The lucky coin toss at the Trevi Fountain!

Author: Isabella Floyd | Major: Exercise Science | Semester: Summer 2025
This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad at the Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy—a beautiful coastal town right on the Amalfi Coast. I chose this program because the location was truly a dream destination for me, and it also oered a Cross-Cultural Psychology course that was the perfect fit to help me finish my psychology major. Once I saw
the course oerings and the view from the school, I knew this was exactly where I needed to be.
I spent five weeks in Sorrento from early June to early July, taking two courses: Cross-Cultural Psychology and e History and Culture of Italian Food. While the food course didn’t count toward my degree, it ended up being one of the best classes I’ve ever taken. I learned so much about Italian culture through food—where ingredients come from, why meals
are structured the way they are, and how deeply food is tied to identity and tradition. We even gave a final presentation on our personal food journey in Italy, which really made me reflect on
all the unique dishes and cultural experiences I had. I discovered a new appreciation for local
tomatoes, margherita pizza, and even red wine!
My Cross-Cultural Psychology class added so much to the entire study abroad
experience. It helped me understand the dierences in communication styles between
Americans and Italians—not just the language, but the cultural values behind how people
interact. I noticed how much more people-focused and relaxed the Italian lifestyle is compared
to the fast-paced, achievement-oriented mindset we’re used to back home. Both of my
professors were incredible—so supportive, passionate about their subjects, and always willing
to help us adjust and get the most out of our time abroad.
Outside of class, I made the most of every moment exploring Italy. I traveled to
Florence, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Positano, and Amalfi. Florence was probably my
favorite city—wandering the streets, seeing gorgeous art and architecture, popping into little
shops, and visiting the Gucci Museum with friends was unforgettable. In addition, one of my
favorite coastal days was our private boat trip to Capri. We swam in the most beautiful water,
explored the island, and even went inside the Blue Grotto, which looked like something out of a
movie.
Now that I’ve been home for a week, I can confidently say that studying abroad was the
experience of a lifetime. I met students from all over the U.S., got to know the sweet locals in
Sorrento, and really immersed myself in a completely dierent way of life. I’m so thankful the
University of Arkansas encourages students to go abroad, because this experience helped me
grow in ways I never expected—academically, culturally, and personally. I’ll carry everything I
learned (and ate!) with me forever.