Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ups and Downs Past Review

By (Texas State University-San Marcos) - abroad from 07/11/2016 to 08/05/2016 with

Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Sorrento, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile! I am happy that my language skills have improved and that I was able to see the cultural interactions.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very rigorous, but I enjoyed that aspect because we learned so much in a short amount of time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

6 girls in a 2 bedroom apartment with one bathroom? And the toilet kept breaking? Was pretty awful...

* Food:

We were provided with two meals (which were delicious) but I wish they had given us tips prior to arrival on where to grocery shop.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was an individual problem unless it made us miss class... Then we needed a doctor's note. My only medical problem was spider bites and they went away with medicine from the pharmacy.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Sorrento, even at night. Although we always left in groups, we never felt anxious to be out in town.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Our school usually goes to Florence and (location wise) that would have been more exciting. There were many days where we had class and then did nothing because it was too far to travel and we had already seen the local sites.

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)

It was affordable. Food was the main item we spent money on and I was able to get by just fine, but the food could be costly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 150€
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving well in advance. I started a savings account specifically for this trip when I decided I would be going (6 months in advance at least).

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian II
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? Keep practicing. Even when people respond with English, try what you know. Dictionaries are a great resource.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Our teacher at Sant'anna
  • proximity to Rome
  • Going to Pompeii
* What could be improved?
  • Living space
  • Communication between Sant'anna and out Texas State teacher
  • Number of excursions (more rather than less)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's not always going to be easy or fun. There are many challenges and you have to be okay knowing that you won't be able to do everything.

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!