SAI’s 3 week Maymester program, hosted by Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, invites students to complete one 3 credit course while experiencing the true spirit of local life in Sorrento. Students choose one course from available Italian language levels, History of the Mafia, History of Italian Cinema, or Intro to Marine Biology. Students have access to Sant’Anna Institute’s full suite of services and facilities throughout their time in Sorrento.
Application open until: February 1, 2025
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after closing as space permits
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Course highlight: Intro to Marine Biology
- Spend your Maymester soaking up the sun on the Amalfi coast
Program Dates
May 11, 2025 – May 31, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate or above
Cumulative GPA:* 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Italian Studies | Italian Language
Italian Studies | Italian Literature
Natural and Health Sciences | Natural Science
Social Sciences | History
Please note that all courses are subject to adequate enrollment; therefore, it is important to get additional courses approved.
The course introduces the student to the world of Italian Cinema. In the first part the class will be analysing Neorealism, a cinematic phenomenon that deeply influenced the ideological and aesthetic rules of film art. In the second part we will concentrate on the films that mark the decline of Neorealism and the talent of “new” auteurs such as Fellini and Visconti. The last part of the course will be devoted to the cinema from 1970’s to the present in order to pay attention to the latest developments of the Italian industry. The course is a general analysis of post-war cinema and a parallel social history of this period using films as “decoded historical evidence”. Together with masterpieces such as “Open City” and “The Bicycle Thief” the screenings will include films of the Italian directors of the “cinema d’autore” including “The Conformist”, “Life is Beautiful”, “Le conseguenze dell’amore”.Students express their opinions and make their own criticisms and written assignments.
Please note that all courses are subject to adequate enrollment; therefore, it is important to get additional courses approved.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:1. demonstrate advancement in spoken and written language2. communicate with advanced grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions and refined vocabulary3. communicate personal opinions in group discussions on a variety of topics, articles, events and personal stories
Please note that all courses are subject to adequate enrollment; therefore, it is important to get additional courses approved.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:1. demonstrate a basic understanding of Italian spelling and pronunciation (assessment: Homework; oral participation in class; oral comprehension quizzes and tests; dictations)2. demonstrate a basic understanding of part of the Italian grammar and syntax (assessment: Homework–workbook; computer assignments; essay; quizzes and tests)3. participate in simple conversations on topics on everyday situations such as work, education, food, time,weather… (reinforced through in-class group activities)4. demonstrate basic reading comprehension skills (in-class or homework reading assignments–from textbook or internet sites; quizzes and tests)5. demonstrate some knowledge of Italian geography, history, culture and daily life
Please note that all courses are subject to adequate enrollment; therefore, it is important to get additional courses approved.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:1. demonstrate a basic understanding of Italian spelling and pronunciation (assessment: Homework; oral participation in class; oral comprehension quizzes and tests; dictations)2. demonstrate a basic understanding of part of the Italian grammar and syntax (assessment: Homework–workbook; computer assignments; essay; quizzes and tests)3. participate in simple conversations on topics on everyday situations such as work, education, food, time,weather… (reinforced through in-class group activities)4. demonstrate basic reading comprehension skills (in-class or homework reading assignments–from textbook or internet sites; quizzes and tests)5. demonstrate some knowledge of Italian geography, history, culture and daily life
Please note that all courses are subject to adequate enrollment; therefore, it is important to get additional courses approved.
This course is designed for students who wish to develop the skills necessary to interact in the language and learn about Italian contemporary culture and society as well as Italy’s history. Students will continue to refine their speaking skills by completing tasks with your classmates in pairs and small groups and by following models of native speakers presented on video. Students will develop reading and writing skills by reading increasingly more elaborate authentic texts and writing related, reaction essays, and your listening skills will be cultivated by completing on-line listening activities, viewing and analyzing short clips from Italian movies, and listening to short lectures on topics in Italian culture, society, and history, such as Pompeii, the contemporary demographic profile of Italy, the history of the language, and of the unification of Italy.
Course is taught in Italian. Students must have earned at least 12 credits of Italian language. This course requires a minimum enrollment of 4 in order to run
Dante Alighieri is the most important Italian poet, the father of Italian language and the principle figure of Medieval Literature in Europe. This course will examine Dante’s Divine Comedy and some other minor works of his (i.e.Vita Nuova and Convivio). The course aim is to allow students to examine his internationally renowned literary texts in their original language. Students will read excerpts from these works and engage in a historical, literary and rhetorical analysis of texts while determining techniques of poetic composition. Students are expected to actively participate and contribute to class discussion. They are also expected to do all the exercises assigned daily.
Please note that all courses are subject to adequate enrollment; therefore, it is important to get additional courses approved.
This course is designed for students who wish to develop the skills necessary to interact in the language and learn about Italian contemporary culture and society, as well as Italy’s history. Students will continue to refine their speaking skills by completing tasks with classmates in pairs and small groups. They will develop reading and writing skills by reading increasingly more elaborate authentic texts and writing essays, and their listening skills will be cultivated by in-class interactions, listening to short lectures on topics in Italian culture, listening to Italian music, and watching Italian movies.
You may only take this course if you have completed 5 semesters of Italian language.
In this course, you will become more aware of your personal learning style and strategies. You will have conversations in Italian with an interactive computer program and your grammatical knowledge will be revised through linguistic encounters in class. The multimedia component reinforces, tests, and contextualises language learning done in the classroom and is regarded as an essential part of this course.
Please note that all courses are subject to adequate enrollment; therefore, it is important to get additional courses approved.
This course focuses on the biology of organisms residing in the sea, from the diversity of planktonic communities to marine megafauna, taking into consideration the ecological principles that govern marine life. The course aims to provide a solid educational background in basic and applied marine biology. Emphasis will be placed on marine environment issues and the adaptive and evolutionary mechanisms of organisms that allow them to occupy marine habitats. In particular, the Mediterranean Sea and the conservation of marine environment will play a central role in the course subjects, profiting from the availability of unique ecosystems and a nearby renown marine protected area to offer practical case studies.
Please note that all courses are subject to adequate enrollment; therefore, it is important to get additional courses approved.
The course examines the history of southern Italian organized crime syndicates from their origins to the present day. It also focuses on how these mafias work and have succeeded, on their activities as well as on modern-day approaches to combating the criminal presence in Italy, including the reaction of civil society organizations. Attention is paid to examples of Mafia enterprises, its past and present role in politics, and its evolution from a regional organization to one with an international reach. A research project, with both a paper and an oral presentation, is required in addition to two written exams.
Courses & Schedule
Students select one 3 credit course to complete over the 3 week program. Courses are held Monday through Friday; select courses include required field trips.
Course Registration
Students complete their course registration during the SAI application process by selecting their primary course choices as well as required alternate courses.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| February 1 2025 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| February 10 2025 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| February 10 2025 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| February 15 2025 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| February 25 2025 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| March 12 2025 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due). |
| On-site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| May 11 2025 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Naples International Airport (NAP). Students should arrive accordingly for the 12pm and 5pm airport pick up service. Upon arrival in Sorrento students will be taken to housing. |
| May 12 2025 |
SA Academic Orientation & Welcome Events SA Academic orientation is followed by a walking tour of Sorrento and a group meal. |
| May 12 2025~ | Classes Begin |
| May 30 2025 |
Classes End |
| May 31 2025 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee: 3 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What's Included). |
$5,100 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in dorm / shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$585 |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Naples |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees Course fees are sometimes imposed to cover field trips. |
$25 / course | $50 / course |
| Meals Combination of cooking at home and eating out. |
$600 / month | $1,000 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $250 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation within Sorrento area Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$50 / month | $100 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
- Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
- Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
- Airport pickup on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- Orientation to the host city and school
- On-site staff who foster a welcoming community for you and provide assistance when needed
- SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Parent & family resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- Student visa advising
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
- SAI alumni network
SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.
Welcome Event
All students are invited to a typical Italian meal welcoming them to the program and their host city.
Welcome Tour of Sorrento
Students tour Sorrento, including stops at popular shops, supermarkets, and places of entertainment, as well as important landmarks such as main squares, post offices, bus stops and taxi stands.
Pompeii
Students visit the Roman city of Pompeii, buried by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. Though the site is still not fully excavated, visitors can see the ruins of villas, ancient temples and the Stabian Baths to gain an intimate knowledge of how wealthy Romans lived 2,000 years ago.
Gelato Making Course
Students visit the lab of a gelato shop and learn how to make the perfect Italian gelato as well as the techniques to blend different flavors. After the course students enjoy their creation.
Farewell Event
After classes are over students and staff share in a celebratory final meal to reflect and say goodbyes.
Standard Housing: Student dorm or apartment
Standard housing includes a shared occupancy room in the student dorm or in a shared student apartment. Dorm housing is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis with limited availability. All SAI housing in Sorrento is equipped with basic furniture, towels and bed linens, wireless Internet, and air conditioning. Students have access to kitchen facilities, comfortable common areas, and washing machines.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, U.S. students studying in Italy for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Therefore all U.S. students do not require a student visa for this program. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.
Social Sciences | History