Sorrento public square overlooking Mt. Vesuvius
Author: Luke McClanahan | Major: Psychology | Semester: January Intersession 2023
The cliffside position of Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy made for quite a unique classroom experience. In a classroom where most tables were occupied in succession, I sat further back behind an empty table. That empty table was covered in shadows, positioned between two enormous openings housing equally massive windows. The table I chose to sit at was directly adjacent to one of those windows, providing me with a stunning view of a 100-foot descent down the cliffside into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Just a ways across the water was the towering impression of Mount Vesuvius. It was truly remarkable to learn in such a unique place.
It sounds counterintuitive at first, but I chose to study in Sorrento because of my interest in Spanish. Learning and practicing Spanish has been deeply enriching, and I searched for opportunities abroad to begin learning another language. I settled on Italy because I know that immersive environments accelerate learning foreign languages. I settled on learning Italian because I knew that Italian is like Spanish in many respects, and I believed that I would be able to learn it more easily than I would an entirely unrelated language.
That assumption was largely true, but the similarity between the two languages presented interesting challenges. Though I never felt lost or behind, at times it was frustrating to begin learning a language and its most basic concepts again. I could no longer take for granted the solid foundation of elementary knowledge I’ve relied on in my most recent foreign language courses. I felt somewhat helpless as I encountered entirely foreign grammatical structures and Italian vocabulary, even more so when class field trips required that we speak in Italian to local Italians. So many concepts and vocabulary words in Italian are remarkably similar to Spanish but not enough so for me to become complacent or comfortable. I recognized the stems of many words, and I am quite comfortable with conjugating verbs. The main challenge lied in keeping track of the myriad tiny spelling differences between languages (e.g., electrónica vs. elettronica). Though this was mildly frustrating, it was an excellent mental exercise. It is fascinating to think about how similar my elementary Italian knowledge is to my elementary Spanish knowledge and how little success I would have if I tried to interchange them. I am looking forward to learning more Italian this year. If I continue to devote time to learning elementary Italian, it will not be long at all before I can understand its advanced concepts like I can with Spanish. I would love to return to Italy one day, confident in my ability to interact with anyone.
Sorrentine life in January is very quiet and slow. Many who work in Sorrento shut down business from January until March due to an extended holiday season and a major decline in tourism. Additionally, siesta culture is very prominent in Italy, meaning that the few businesses not closed for the season were closed for at least a few hours midday. It was refreshing to spend time in a quiet place, one where I was not wading through a crowd of tourists, where I could take time to watch the sea, read, study, and reflect from any number of undisturbed spaces, where I could walk in the middle of the street and see only a moped or two. Certainly, I am grateful to have taken a break from the incessant bustle of American life. Soon, I will be home, and fast-food drive-thru lines will be open at any hour I might need them. But, just for a time, it was enriching to slow down, plan for longer stretches of time, and participate in a culture of rest. The atmosphere of Sorrento was starkly contrasted with that of larger European cities when I traveled to Rome for a day. The buildings in Rome towered far higher than those in Sorrento, and the streets were packed far tighter. I suppose tourism never stops in such a large city that is home to so many famous sights.
Undoubtedly, Italian food tastes wonderful. One thing I wish I would have known before my arrival is how scarce meat and other forms of protein are, at least in Sorrento. Dishes like chicken alfredo are typically served in Italian restaurants in the United States, but they are all but nonexistent in Sorrento. Certainly, high-protein foods can be purchased from supermarkets at a premium. However, prepared meals from restaurants were overwhelmingly carbohydrate focused. Vegetables were surprisingly scarce, as well. Adjusting dietary expectations is important, and I will take the time to research and understand the local cuisine of wherever I visit next so that I can prepare accordingly. After a few weeks with very little meat in my diet, I practically dream about hamburgers. The very first thing I do in the United States will be a visit to Five Guys Burgers in the Atlanta airport.
The January on the Italian Coast program is an excellent program for students seeking a unique learning experience and a beautiful, calm environment after considering the disclaimer above about most places being closed. The Amalfi coast is wonderful area, and Sant’Anna Institute was an excellent learning institution. I would advise prospective students to investigate both the January and summer programs offered by Sant’Anna Institute. Sorrento is a very popular summer tourism spot, and a warmer, vibrant environment would likely also be very enjoyable. This month was a remarkable experience, and I am tremendously grateful to have been able to advance my language skills abroad.