Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Trip of a lifetime! Past Review

By (UMass Lowell) - abroad from 07/03/2016 to 08/06/2016 with

Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Sorrento, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile and I learned I can survive in a foreign country by myself. Also being immersed is the language definitely helped my speaking skills

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was the only person in my class but my teacher was very professional and very personable. The class was adjusted to my learning level and to were she thought I could understand more easily

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

very nice people. super professional.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

No washing machine as promised but had AC and a small kitchen

* Food:

I made my own food everyday so it was really good

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated. I was able to talk to the locals and really use my Italian.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Sorrento does have a local hospital. Although I had no need for it, it was nice to know that it was close by.

* Safety:

I felt really safe during the day in Sorrento. I WOULD recommend that the school put the female students closer to the school because at night I would get harassed by local males on my way home.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My teacher was one of the kindest ladies I've met here. I had an amazing roommate and I met so many great people. Sorrento was such a quiet laid back place that was so refreshing from the big cities like Rome or Florence. If you want authentic Italian lifestyle come to Sorrento.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Food wise very easy. food here is very cheap. I only brought 500 euros with me cash and I have yet to spend it all. But I have used my credit card for some purchases. I would say you need a minimum of $1000

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80-90 (euros not USD)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own food if you can. Don't waste money on eating out every night and limit how much money you spend when you go out at night.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I took Italian 4 as my program class so I used my Italian everyday

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 3
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? use apps like "DUOLINGO" very helpful and it gives you a basic understanding of food, places and how to ask for things.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • my teacher
  • the beach
  • the city
* What could be improved?
  • apartment location
  • student knowledge
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that I wouldn't have a washing machine. I didn't get to wash my clothes once in 5 weeks. It was gross

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!