Epidemiology in Sorrento

Come experience the beauty and culture of Sorrento, Italy, and the Island of Capri in May 2026 for an Epidemiology Immersion!  HLSC 301 is an introduction to Epidemiology course for students of any major on campus interested in learning more about how lifestyle behaviors, the environment, geography, and other determinants can positively or negatively impact health and risk for certain diseases and conditions.  Students will explore the 8 countries that make up 50% of the world’s population and how they compare to this region of Italy with respect to health priorities, challenges, and outcomes.  This course will cover basic epidemiological concepts and demonstrate how these concepts can be applied to problems encountered in everyday life, such as hazards posed by the food supply, benefits and risks associated with lifestyle choices, and how genes interact with the environment. Students will experience firsthand how Epidemiology is applied every day.

In this experiential AND service-learning adventure, students will participate in cultural excursions, volunteer opportunities, hear from local physicians and other professionals on epidemiologic issues, including food security, the Mediterranean diet, health promotion and rehabilitation in Italy, water safety, and participate in Italian food cooking classes, tours, and culture.  

Important Dates

Course Dates: JU Summer I

Travel Dates: May 9- May 18, 2026
*Subject to change

Application & Deposit Deadline: February 1, 2026

Final Payment Deadline: March 15, 2026

How to Apply

Click 'Apply Now' below to first create your Traveler Profile. Enter your JU email and create a password.
Once logged in, click 'Explore Programs', and type Epidemiology Sorrento in the search bar. Click 'Apply Now' on the program page and submit your application.

Apply Now

Once accepted, you will need to submit a $350 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.The deposit is deducted from the total program cost.
Click here to submit the deposit payment.
Click 'Make a Payment' in the 'Education Payments' quadrant. 
Select 'Florida', 'Jacksonville University', 'Online Payments', and 'Study Abroad Deposits' to proceed, shown here:
 
 

On-Site Program Costs

$2,950 - $3,300+ airfare (subject to change, based on number of travelers)

*This price range is determined based on enrollment. The final on-site program cost will be determined after the application and deposit deadline has passed.  The $350 deposit is deducted from the total on-site program cost.

Included in program fees

JU tuition for 3 credits
Airport transfer to/from Naples
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Shared accommodations in residence halls or local apartments
Group excursions, activities, and entrance fees per itinerary
24-hour emergency support services
Emergency medical & accident insurance for each participant
Gratuities to guides and bus drivers

Excluded from On-Site Program Cost

Roundtrip Airfare Students will receive specific instructions on arrival/departure. 
Please do not book flights until you have received these details from Study Abroad & Away.
Most meals
Incidentals 

Course

HLSC 301: Epidemiology in Health Science (3 credits)

This program also fulfills JU’s Experiential Learning undergraduate requirement for graduation.

Itinerary 

Saturday May 9

• Arrive at Naples airport, Check in at Residence Hall in Sorrento and free time, Welcome dinner at Trattoria da Emilia

Sunday May 10

• Full day trip to Amalfi Coast (Positano + Amalfi + Ravello) with tour guide and private bus

Monday May 11

• Welcome meeting at Sant’Anna
• Visit to Therapeutic community for recovering drug addicts "Maria Fanelli" and speech by Giovanni Ruggiero: The story of a place of rebirth. Differences and Analogies with the American System
• Lecture at Sant’Anna Institute by Dr Mollica: “The Role of the Vet in food security” 
• Sunset boat tour, pick up from Marina Piccola (port)

Tuesday May 12

• Full day trip to Naples by private bus
• visit to Villa Delle Ginestre rehab center  
• Visit to Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno 

Wednesday May 13

• Lecture at Sant’Anna Institute on: “Water issues for human safety”
• Coffee break at La Cazzarola with coffee / cappuccino and cake
• Lecture about the Italian Health System, and comparison with the American one by Dr Antonio Di Giacomo (English) 
• Lecture at Sant’Anna on Nutrition, Mediterranean Diet and Slow Food by Biologist & Nutritionist Dr. Luca Paladino
• Cooking Class & Dinner (group class)

Thursday May 14

• Service Learning: Soup Kitchen. Prepare, cook and serve underprivileged communities at a local soup kitchen
• Visit to the Archaeological site of Pompeii

Friday May 15

• Lecture on History of the Italian Food & Culture
• Food tour: Olive Oil, mozzarella making, lemon & limoncello
• Afternoon: class time by JU faculty

Saturday May 16

• Full day trip to island of Capri by ferry with tour guide

Sunday May 17

• Mt. Faito Clean up Activity (3 hours)
• Lecture by Sustainability faculty about pollution and garbage issue in Italy
• Free afternoon
• Farewell Dinner

Monday May 18

• Check out from Residence Hall and departure to Naples by private bus

Faculty Leaders

Carena Winters, Ph.D., MPH, FACSM, ACSM-CEP, EIM Credential

Associate Professor of Exercise Science

Dr. Carena Winters is an expert in the areas of Exercise Physiology, Exercise is Medicine® (EIM), Physical Activity Epidemiology, and Health Promotion. Her desire is to assist students in creating lifelong habits of being physically active and maintaining general well-being. Dr. Winters currently serves as an Associate Professor in Health and Exercise Sciences at Jacksonville University in the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences. Her passion is facilitating knowledge exchange and behavior change with individuals and groups on a local, national, and global level. Dr. Winters is a strong advocate of lifelong learning, which includes experiencing as much as we can about people and cultures, enriching our lives and the world in which we live. She has experience facilitating student abroad excursions and is so excited to be part of this journey with you.

Contact Us

Study Abroad & Away
abroad@ju.edu
Carena Winters
cwinter2@ju.edu