Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Time of My Life in Italy May 10, 2023

By (History, St. Lawrence University) - abroad from 01/16/2023 to 05/05/2023 with

Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Sorrento, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was forced to put myself out there more and challenge myself to do new things. I mostly traveled alone outside of school, so I definitely had to learn a lot about personal responsibility.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I've always wanted to go to Italy, and Sorrento was a great location to live as it was easier to transition to from small-town Canton (unlike Rome for example). Sant'Anna was also an amazing school and they were very helpful, as well as my host family.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~50 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to eat with friends as much as possible and maybe share food to save money, try to only buy small snack foods, budget for traveling (make sure you have enough to buy train/bus tickets while also saving enough for food or other expenses while traveling)

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? Intro to Italian
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? Study outside of class online with Duolingo, wander around town and converse with shop owners, they're very welcoming to tourists and are open to help you learn the language and reach an understanding

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Ability to Travel
  • Food
  • Schooling
* What could be improved?
  • Timing of field trips
  • More activities to mix dorm and host family/apartment students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? No friday classes does not always mean a 3-day weekend for travelling

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!