One Life To Live; A Whole World To Meet Past Review
By Hannah V (Interdisciplinary Studies, Alfred State College - SUNY College of Technology) - abroad from 01/22/2017 to 05/13/2017 with
Alfred State: Architecture Studies in Italy
Being abroad allowed me to become more adaptable and open-minded. It was definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
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. |
Sant'Anna is committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience, immersing us in our academics and the community and culture of Sorrento, Italy. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff of Sant'Anna are highly creative and dedicated to the students. They are constantly supporting students inside and outside of the classroom in order to make the experience the best it can be. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our landlord is accommodating in any way he can be. Our apartment is centrally located, safe, and clean. |
| * Food: |
My flatmates and I are able to cook meals throughout the week and dine out at restaurants once a week. The food at the restaurants is very Italian and exceptional although we try to cook different dishes for diversity. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As an intern for Sant'Anna, I am able to work with residents and community leaders for my duties but it is easy to connect with locals regardless. The people have been welcoming, hospitable, and accommodating. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I have access to an English-speaking doctor at any time of the day or night. My study abroad health insurance covers me for my medical needs. |
| * Safety: |
Sorrento is a small city where everyone seems to know everyone. I feel comfortable and safe walking at night, whether alone or with others. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The cost of living in this part of Italy is relatively low. It is not difficult to budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Once you become acclimated to the area, you can tell which shops are more affordable. |
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? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | If you have the opportunity to intern for a local business, that is one of the best ways to practice the language. Otherwise, it is hard to integrate it into your daily life unless you live with a host family. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 10+ |
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 wish I knew more about traveling in Italy and Europe. It was an expensive learning experience to figure out the best ways of traveling. |
