Hike to Punta del Capo (Lauren Aragones)

Don't Forget to Pack: 

  • Lauren Aragones Winter 2025 (LA): A digital camera
  • Isabella Cimmino Winter 2026 (IC): Layers, travel-approved backpack, portable charger, comfortable walking shoes
  • Carter Parker Winter 2026 (CP): A rain jacket – A small, easy thing to pack to protect from rain, but also wind at the start of the semester and when traveling on the weekends

Best Left at Home: 

  • LA: Fancy shoes- prioritize comfort and versatility!
  • IC: Full sized toiletries, too many pairs of shoes
  • CP: General Toiletries - takes up alot of room and are sold (often cheaper) here

Best Eats in the Area:

  • LA: Ristorante Donna Sofia
  • IC: Gusto e Sabor, Aurora, Frankie’s
  • CP: AZZ Italian Tavern, Frankie's, and Orbit

Favorite Local Activity: 

  • LA: Hiking to Bagni Regina Giovanna for a picnic
  • IC: Talking walks/hikes along the water
  • CP: Hiking around Sorrento such as to Bagni Regina Giovanna

Where to Study: 

  • LA: ORBIT Cafe
  • IC: Sant’Anna roof
  • CP: On the dorm patio, looking over the marina

Must-Try Local Dish: 

  • LA: A sandwich with fresh Mozzarella di Bufala
  • IC: Gnocchi Sorrentino
  • CP: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina & gelato for dessert

Best Photo Op: 

  • LA: In front of Mount Vesuvius at sunset from Victory Square
  • IC: Bagni Regina Giovanna
  • CP: In Marina Grande at Sunset
Gondola riding in Venice (Isabella Cimmino)

Your Biggest Fail:

  • LA: Not checking in advance that my international phone plan was working
  • IC: Not bringing my portable umbrella everywhere for the first month
  • CP: Not researching the local public transportation systems - they are simple to navigate once you understand them, Apple Maps isn’t always enough

Buy This:

  • LA: Some sort of cornicello (must be recieved as a gift for good luck!)
  • IC: A leather good
  • CP: Buy Postcards everywhere because they are cheap, easy to transport, and great decorations abroad and home. I also suggest a Moka pot because it’s both an Italian cultural item and a practical at-home tool.

Not That:

  • LA: Overpriced faux leather goods
  • IC: Clothing with city names/logos you won’t wear again
  • CP: Don’t buy the first thing you see. There will be so many flashy souvenirs, but save your money for the end of your trips so you can buy a more meaningful and memory-evoking souvenir

Most Interesting Class:

  • LA: Marine Biology Lab
  • IC: Human Rights
  • CP: Global Business: Italy and Tourism

Best Part of the Program:

  • LA: Making life-long friends from colleges all around the US
  • IC: The caring and accommodating staff who work so hard to ensure we have well-rounded experiences
  • CP: The hands on field trips and club activities

Unforgettable Weekend Trips:

  • LA: Budapest, Zagreb, and Dublin were my favorites, but too many to count!
  • IC: Milan for the Olympics, hiking Cinque Terre solo, visiting my Umich friends in Madrid and Barcelona, celebrating my 21st birthday in Mallorca
  • CP: Switzerland, Malta, & Venice+Bologna
A photo from the pizza-making field trip for the food marketing course (Carter Parker)

Bonus Pro Tip:

  • LA: Take advantage of the activities and excursions the school puts on, they were some of the most fun local activities I did!
  • IC: Do an international phone plan instead of a SIM card, bring lots of layers and weather proof outer clothing
  • CP: When planning trips - don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path, exploring the small cities of Italy or the lesser-known countries and cities that are often cheaper but provide unique experiences you wouldn’t ever see if you don’t go (Ex. I explored Albania & Brasov, Romania while abroad, both super cool, cheap, and somewhere I wouldn’t travel to from the US)

 

Our 3-Minute Travel Guide series is inspired by the University of California's Education Abroad Program's (UCEAP) blog.

Explore all CGIS programs here!