Disappointed but an experience of my own December 05, 2023
By A student (Biology, University of Minnesota - Duluth) - abroad from 08/29/2023 to 12/16/2023 with
Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Sorrento, Italy
I learned a lot about myself and am very grateful for the opportunity. It was worth it for the weekend travel.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I paid $2000 more to go through ASA and unfortunately there were limited activities offered compared to other programs such as CSI. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family didn’t seem to really want me there/weren’t excited. |
| * Food: |
I was served questionable food left out for hours. However, I never got sick from it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Doctor was available two times per week and I utilized this often. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I could never recommend this program. The student culture at the school is off-putting because there are several American schools who send large groups of students (50+) here. They are also mostly privileged sorority students who have little regard for other people or any interest in having a cultural experience. They just want to party. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Sant’Anna recommended $300/week including travel but this was not nearly enough. It ended up being double that. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $600 more or less including travel |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try not to eat out in Sorrento. If you live with a host family you can’t use the kitchen so it is tempting to go out but best to find microwave options. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 0 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I should have brought a lot more winter clothes. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
