Individual students

"For me, studying abroad in Sorrento at the Sant'Anna Institute was much more than a semester of classes and studying in another country, it was a whole cultural experience. Studying abroad in Italy became quite the adventure for me, as I was lucky enough to have the chance to travel to many amazing places that I had read about. Even though I had previously spent time studying in Rome, I found that the experience offered in Sant'Anna was uniquely engaging and incredibly enjoyable.

There were many reasons why I chose to study in Italy, and specifically in the south, but by far the most influential to my choice of doing so was that my family is of southern Italian descent and I wanted to experience life in the region of the world that my ancestors were from and my cousins still live. I wanted to learn about the culture, the people, the history, and also wanted research my genealogy. When I left Italy on December 7th, I had accomplished all of my goals and more, and while my own ambition drove me, I have to thank the staff at Sant'anna for making it all possible.

One of the things I really wanted to do while I was in Italy was visit my cousins. As they live in Basilicata where public transportation can be very difficult to navigate, Serena, Sant'Anna's program coordinator, helped me plan the different legs of my trips and even called hotels to help me figure out where I'd stay. When I first arrived in Sorrento, I spoke some Italian but was very self-conscious and was very reluctant to make phone calls that would require me to speak the language. My Italian language professor, Domenico, worked with me on that a lot. He sat with me while I made calls to hotels and different places I wanted to visit and helped me conquer my fear of making embarrassing grammatical mistakes.

As I stated earlier, one of the things I was most excited about when I arrived in Sorrento was researching my ancestry. I knew that the town clerk’s offices in Italy kept copies of birth, marriage and death records, but I had no idea how to go about requesting copies of them. Fortunately for me, one of my professors did. Marco Marino, the instructor for my Modern Italian History and Western Civilization classes, had experience helping students obtain these kinds of documents for the purpose of gaining Italian citizenship. I can’t even count how many letters and emails we wrote together. We wrote to registry offices, state archives, diocese archives and municipality offices in four different regions (Basilicata, Campania, Lazio, Sicilia). When we weren’t sure what address to send a letter to, Marco would call the office, and even visited an archive in his town to look for documents for me one weekend. As I learned about my ancestors, my classes with Marco helped me understand the time periods they lived in and how the country evolved and changed in the many decades and centuries since they lived.

Another really awesome aspect of my study abroad experience were the field trips. In my history of the Mafia class with Alberto, and my Archeology class with Ilaria, we were able to see so many amazing places in the area. We went to castles, museums, ruins, restaurants and markets, and overall, this was probably the most culturally enriching part of the program for me and I look back on it with so much fondness.

Even as someone who had studied in Italy before, spending a semester at the Sant'Anna Institute provided me with a whole new experience. The faculty and staff all work so hard to create a wonderful atmosphere to learn in, and I’m so incredibly thankful for the experience I enjoyed when I studied abroad in Sorrento."


Kenneth Marolda, student at Pace University (New York) 
Sant'Anna Institute Fall 2013



"The world has touched me in a way that I don’t even understand. I have a different view point on not only a certain type of people anymore, but humanity as a whole"

 

I almost came home two weeks into my program. I wanted to come home because I felt alone, afraid, and uncomfortable. I missed my friends, my boyfriend, my family, and my home. For a long time, I criedevery day I was here. It wasn’t until I had a meeting with my advisor here who asked me a very important question. She sat me down and asked “ Are you 100% sure that going home will make you happy?” I looked at her with tears in my eyes and said “no..”. She then asked me “How do you know that staying here won’t make you happy?” In that moment I thought shit. I knew in that moment that I had to stay. I had worked so hard to get here, only to do what? Walk away without trying? That is not me. All of you gave me such positive support. When it came down to it though, my mom gave me some tough love. She knew it was hard for me to be here, and hard for her to have me away, but she encouraged me to not miss out. Obviously, I stayed.

 

By staying in Italy, I have seen so much of the world (and really not all that much still). I have been to places that are on bucket lists. I have explored the island of Capri, seen the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, stood where Gladiators fought in Pompeii-Herculaneum-and Rome, cruised to Sicily- Palma De Mallorca-Valencia-Marseille and Northern Italy, roamed around the largest castle in Europe, seen the ruins of ancient cities, played around in active volcanic fields, discovered secret beaches in Furore, and so much more. I think of how lucky I am to see history, culture, and understand where my family comes from. It’s amazing to look around at people who resemble the same physical appearances as me (sorry Minnesota but I’m not blonde, nor blue eyed). I am so happy I have learned my language and be able to bring it home to continue learning. Every day on my way to school I see Mt.Vesuvius in all it’s glory, I casually ride by the ruins of Pompeii every time I take the train to Naples. I have met people who have helped me become a better person, made international friends of whom I’ll never forget, and lived and functioned on my own, in a foreign country, for much longer than I thought I’d last. These are memories that just can’t be replaced, but will be a great base for the rest of my future plans.

Being abroad has single handedly been the most fun AND terrifying thing I have ever done. Once I started living outside my comfort zone was when I truly started living. I have learned so many things about life. I have learned that things will never go as you plan. You have to take the best out of the beautiful things, and the silver lining out of the bad, and everyone you meet will influence you somehow. Most importantly, being here has taught me that you will never walk away empty handed from an experience. Italy has shaped my values, beliefs, and morals. I’ve never felt more confident in my life about knowing what makes me happy. I understand the nature and the meaning of my relationships, and most of all, I understand what makes life an adventure.

 

I hope that by reading this I can even just truly speak out to one person, if not more. A lot of people don’t follow their dreams because they are scared. They are scared of what people will think, scared of taking those first few steps, scared of being wrong, and scared of the unknown- but a life lived out of fear is not a life lived at all. Your dreams are technically “dreams” because you think that they are intangible. When you start that journey, yes it may seem like a far road to get down, but the more effort and time you put into it, the closer the light at the end of the tunnel gets. When you live out your dreams, that feeling…there just isn’t a word for it. You radiate with happiness because you know that all the moments leading up to it (good and bad) were so worth it. People are going to say “wow, good for you, I don’t know how you did it, but I really respect you for it”. When people say that, you just get more and more inspired. I have learned so much already about the world. I understand that where we come from is just a fraction of what there is to see. The world has touched me in a way that I don’t even understand. I have a different view point on not only a certain type of people anymore, but humanity as a whole. I want to travel more, understand more, and change more. I want to encourage anyone and everyone to live their lives based on what THEY want to do, not what society EXPECTS them to do.

 

Basically I guess what I’m trying to say is that if something doesn’t challenge you, it’s not going to change you. You may find out that there’s someone inside of you who you might have never thought existed. You can do anything that scares you. Take it from someone who knows, because I did,

 

and it was the best damn decision I’ve ever made.

 

Andrea Roberts - Minnesota State University, Mankato

 

 

A Great Summer

"I've gained the experience of living on my own in a foreign country and I experienced a whole new culture."

Colleen Kelly - University of Cincinnati (Summer II 2012)

 

Loving The Sasl Experience

"I thought it was very worthwhile. I feel like my language skills improved and I also got to experience Italian life. The SASL staff was great. They were always willing to help with any problems that anyone had. They also did a great job of welcoming the students to the program. They offered an orientation and a welcome dinner that really helped me to get to know the other students.

During the program, SASL organized excursions and activities that really helped me take advantage of the location.

I stayed with a host family and I really enjoyed discovering the similarities and differences between Italian family life and the way I live at home.

The food is amazing. There's a lot of seafood here, which I loved, but there is also a lot of pasta and pizza. I would say the best part was actually the fruit. Although Sorrento is famous for lemons, I found that all of the fruit was especially delicious and flavorful.Sorrento is a really safe area. While it is a city, you definitely have a small town feel there. There are always policemen patrolling and it made me feel really safe to know that they were keeping an eye out for anything sketchy.”

ABOUT MEDIEVAL ITALIAN I (DOMENICO):
“I thought this course did a great job of giving me an understanding of Dante's Commedia. I liked the cantos that were chosen for us to look at in depth, and the course left me with an interest in reading the entire Commedia at a later date. Since there was only one other person in my class, I received a lot of individual attention and I found that I participated more than I would have at home. Domenico was a great teacher for the course. He made class interesting to go to and he was very knowledgeable. I enjoyed how he gave us information about the historical background as well as assistance with interpreting the cantos.”

A student- University of Notre Dame

 

Sorrento: Best Time Of My Life!

"It was very worthwhile! I wouldn't change it for the world!Everyone at the school is very helpful! This was a once and a lifetime experience and I got to see a lot of cities and learn a lot about Italy.
Everything around here has good food. I have not been to a place where I have not been happy with the food. I love English Inn, Miccio's and Pizzeria Aurora!We went on a lot of field trips such as Rome, Pompeii, Oplontis, Herculaneum, Campi Flergri, and National Archaeological Museum of Naples. They all were really cool to see all the different cities of Italy and to learn about Italy its self.”

Madalyn L- Alfred State College

 

Once In A Lifetime Experience
“The administration was very knowledgeable and helpful for anything we needed. They were very friendly and always available if we needed help.
The housing was provided through our college. Our neighborhood was very safe, and our apartment was very nice. It was in a perfect location, only a 15 minute walk to class and only a 5 min walk to town. We were equipped with everything we needed to get started.
There are so many restaurants within walking distance that serve many different things. Eating out every night costs a lot of money though so we often bought food and made a dinner at our apartment as a group.The program is a once in a lifetime experience. The culture is completely different and you not only learn inside the classroom but in every day interactions with the citizens of Sorrento. The semester goes by fast so enjoy every second of your time here. It is something I truly enjoyed would encourage many other students to study abroad for a semester as well.So many cultures are different and it was nice to learn a different culture and see a different way of living. The people made the experience completely enjoyable. I would have to say the experience was so amazing because of the location in a smaller city. I would love to come back to Sorrento someday, and possibly do a lot more traveling.”

Katheryn P- SUNY - College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State University)

 

Studying In Paradise

"Great cultural experience, and you will learn new things about yourself."

Alexander F- SUNY - College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State University)

 

Forever Changed By Sorrento

“The workload was lighter than my home university but I'd say it was perfectly balanced for a student who wanted to learn while still being able to travel on weekends and experience the host country. The staff is so nice and extremely helpful at SASL! Everyone is so welcoming too! We went on fieldtrips for a lot of our courses which made the learning very hands-on, which is how I learn best. Overall, an incredible experience. I definitely want to take more Italian classes here in the future!

I took an Italian Lit class and was encouraged to speak Italian, read in Italian, and think in Italian. It helped me learn new vocabulary, but more importantly helped me improve every day language skills. I lived in a home-stay which was accounted for the largest part of my language acquisition. My host-family only spoke Italian with me so my speaking skills have improved a lot. Though a lot of Italians in the area can speak English, it is easy to find Italian friend with whom you can practice your Italian. This is what I really enjoyed about the program location. However, if you do not speak Italian, you can certainly get by with just EnglishI am more willing to branch out and meet all kinds of people and have shed some of my shy ways. I have a better understanding of the Italian culture, and even a better appreciation of my own. This experience has inspired me to take life slower to appreciate every moment, and I have even changed my mind about what I want to do after graduation! This experience has given me more than I could have imagined.”

Caitlin Scalise - University of Rhode Island (Spring 2012)

 

Studying In Italy Was A Great Experience

"Yes, a Life changing experience"

Pat D- Alfred State

 

Studying In Sorrento: Learning Beyond The Classroom

“I loved the Italian and Archaeology courses. The professors are fantastic. In addition I feel like I learned a lot simply living in Italy and traveling to so many different cities and countries. The field trips were fantastic. The Archaeology course does trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, MANN, Vesuvius, and the Campi Flegrei. Alfred State went on a 3 day trip Rome. It's also really easy to travel throughout Europe while you are here and I definitely recommend it. I spent weekends in Barcelona, Paris, London, Cork, Edinburgh, Florence, and Venice and didn't break the bank for a single one. I will never have the opportunity again to see so many places in such a short time. Sorrento feels very safe and comfortable. I've never been worried about being pick pocketed or walking around alone. We received international health insurance through the school, but I have not had to use it. My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I have learned so much about Italian culture, and it has made me appreciate things both here and at home in the United States.”

Emily C- Alfred State College

 

A Great Place To Study Right Around The Corner From Some Of The Most Beautiful Places On Earth.

"Overall great experience, and is a great unique location that made people studying in Florence jealous."

Benjamin P- SUNY - College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State University)

 

Studying With Sorrento Lingue Was Awesome!!

"Studying abroad has opened my eyes to the wonders and history of the world and especially Italy."
Sorrento Not Well Known Program But AmazingKayla D- California State University - California Maritime Academy
Sorrento An Experiance I Will Never Forget"I was able to see things I will probably never see again and that most people will never see in a lifetime."

Kerri C- SUNY - College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State University)

 

Time Of Life In Sorrento, Italy

" Sorrento and Italy as a whole are beautiful places to go and I'm glad I made the decision to study abroad there. There are some things I learned while over there that I wish I knew before hand or earlier in the semester. My experience studying abroad was defiantly worthwhile and I highly recommend that you study abroad if you have the chance especially in the beautiful city of Sorrento."

Anthony P- SUNY - College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State University)

 

Summer In Sorrento, Italy

“Sorrento Lingue was amazing. I took a conversation course so we just talked in class about everyday things. We watched movies and read articles. It was not a lot of work and it was very fun. The school was great. They had internet which was great but it was off sometimes which got difficult to deal with. The facilities were really clean and we were able to get a lot done at the school. Our host family was amazing. They treated us really well, always cleaned our room and cooked us huge meals. The apartment was large and very clean. The apartment was in a different town than the school and the nitelife so it was a 30 min walk but we did not mind because we had the best family. This program was amazing and i would definitely recommend it. Sorrento is in southern Italy so if you are looking to go anywhere in the north that could be a problem. There are bars but people dont stay out too late. Most people/tourists go back home by 12:30. I loved the program. My Italian improved so much and i learned a lot about the culture of Italy”.

Jordyn B- University of Delaware

 

Italy, A Dream Come True. =D

“If you have a chance to go to Italy take it. You can travel all over Europe and see things you may never get to see again. If you know whats good for you, you willllllll go!!! Its worth the money and the food and the travelling:) I was able to gain understandings of how people and lifestyles from other countries work. How they celebrate and interact with each other and foreigners. It was a splendid time and I will do it all over again if given the opportunity. It has changed my view on the world and I now would love to have a job where I can go back to Europe and travel internationally to relate and meet others from countries throughout the world”.

Maura C- SUNY - College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State University)

 

Studying Italian In Sorrento

"This study abroad experience was extremely worthwhile. My Italian improved and I also felt like I got a good grasp on how daily life is in Italy. "

Stephanie K

 

Forever A Sorrentina: My Experience In Italy

“The staff at Sorrento Lingue make class engaging, fun, and extremely educational. I had only studied Italian for one semester before going to Italy and they basically taught me all the Italian I know - which is a lot! Strengths: teaching methods, small class sizes, school hosted activities, and Sorrento's accessibility to other parts of Italy! This program exceeded my expectations! I didn't think it was possible to learn so much Italian in two months. My dream of being fluent in Italian will definitely come thanks to Sorrento Lingue!”

Christina B- University of Delaware

 

See The World, See Yourself

“I've never had such an energetic and passionate group of professors. The workload is considerably less in terms of homework and lengthy assignments compared to American universities. However, I feel this is a huge benefit. Rather than feeling rushed to work through several sections of study, we had time to truly embrace that which we had learned. Cristiana, Olga, and the rest of the Sorrento Lingue staff did an outstanding job from the moment we arrived. I could spend a day listing the field trips, dinners, and cultural events they helped organize for us to make our stay with them as welcoming as possible. I don't think there is such a thing as a bad meal in Italy. Being exposed to such a sustainable form of local agriculture has forever changed my dietary and shopping habits back here in the States. There are many incredible restaurants in Sorrento. One of the wonders is discovering it yourself, the hardest decision is where to go first! From the moment we arrived, I was fascinated with the culture, the people, the food, the atmosphere, everything Italy. I really took "soaking it all in" to another level during my time in Sorrento. The traditions for Easter celebrations are wildly different than the pastel eggs and bunnies we are used to. We literally climbed a volcano on our trip to Mt. Vesuvius. Exploring the buried city of Pompeii, hiking the mountainous streets of Capri, finding my favorite cappuccino only by trying every cafe in the city. Group dinners with pizza, pasta, seafood, and always red wiene. Nightly walks through the bustling streets, observing couples, young and old, talking merrily over gelato while they walk arm in arm. Or chilly morning walks to class, seeing the city come alive each day again. Learning how simple and beautiful life can truly be. It will all be a part of me forever. From the moment we arrived, I was fascinated with the culture, the people, the food, the atmosphere, everything Italy. I really took "soaking it all in" to another level during my time in Sorrento. The traditions for Easter celebrations are wildly different than the pastel eggs and bunnies we are used to. We literally climbed a volcano on our trip to Mt. Vesuvius. Exploring the buried city of Pompeii, hiking the mountainous streets of Capri, finding my favorite cappuccino only by trying every cafe in the city. Group dinners with pizza, pasta, seafood, and always red wiene. Nightly walks through the bustling streets, observing couples, young and old, talking merrily over gelato while they walk arm in arm. Or chilly morning walks to class, seeing the city come alive each day again. Learning how simple and beautiful life can truly be. It will all be a part of me forever. A new passion for life."

Andrew A- SUNY - College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State University)

 

"The speakers and field trips that Sorrento Lingue arranged were great. I am definitely happy I decided to go abroad, even for only 2 weeks."

Alyssa B- University of Dayton