LUV It! (Learning Under Vesuvius, Italy) introduces students, who will be based in Sorrento, to the many aspects of literature, society, culture, and history of the southern Italian region around Vesuvius. Sorrento is a spectacular historical destination and is situated in the province of Naples, which used to be the capital of the Kingdom of the two Sicilies, before the unification of Italy. The city and region of Naples is in the very center and hub of the Mediterranean Sea, and it is visually, culturally, and geographically dominated by beautiful Mount Vesuvius. At the crossroads of many diverse cultures and civilizations, from ancient times down to the present, students will be exposed to a vibrant space between the Old and the New World, a region which has shifted from a place of emigration to one of immigration. Neapolitan culture has been transported and re-territorialized in other parts of the world, such as in the United States. Naples and the Vesuvian region have attracted people of different backgrounds for centuries and have also contributed to shaping the image of Italian immigrants abroad (this region, including the bay of Naples and Vesuvius, is the most recognized symbol of southern Italian immigration to the United States) as many immigrants departed from its shores. 

LUV is a multi-disciplinary summer Study Abroad Program in Sorrento, Italy, which introduces students to the many aspects of literature, society, culture, and history of the Italian southern region around Vesuvius. Sorrento is a spectacular historical destination and is situated in the province of Naples. We will study the culture of Southern Italy from many perspectives. The objective will be to re-examine stereotypes as well as to understand the arts, literature, folklore, and colonial history of the region. This course will count as credit toward DIV I.

Summer 2025 Course: WGS-150 (D) – Perspectives in Gender and Sexuality
(Satisfies Division I Requirement)
 

Embark on an unforgettable summer journey with Sorrento and Southern Italy: Broadening Familiar and (ECO)feminist Perspectives, an interdisciplinary study abroad experience offered through the LUV It! (Learning Under Vesuvius) initiative. Taught by a Wake Forest professor, this course allows students to earn either WGS (Division I) or English (Division II) credit while delving into the rich literature, art, culture, and history of Sorrento and its surrounding regions through feminist and ecofeminist frameworks. Explore themes of colonization, migration, and the intersections of identity, power, and environmental issues through dynamic discussions, hands-on activities, and guided field trips to iconic sites like Pompeii and Naples.

Students will also have the unique opportunity to interact with local students, fostering intercultural exchange and deepening their understanding of the region’s contemporary social dynamics. By integrating literary analysis with immersive cultural experiences, the course emphasizes sustainability, gender studies, and intercultural dialogue, encouraging students to critically engage with their surroundings. This transformative program broadens perspectives beyond geographical borders, blending intellectual discovery with the beauty of Southern Italy.

For a glimpse into the program, watch a this video!

Sorrento is a spectacular historical destination and is situated in the province of Naples, which used to be the capital of the Kingdom of the two Sicilies, before the unification of Italy. The city and region of Naples is in the very center and hub of the Mediterranean Sea, and it is visually, culturally, and geographically dominated by beautiful Mount Vesuvius. At the crossroads of many diverse cultures and civilizations, from ancient times down to the present, students will be exposed to a vibrant space between the Old and the New World, a region which has shifted from a place of emigration to one of immigration. Neapolitan culture has been transported and re-territorialized in other parts of the world, such as in the United States. Naples and the Vesuvian region have attracted people of different backgrounds for centuries and have also contributed to shaping the image of Italian immigrants abroad (this region, including the bay of Naples and Vesuvius, is the most recognized symbol of southern Italian immigration to the United States) as many immigrants departed from its shores.

Summer 2025 Course: WGS-150 (D) – Perspectives in Gender and Sexuality
(Satisfies Division I Requirement)

2025 Faculty Leader:
Wanda Balzano
Associate Professor of English
Email: balzanow@wfu.edu
Phone: (336) 758-4455

Host families
Students will share a double room in host family. Most often shared bathroom with the family. Italian style breakfast and dinner with family included daily. Laundry once per week. Access to wifi. Walking distance to Sant’Anna. 

NOTE: All students participating in the WFU Sorrento: Learning Under Vesuvius program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations you may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available.

Excursions will include any combination of the following:
– a boat excursion to the island of Capri 
– an excursion to the island of Ischia
– a day trip to the Amalfi Coast
– day excursions to Pompeii, Oplontis, and Herculaneum
– an excursion to the Royal Palace in Caserta
– an excursion to the archaeological sites of Paestum and Cumae
– visits to the Archaeological Museum, Capodimonte Museum, and other museums in Naples

– Good academic standing
– Interest in Italian language and culture

The total cost of summer study abroad can be broken down into four categories:
Program Fee – Usually covers room, in-country travel, excursions, some meals and other costs associated with the program.
Tuition – Students on WFU summer programs pay WFU summer school tuition per credit hour. The 2025 summer rate is $950/per credit hour. 
Airfare (estimated) – Varies per location. Students are responsible for their own airfare unless otherwise noted.
Personal Expenses (estimated) – These will vary depending on the students’ spending habits, cost of living in the destination country, and the number of meals included in the program fee. This may also include visa fees, vaccinations, academic supplies/books and other miscellaneous daily expenses.

Program Fee – TBD
Tuition (3hrs) – $2,850
Airfare (estimated) – TBD
Personal Expenses (estimated) – TBD
Estimated total cost – TBD

Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies.

Scholarship deadline through Global Programs and Studies is February 1st.

Passport Information
Students need to check their passport’s expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program’s end date.

Students going on a summer program need to make sure their passport is valid through at least mid-February of the following year.

US passport holders who need to renew their passport should visit the U.S. Department of State’s passport website for information on this process.

Non-US passport holders who need to renew their passport should refer to their home country’s passport office.

Visa Information
If you are a US citizen, you most likely will not require a visa for your summer abroad program. If you do, details will be shared with you by GPS. Non-US passport holders should check with their host country’s embassy or consulate to find out if a visa is required for their program or not.

2025 Faculty Leader:
Wanda Balzano
Associate Professor of English
Email: balzanow@wfu.edu
Phone: (336) 758-4455

Amanda Batten 
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
336-758-3194
battena@wfu.edu