My First But Not Last Trip. UConn Summer in Sorrento, Italy Past Review
By A student (University of Connecticut) - abroad from 05/21/2016 to 06/25/2016 with
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned that the world is diverse, but it also is not terrible to adjust to a different place. I have gained confidence in myself about Italian that I didn't have before the program. I also gained confidence in myself in the role that I can do something myself outside of the United States, it just takes some time.
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. |
I had access to all the resources I needed whenever I came to the University and the class was much better than what I have taken in the US. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment we were arranged in was beautiful and close to Sant'Anna. I just think there should be a better explanation of how the house works (washer, gas etc.) because for someone who has never been to Europe I had to figure out a lot of things on my own that were difficult without explanation. |
| * Food: |
I loved having the option to make my own food and the freedom to go out to eat if I wanted to. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since I could speak Italian and am at an advanced level, it was easy to communicate with most of the locals. But, some are rude when you address them in English and try to communicate in English. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no problems, just use common sense and always be with a person when drinking or at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would love to choose the same program because it gave me the freedom to explore and see what the place has to offer. It also gave me a chance to adjust at my own pace and chances to see things that many people don't get to see alone. |
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) |
After week one, it is easier to live with more people because then each one can chip in for food. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | For myself, probably not more than 60. And that's just an estimation. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would save up money before coming if you could because it helps tremendously to have some back up money before coming. And taking out a certain amount before coming here in euros and try to make it last for excursions and what not. And only to use your card for stuff other than food. |
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 |
The class made me use the language and encouraged me to use the language outside of class to practice regardless of where I am. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A Conversation and Composition I class at UCONN |
| 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? | If you're in a location where the majority speaks a different language, use it! Even if you make a mistake, someone will correct you, but don't take it seriously. By being in Italy it helped me to become more comfortable using the language with the locals and to become more interested in the dialects in the area. Most people will be so happy when they know that you could speak their language. |
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? |
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? | That to be nervous isn't worth it. And that you should take in everything that you are doing while you can because it will help you. Also that you will grow to change your ways a bit because of the influence of the country you're in . And that's okay. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
