Sorrento: Summer Programs 2025

Never could have wished for anything else for my study abroad experience, except for more time there. My apartment was beautiful and had so much room, my roommates were strangers and now are my close friends. It only took 5 weeks to create friendships that I know will last me forever, even though we are all across the country from each other. I was able to befriend a local italian girl, she brought me in to her grandmas home and they taught me how to make Gnocchi alla Sorrentina from scratch. That was the most joy and fulfillment i felt the whole trip, I felt like I had completed my goal in immersing myself in to the beautiful italian culture. With only 5 weeks I knew 4 local store owners by name, walking through the beautiful streets of Sorrento was never lonely because they would scream my name to say hello to me as i walked to class, the store or the beach. The connections I made in Italy shocked me, I didn't expect to create so many friendships in such little time, but even less I never expected 5 girls from Texas, Ohio, Colorado, Pennsylvania and South Carolina to blend so beautifully. My roommates were my family, they cared for me and were excited to go on every adventure possible. I visited so many local and touristy towns on the Amalfi in my time there. From boat rides to capri, to ancient roman ruins at sunset, to jumping off of cliffs to trying homemade gelato and sunbathing on italian beaches with locals I loved every second of my time there. The school itself was on a hill overlooking the water, it had a beautiful garden that i would go read in and pick fruit from the garden, a real life movie. In my short time of 5 weeks I was able to create laughs, memories and friendships to last a lifetime. Thank you Sant'Anna and Sorrento.

It was amazing living here, but I do wish that there was a study room where the student dorms are where its quiet, because people can become loud in the kitchen and it makes it hard to concentrate even in the rooms. For me, it was disappointing that some classes that I wanted were canceled, but I had an internship that made up for it and it was so worth it. This was the best experience of my life!

My overall stay at Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy has been amazing. Sant’Anna is very concerned about students’ safety, well-being, and achievement both socially and academically. During my time in Sorrento, I have learned about the differences between North and South Italy as well as the traditional customs they value here. One thing I will note is that Sorrento is a very touristy city in the Summer and early Fall season. For this reason, at times it can be frustrating to walk around the city as well as find places open after tourist season is over. I have also noticed that with Sorrento being so touristy, the true Italian culture is hard to find. Many restaurants and shops cater to tourists which is nice at first, but can get old. Overall, Sorrento and Sant’Anna are beautiful places, it’s all about how you look at your situations!