Sant'Anna Institute Semester Programs

Study 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, and more at the Sant'Anna Institute in picturesque Sorrento, perched on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. 

 

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.

 

 

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Academics & Eligibility

Learn about the academic opportunities and requirements for this program.

Course Information

How Many Courses Can I Take?

  • All students must take 12-15 credits.  

  • Courses are worth 3 semester credits unless otherwise noted.

  • For students who are doing an internship, the internship will take the place of 1-2 of your classes. If you plan to do an internship (3 or 6 credits) choose the appropriate number of courses to add up to a total of 12-15 credits. Internships are available to students of junior senior standing for an additional fee of $510. For a list of internship opportunities, click "Classes + Internship" from the dropdown at top left.

  • All course codes beginning with 3 indicate Upper Division courses.

  • Courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted.

Credit Information

  • Language Requirement: Open to all levels of Italian. Classes available in English & Italian.
  • Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits. Students take 4-5 courses. Classes are taken with American and international students.
  • Internships: Internships are available to students of junior or senior standing for 3 or 6 credits, to be taken alongside classes, for an additional fee of $510. For information about internships, click "Classes + Internship" from the dropdown at top left.
  • Final Transcript: Issued by Jacksonville University.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum GPA requirement 2.50. (Applicants with a GPA between 2.30-2.49 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a GPA of 2.29 or lower will not be considered.)
  • 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.

Courses

You MUST have a total of 8 classes approved by your home institution. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. When you pre-register for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list a total of 8 possible classes on your registration form.

 

Courses are worth 3 semester credits unless otherwise noted. All course codes beginning with 3 indicate Upper Division courses.

 

COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Internships

An internship is a fantastic way to gain work experience, meet Italian people, and add a unique bullet point to your résumé! While it is helpful to know some Italian before your internship, it is not a requirement.

Internships are available for students wtih junior or senior standing and 4 completed semesters (or 3 semesters plus verification of courses in progress). Candidates may apply for internships in their major or minor field of study. 

  • Semester students may earn 3 or 6 credits for an internship while maintaining a full semester course load of 12-15 credits, including one mandatory Italian Language course. 

  • Summer students may earn 3 credits for an internship while also taking one course or may choose to do an internship as a standalone option. Summer students who want a 6-credit internship would need to enroll in both the Summer I and Summer II sessions (Summer 3).

  • A 3-credit internship requires 135 work hours in addition to your classes. A 6-credit internship requires 270 work hours in addition to your classes. Due to the time commitment, semester students are encouraged to take just 3 classes alongside a 3-credit internship, or 2 classes alongside a 6-credit internship.

  • Internships are unpaid and credit-bearing. Not available as “stand-alone" during the semester.

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.  In addition, we cannot guarantee a placement at any particular firm or organization.

Internships are available in the following areas:

  • Archaeology

  • Architecture / Interior Design

  • Art History

  • Community Health

  • Culinary Arts

  • Education / ESL Teaching

  • Emergency Management

  • Engineering

  • 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

Candidates may apply for internships in their major or minor field of study. In addition to the standard ASA program application, the following will be required:

  1. Internship Application Form (click here)

  2. CV (résumé)

  3. Cover Letter

  4. One recommendation letter from a past or current employer

  5. Personal Statement/Letter of Motivation (1-2 pages) describing your personal and academic reasons for wanting to intern and study in Italy

Once we submit the above documents to Sant’Anna Institute, you will complete a Skype interview with the internship placement team in Sorrento. The purpose of the interview is to understand what would be a suitable placement for you according to your skills and interests, as well as to work on designing a project that you will follow.

Most students receive their placements via email 2 weeks before the program start date.

For more information regarding expectations and process, please refer to Sant’Anna Institute’s Internship Manual.

Because you will be doing this internship for credit, there will be academic requirements, such as papers or projects that must be submitted to the Institute’s Internship Coordinator by specific deadlines. During the Internship Orientation on site, you will find out about these requirements and deadlines. Please be aware that students who do internships may have work hours Monday through Friday and may have less free time to travel than other students.

Please be aware that the company is making a significant investment of their time and resources. By accepting an internship, you are making a commitment to that organization, which must be taken seriously.

You will be expected to complete your internship in full and complete all of the work hours associated with your placement.  For example, if you sign up for an internship and find that it’s more work than you expected, you will not be able to drop it.  

Don’t worry – our on-site orientation after you arrive in Sorrento will help you understand what is expected of you.  In addition, the on-site staff will share with you key cultural factors about the Italian work environment, and on your first day of work they will accompany you to your workplace, introduce you, and have an initial meeting with both you and your employers.

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Research Projects

A research project is a fantastic way meet Italian people and add a unique bullet point to your résumé!

Language Requirement: Open to all levels of Italian

Additional Requirements: Open to students attending a Semester or Academic Year. Junior or senior standing is required in order to do a research project. 

Research projects are not for credit and will not be included on the final transcript. If you're want to receive credit for a research project, it must be arranged directly with your home institution. Your ASA program manager can assist with this process if desired.

Semester and academic year students may participate in a not-for-credit research project while maintaining a full semester course load of 12 credits. Students are required follow this curriculum structure:

  • 1 Italian Language or Italian Literature course – 3 credits
  • 2 Elective courses (taught in English) – 6 credits
  • Research Project (45 total hours of supervised research) – 3 credits
  • 1 Elective Course (taught in English) related to the research project. Course is assigned based on research project. List is as follows:

    • Project 1: HIST 350 Special Topics: History of the Mafia

    • Project 2: WGS 201 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies

    • Project 3: POL 375 Special Topics: Human Rights

    • Project 4: MCS 430 Marine Conservation

    • Project 5: WL 325 Medieval Italian Literature 1 – Dante

Sant’Anna Institute will do their very best to find a place in your you in your top choice, but we cannot guarantee a specific project. 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:

  • History of the Mafia: Organized crime in Italy from a Historical Perspective
  • Gender Studies: Gender-based Violence in Italy
  • Human Rights: Field Research on Migrants and Refugees
  • Marine Biology/Sustainability – On-site at the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella ($500 additional fee required)
  • Italian Literature – Dante’s Comedy in the Contemporary Culture

In addition to the standard ASA program application, the following will be required:

  • 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.

Service Learning & Community Engagement

Community Engagement projects are voluntary and independent from courses, while Service Learning projects are designed specifically for certain courses to allow you to apply what you've learned in the classroom, and at the same time, give back to the city hosting you.

 

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.

 

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 social responsibility. 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 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 more details about service learning and community engagement opportunities, please click here!

Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure date.

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Explore your accommodation options for this program.

Students will complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted to the program, where they will rank housing in order of preference. ASA then places students within our housing pool while accommodating as many preferences as possible. Most of the time, we’re able to place students in their first choice housing, but due to limited space in certain options, we can’t guarantee all preferences will be met.  

During January Term, housing is the On-Campus Residence Hall or Off-Campus Residence Hall. In the Off-Campus Residence Hall students receive a fixed number of meal vouchers for use in the cafeteria, equivalent to approximately 50% of meals. 

 

Italian Homestay

Double occupancy rooms with a local Italian host family. Includes breakfast and dinner daily, private or shared room with Sant'Anna students, WiFi connection, and access to laundry. The average distance from campus is 15-20 minutes.

Off-Campus Residence Hall

Double, triple, or quadruple rooms. On-site cafeteria/restaurant where breakfast and dinner are served. Students receive a fixed number of meal vouchers for use in the cafeteria, equivalent to approximately 50% of meals. The building has a rooftop with swimming pool & sun beds. Located in the Santa Lucia Neighborhood, 20-25 minutes walking distance from campus.

On-Campus Residence Hall

Double, triple, or quadruple bedrooms are standard. A limited number of single rooms may be available for an additional fee, but cannot be guaranteed. Meals are not included, but there is a shared kitchen available for use. The residence hall is part of the Sant'Anna Institute building, thus you are ensured a very quick walk to class and beautiful ocean view.

Shared Apartment

Double, triple, or quadruple occupancy rooms. A limited number of single rooms may be available for an additional fee, but cannot be guaranteed. Meals are not included, but students will have a kitchen to prepare meals. Apartments are located throughout Sorrento, and all are unique.

In most cases we can accommodate requests to live with a friend. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!

Yes. In homestays, bedrooms are double occupancy. In the Residence Halls and shared apartments, rooms are double, triple, or quadruple occupancy.

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 building, so you will be just a minute's walk from your classes.

 
 
 

ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

ASA semester programs include 2 day trips. Summer programs include 1 day trip. Destinations will vary by term. Past examples have included Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.

 
Pompeii

Pompeii

Day Trip

Explore the ruins in nearby Pompeii, an ancient city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79
Capri

Capri

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast

Day Trip

Take an unforgettable tour of the Amalfi Coast

Experiences

Unique cultural and educational experiences included in your program.

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!

 

Valley of the Mills

Valley of the Mills

Explore the otherworldly Valley of the Mills - ruins of flour and sawmills dating as far back as the 10th century
Regina Giovanna

Regina Giovanna

Go swimming at the baths of Regina Giovanna
Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast

Take an unforgettable tour of the Amalfi Coast - this is Positano by night
Take a Cooking Class

Take a Cooking Class

Take a cooking class and learn the secrets of southern Italian cuisine.
Marina Grande

Marina Grande

Eat freshly caught fish seaside at the Marina Grande
Discover Sorrento's Artisans

Discover Sorrento's Artisans

Visit one of Sorrento’s many artisans - this one sells custom made sandals
Take a Boat Tour

Take a Boat Tour

Take a boat tour and get an up-close look at Sorrento’s natural beauty
Marquetry

Marquetry

Shop for famous Sorrento inlaid wood, called marquetry
Sorrento Market

Sorrento Market

Bargain shop on Tuesdays for fresh produce, household goods, clothes, and more at the Sorrento Market
View Mount Vesuvius

View Mount Vesuvius

Take in breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius from one of the local hotel terraces - Boutique Hotel Helios is highly recommended for its panoramic views
Leonelli's Beach

Leonelli's Beach

Take a dip in the crystal clear ocean at Leonelli’s Beach

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • ROOM & BOARD / ROOM ONLY: The following 4 housing types are offered:

    • A: On-campus residence hall without meals, with kitchen facilities

    • B: Italian homestay with daily breakfast and dinner included

    • C: Shared apartment without meals, with kitchen facilities

    • D: Off campus residence hall with some meals included (vouchers for breakfast and dinner)

    • January Term: Accommodation is on-campus residence hall or shared apartment without meals

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. 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. Summer programs include 1 day trip. J-Term includes half-day excursion to excavation site of Pompeii.

  • 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

  • $150 RETURNING STUDENT CREDIT toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs).
  • $350 RETURNING STUDENT CREDIT toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester programs).

Not Included

  • $510 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, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.

Cost of Attendance & Budget Sheet

Program Calendar

Key dates and milestones for your program.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure dates.

  1. January 25, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Naples (NAP) airport on Jan. 25 before 4pm
  2. January 26, 2026

    Orientation

  3. January 27, 2026

    Classes Begin

  4. TBA

    Excursions - location TBA

  5. Mar. 13-22

    Spring Break

  6. May 8

    Last day of final exams

  7. May 9

    Housing move-out; students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Please 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 contact us.

 

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

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