bay. Rooms have either a marina view or garden view.

Meals

You’ll have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen. Put your skills to the test and try cooking local favorites. Plus, all Sant’Anna students regardless of housing choice get a special card that gives them discounts at local stores and restaurants.

Inclusions and Amenities

Bathroom - Ensuite Bed Linens Commute - Public Transportation Commute - Walking Laundry Towels Wi-Fi

Italian Coast - Apartment

Location

You'll live in double or triple rooms in shared accommodations. The apartments are fully-furnished. Note: Apartments in Italy, especially in the historical centers, are sometimes situated in antique buildings. Check out the photo gallery to get an idea of what your housing could be like. The photos are of apartments that have been available in the past.

Meals

In your apartment, you’ll have access to fully equipped kitchen. Think: Italian dinner parties with your housemates and friends! Don't forget - you'll also get a discount card from Sant'Anna to use at local restaurants and stores.

Inclusions and Amenities

Air Conditioning Bed Linens Cleaning Service Commute - Public Transportation Commute - Walking Desk Kitchen Equipment Laundry - Onsite Towels Wi-Fi

Italian Coast - Sant'Anna Villa Sama + Meal Plan

Location

For those students who need a little help with meal prep, the student residence is the choice for you! This dedicated Sant'Anna building is located in the Santa Lucia neighborhood, approximately a 20 minute walk from campus. All rooms are doubles or triples with their own ensuite bathroom. Each bedroom will have a mini fridge, with two shared kitchenettes for the building. The kitchenette will be equipped with toasters, microwaves and vending machines, which will supplement the meal plan provided for this accommodation option only.

Meals

For approximately half the days of your program, you will be provided breakfast and dinner options. Please see the "Additional Information" section below.

Inclusions and Amenities

Air Conditioning Bathroom - Ensuite Bed Linens Cleaning Service Commute - Public Transportation Commute - Walking Desk Laundry - Onsite Meal Plan - Partial Microwave Pool Towels Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Jacksonville University Transcript
Day excursions to local sites (previous excursions: Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, Naples)
Group field trips as part of chosen course
Discount card for local restaurants and shops
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Full-time tuition & fees
Housing (shared bedroom in apartment, single supplement fee)
Pre-departure and on-site orientation

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival you'll be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation. In the first few days you'll take part in both the University and CIS Abroad orientation program where you'll learn practical tips for living in Italy like where to go out, how to stay safe, where to shop. We will also take you to explore the local eateries in Sorrento and you'll enjoy a welcome meal.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

At the end of the program we will all get together for one last epic meal and talk about your adventures and experiences. Our staff will also share some precious tips on going back home feeling like a champ! Your study abroad experience is something to be cherished and shared with your family and friends back home.

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Pompeii, Naples and Amalfi Coast

To get the full experience of the famous buried city of Pompeii, take a guided tour of the ruins. From there, head to the dramatic and stunningly beautiful Amalfi Coast, which looks over the Mediterranean Sea from its rocky shores. Included is a ferry ride for a day trip to the stunning island of Capri. Finally, shop in local stores and dine at famous pizzerias in Naples.

Mt. Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano in the Gulf of Naples, about nine kilometres (5.6 miles) east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. Vesuvius consists of a large cone partially encircled by the steep rim of a summit caldera. Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that buried and destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Capri

A resort since the Roman Republic, Capri is still a tourist destination for both Italians and travelers. Features of the island include the Marina Piccola (the little harbor), the Belvedere of Tragara (a high panoramic promenade lined with villas), the limestone crags called "sea stacks" that project above the sea (the Faraglioni), the town of Anacapri, and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.

Site Director

Frank Angelo Casale III

Sorrento, Italy Site Director

About:

Studying abroad in Madrid as a college student sparked my interest in international education. After finishing my studies in International Relations and Spanish stateside, I decided to make a move back to Spain to start a career as an ESL instructor. Since then, I have worked as a teacher, director, and international program coordinator throughout Europe. Travel and education are my biggest passions in life. I believe exploring the world is one of the greatest ways to learn and bring people together. Outside of work, I am always planning my next adventure and looking to find the next best restaurant or bar to get a taste of local culture. I have travelled to over 50 countries and have no plans of slowing down anytime soon!

Travel Tip:

Step out of your comfort zone by trying new things. Be willing to talk to the locals and ask them questions! I've discovered this is the best way to have an authentic travel experience and really get to know the place you happen to be.

Your Support Staff

Kayla Weiss

Program Enrollment Coordinator - Italy

Travel Tip:

Create an impromptu picnic. Find some strawberries from a farmers market or some bread and cheese from a little shop or maybe a fresh pastry, make your way to a green space, and just take it all in.

Tiffany Ho

Assistant Director of International Operations

Travel Tip:

If there are free walking tours at your destination, take advantage on your first day! It helps to acclimate you to your new surroundings, gives you ideas on what to check out further, starts you making new friends, and beats the jetlag! Don't forget to tip your guide well!

Kaylee Klinger

Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Travel Tip:

The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

Travel Tip:

Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Alumni Ambassadors

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Price Range

SPRING 2025:

12 Credit Option (TSH+ Meal Plan): $20,290
15 Credit Option (TSH + Meal Plan): $22,290
12 Credit Option (Premium Apartment): $19,390
15 Credit Option (Premium Apartment): $21,390
12 Credit Option (Standard Apartment): $18,590
15 Credit Option (Standard Apartment): $20,590
12 Credit Option (Dorm): $18,590
15 Credit Option (Dorm): $20,590

*Single room supplement in apartment (if available) - $1,400

FALL 2024:

12 Credit Option - TSH + Meal Plan: $18,990
12 Credit Option - Apartment: $17,890
15 Credit Option - TSH + Meal Plan: $20,590
15 Credit Option - Apartment: $19,390
18 Credit Option - TSH + Meal Plan: $22,190
18 Credit Option - Apartment: $20,890

*Any additional credits in between those listed above are at a rate of $530 USD per credit

Housing is allocated on a first come first-served basis upon payment of program deposit.

Program Deposit

There is a non-refundable program deposit for all CIS Abroad programs. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program! The deposit deadline and amount can be seen above in the Dates & Prices section.

Please note: As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

Study, live, and explore in the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Program Details

Sant'Anna Institute

Course Information

Life in Sorrento

Live the Local Life

Cooking Class and Dinner

I Limoneti di Sorrento

Napoli Sotterranea

Capri

Italian Coast - Residence Halls On Campus

Location

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

Italian Coast - Apartment

Location

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

Italian Coast - Sant'Anna Villa Sama + Meal Plan

Location

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Program Excursions

Pompeii, Naples and Amalfi Coast

Mt. Vesuvius

Capri

Site Director

Frank Angelo Casale III

About:

Travel Tip:

Your Support Staff

Kayla Weiss

Travel Tip:

Tiffany Ho

Travel Tip:

Kaylee Klinger

Travel Tip:

Serenah Quiroga

Travel Tip:

Alumni Ambassadors

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP:

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