Summer at the Italian Riviera

About the Program

SBU offers students the opportunity to study for four weeks in bellissima Italia!  This study abroad program, established over 30 years ago, enables participants to gain firsthand knowledge of contemporary Italy. Students will spend 3 weeks immersed in the Cinque Terre Riviera.

The curriculum offers a wide variety of courses across the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Program Highlights: The Cinque Terre Riviera, part of the Liguria region, offers a stunning coastal study abroad experience between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its charming villages, rugged coastline, and rich history, this area includes towns like La Spezia and the famous Cinque Terre villages. The Gulf of La Spezia, or Gulf of Poets, has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Students in the program can enjoy this vibrant mix of natural beauty, culture, and history while being close to important centers of naval innovation and the nearby Tuscan Riviera.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The FUA cost sheet reflects the price for the 17+ student apartment with a multiple-occupancy bedroom. To increase the likelihood of securing the apartment included in the program fee, students are encouraged to submit their study abroad application as early as possible. Additional housing options are available for an extra fee. Click here to view housing supplements.

 

Location	La Spezia, Italy
Program Type	Partner University Program
Program Term	Summer
Program Dates	Summer 2026 Session II- 3 Week Mon Jun 08- Students arrive Tue Jun 09- Orientation Wed Jun 10- Classes start Thu Jun 25- Classes end Fri Jun 26- Housing check-out (by 10am)
Language of Instruction	English
Budget	Available upon request
Living Arrangements	Hotel and Apartment Style Accommodation For the 3 weeks spent in La Spezia, participants are housed in shared apartments located in the historic city center, within about a 20-minute walk of a university facility. Each apartment is unique but includes a common living space with a kitchen, multiple-occupancy bedrooms, bathroom(s), internet access, air conditioning, and a washing machine. Housing is situated in Florentine neighborhoods, allowing students to live among local residents and become part of the community. Housing included in the program fee is limited, so students are encouraged to submit their study abroad application as early as possible. Additional housing options are available for an extra fee, and all participants are required to reside in program-provided housing.
Additional Information	A Partner University program is a study abroad experience where students are nominated/accepted by Stony Brook University, and enroll at a partner institution. In most cases SBU faculty or staff are NOT traveling with participants.

Program Housing Statement: Stony Brook University is required to comply with the housing policies of the host country, partner institution and/or hotel/hostel. These policies may include requirements such as sex-based housing placement.

 Requirements

GPA	2.8
Other Requirements	N/A
Application Deadline	March 1

Candidates may be interviewed to determine their qualifications for participating and representing Stony Brook University abroad.

Student Feedback

• "Studying abroad in Italy was truly a life changing experience. It was an opportunity to broaden my horizons, to travel, to learn about myself, to learn about other cultures, to sharpen my Italian language skills and meet friends for life. Italy really has it all: high- end fashion, extraordinary cuisine, breathtaking architecture, delicious cappuccino and so much more. Every day spent there was a new and exciting adventure. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!"
• "Just DO IT! It is a worthwhile experience that will be remembered for years to come!"

• "Studying abroad for a month in Italy is an amazing experience in itself, but studying abroad with SUNY Stony Brook made it a once in a lifetime experience. I'm truly grateful for the teachers and group organizers who made my month in Italy unforgettable as we visited 11 cities and really lived "La dolce vita" (the sweet life)!"