Three students reflect on their experiences in the Penn State Marine Biology 2026 summer program at ISI Florence.

For many, studying abroad is about getting exposed to a new culture and language. The Marine Biology program does just that, but instead of the typical student’s experience of Italy, sipping coffee in piazzas and wandering through museums and galleries, it introduces them to the world of Mediterranean flora and fauna.

Based between Florence and the stunning island of Elba, the program combines classroom learning, fieldwork, conservation education, and an opportunity to conduct real scientific research. It allows students to explore marine ecosystems firsthand and acquire a deeper understanding of one of the planet’s most important and vulnerable environments.

As students from the summer 2026 program reflected on their experience, one theme emerged again and again: this was not a traditional study abroad program. Wildlife and Fisheries Science student, Emma Hunter, said:

“We kind of had a running joke the whole time that we’re not doing study abroad—we are doing research abroad. There’s truly nothing else like this program.”

Learning Through Experience

For Kendall Neamtz, an Environmental Resource Management student, the learning process and carefully structured progression from theory to practice were among the program’s greatest strengths:

“At the beginning, I could never have seen us producing the work we did at the end, but the progression and the way Professor Branconi set it up were really well done. You start with lectures and background information, then learn about the equipment, practice in the pool, collect data, and eventually develop your own research project. It was incredibly well thought out.”

Students conducted underwater surveys in the Mediterranean Sea, learned about marine conservation initiatives, and explored environments rarely accessible to the public. Among the highlights were Pianosa Island, a highly protected marine reserve where students witnessed firsthand the positive impact of long-term conservation efforts; the protected dune system at Lacona Beach; and the Mola Wetland, a crucial stopover for migratory birds that supports a rich diversity of aquatic species unique to Elba Island. All of these sites are managed by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

Additional field experiences included boat-based dolphin monitoring and cetacean observation in the Pelagos Sanctuary, visits to a sea turtle rehabilitation center, hands-on workshops on sea turtle nest identification and protection, tours of a natural history museum and marine research laboratory, and a visit to historic mining sites to assess the long-term impact of human extraction activities on marine ecosystems.

Adopting a New Perspective

While the students arrived with different academic backgrounds, many left with a transformed understanding of the importance of the sea and the ocean.

For Connor Shaw, who joined the program as a Biomedical Engineering student on a pre-med track, the experience expanded his perspective on environmental protection and human responsibility:

“This program opened my eyes to what we don’t see down in the depths of the sea. It’s very under-researched, and it really put into perspective how important the health of our oceans and seas is. If we don’t have a healthy environment, we don’t have anything.”

Emma described a similar shift:

“The biggest thing I gained was realizing how beautiful the sea is. You kind of have a picture in your mind beforehand, but it doesn’t truly click until you see it for yourself—just how incredible this whole other world is.”

Through observation and hands-on research, the students developed a better understanding of our ecosystems and the role humans play in protecting them. The students reported that the program not only encouraged them to learn about conservation but also to understand how scientific research can promote real change.

For Kendall, who always hoped to pursue a career in environmental law, the experience even inspired a potential new career trajectory:

“Being able to go to an actual Marine Protected Area and see conservation in action was incredible. I came here thinking I wanted to focus on policy, but this experience sparked a love for field research that I never expected.”

People Who Inspire

When the students discussed their opinions on what made the program great, it was the people who made it happen that came up again and again.

They stressed Professor Rebecca Branconi’s passion, mentorship, and commitment to her students’ success. Whether presenting lectures, guiding fieldwork, or supporting individual tasks towards the research project, they highlighted how Professor Branconi created a setting where students felt encouraged to ask questions, pursue their interests, and think critically. Kendall said:

“Professor Branconi makes this program. She truly is the best professor I’ve had, and this program has, truthfully, changed our lives.”

Students also praised Professor Branconi’s teaching assistant, Niccolò Graziani, students from the University of Florence, and the local community on Elba Island, who helped make the experience both educational and welcoming.

Their support extended past academics. During their stay on Elba, students lived and worked together at Sassi Turchini, creating a sense of community which strengthened both the research and cultural dimensions of the program, as Emma described:

“We’d come back from the field, work on our projects together, eat dinner together, and spend time talking and learning from one another. It created such a strong sense of community.”

Beyond Marine Biology

One of the program’s most unique aspects is that it attracts students from various fields. The students said they found it very interesting to exchange perspectives with their classmates, which enriched their classroom discussions and made them understand that protecting marine ecosystems requires not only scientists but also communicators, policymakers, and advocates. Emma recalled:

“One of our classmates was studying advertising, and every time we’d discuss a paper, he would bring a really interesting perspective… How can we get this out there more? How can we get more people to pay attention?”

Advice for Future Students

When asked what advice they would give to prospective students, Connor’s answer was immediate:

“Do it! When else are you going to be able to snorkel in the Mediterranean Sea for research? This is not study abroad in the traditional sense. You’re making an impact. You’re getting out of your comfort zone.”

Lastly, the students emphasized that doing well in the program depends on maintaining curiosity, enthusiasm, and an open mind.