Study Abroad in Sorrento

Your Seaside Classroom and Escape
Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean, Sorrento is a gem of southern Italy—small in size but bursting with beauty, history, and charm. With 16,500 residents, this coastal town offers an intimate, welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for diving deep into Italian culture.

 

Imagine attending class with panoramic views of the sea, Mount Vesuvius rising in the distance, and the Isle of Capri shimmering on the horizon. In Sorrento, the backdrop to your studies looks like something out of a dream—but it’s your everyday reality.

 

Because it remains largely undiscovered by most American students, Sorrento gives you the chance to live like a local. It blends the sophistication of a cosmopolitan destination with the warmth and walkability of a traditional Italian town. As you wander its sun-drenched streets, you’ll pass modern boutiques, cozy trattorias, ancient Roman ruins, and quiet churches nestled in cobbled alleyways. Every corner tells a story—many of them thousands of years old.

 

Built into the cliffs of ancient volcanic stone, Sorrento is literally and culturally rooted in history. And thanks to its ideal location, you're just a quick train ride from Pompeii, an hour from Naples, and a ferry ride from the Amalfi Coast or Capri. Europe’s treasures are at your fingertips—making weekend getaways effortless.

 

In Sorrento, you'll gain much more than academic credits—you’ll create lifelong memories, a deeper cultural understanding, and a new definition of home.

 

  • Eligibility

    Minimum GPA 2.5 except for internship option (Applicants with a GPA between 2.30-2.49 will be considered on a case-by-case basis). Internship and research project participation minimum GPA 3.0. Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Italian. See program details for full Eligibility requirements. 

  • Housing

    Sant’Anna Institute offers 4 housing types: On-campus Residence Hall, Off-Campus Residence Hall, Shared Apartment, and Italian Homestay. Some include meals. See program details for Housing details.

  • Excursions

    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.

  • Internships & Research Projects

    Candidates may apply for internships or research project in addition to their academic coursework in their major or minor field of study. 

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Programs at This Location

ASA offers several study abroad program options at the Sant'Anna Institute.
Sant'Anna Institute Engineering Program

Sant'Anna Institute Engineering Program

Fall, Spring

Learn More
Sant'Anna Institute Semester Program

Sant'Anna Institute Semester Program

Fall, Spring

Learn More
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

Your home away from home.
Sant’Anna Institute offers 4 housing types: On-campus Residence Hall, Off-Campus Residence Hall, Shared Apartment, and Italian Homestay. Some include meals and some do not.

 

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

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

Immerse yourself in local culture and community activities.

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

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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