Author: Zachary Johnson | Major: Biology | Semester: Summer 2025

Cruising through Positano, Italy

Just a few weeks ago I was spending time at home with my family in Fayetteville, Arkansas. When I think back to that time it seems really crazy to think that I have traveled so far and experienced so many new things since then. Whether it is taking weekend trips to neighboring countries, going out for dinner in town, or chatting with locals and learning about their culture, these few weeks I have spent in Sorrento have allowed me to be completely immersed in another world. I first decided I wanted to study abroad when I started to hear the incredible stories from friends who had studied abroad in the past and all of them saying “you absolutely need to Study Abroad.” I have always wanted to explore Europe so I chose to study abroad in Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento is home to the Sant’Anna Institute where I have been studying and they offer a variety of courses that I believe will contribute to my Biology studies back at the University of Arkansas. During my time in Sorrento I was participating in a Marine Biology course, which notonly covers the basics of what Marine Biology is but also puts the class in the perspective of the local environment and ecosystem. An experience that really stood out to me during this time was a field trip we took to the Bay of Leranto which is home to so many of the species and situations that we learn about in class. I was able to go snorkeling and get to explore the floor of the sea thanks to our local guides who were walking us through what we were seeing. Through this class I truly believe that I was able to take away a lot and it has broadened my perspective of marine life and life in general that I will notice back in Fayetteville. Aside from class, I have been able to take multiple trips to different cities and countries in the nearby area. Some friends and I went and spent a weekend in Florence where we explored the town and visited places like Boboli Gardens and the Duomo which are experiences that I will never forget. Another trip that was my personal favorite was a trip to Paris, France. Paris was always a bucket list place to visit for me so it was a dream come true. That trip not only was incredible to visit but it really made Sorrento feel even more like home for me while I was abroad. In those moments where I am tired and ready to leave, my mind goes to Sorrento because it is basically my home at this point. One valuable lesson that I learned during my time abroad was to be where my feet are. This is something that I have always struggled with so being away from family and friends for five whole weeks was hard at first. During the first week of my time in Sorrento I found myself counting down the days until I left, yet I was able to ease into it and I can confidently say I became better. I hope to take that lesson back to Arkansas with me as I take each day one day at a time, each class one day at a time, and things of that sort so I can truly be in the moment and take in whatever experience is in front of me.