Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Relaxing, Touristy Study Abroad Experience Past Review

By (Stevens Institute of Technology) - abroad from 05/26/2018 to 06/30/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer on the Italian Coast, Sorrento

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Personally, my Italian speaking skills improved greatly and I became much more comfortable cooking for myself, which was important because I have no meal plan anymore at my home university.

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

Sorrento is an unbeatable location with access to some of the most beautiful coastal places in Italy, but also easy access to the rest of Italy and Europe. The host institution was beautiful and in the heart of Sorrento, with great staff. The CISabroad staff was also wonderful.

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)

Groceries were very cheap, but meal plans were not available so expect to cook for yourself!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make breakfast your cheapest meal!

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? None
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? Don't get too stuck with your group of American friends! If you're a beginner, start by ordering in other languages.

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

  • 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?
  • Many, many excursions through CISabroad and the host institution. Some required money, but never more that 30 Euro.
  • Food was amazing, but that goes without saying.
  • Classes were laid back, with caring professors.
* What could be improved?
  • Better coordination with class schedules.
  • Distinction between staff of CISabroad and the host institution - that caused some confusion.
  • Closer apartment - mine was almost 30 minutes away walking.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Break out of your comfort shell! Spend more time without American friends and go speak to locals and other tourists.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.