Returning Isn't an "If," It's a "Must"! Past Review
By Lindsay H (Biola University) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/09/2014 with
SAI Study Abroad: Sorrento - Sant'Anna Institute (SA)
Absolutely worthwhile! I gained an appreciation for the language and the culture, as well as
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
While the classes were interesting and taught me more about the culture and language, they were not academically rigorous. However, this helped with travel plans, but I didn't feel challenged. |
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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? |
I chose to live in a host family, and I wouldn't have had nearly as great of an experience without them. They welcomed me warmly right from the beginning, and I now truly have a second home in Sorrento. |
| * Food: |
I was spoiled by my host family, but really. Who doesn't love genuine Italian food? |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
I absolutely felt safe in Sorrento. As a female, I was comfortable walking the streets at night. However, I would always recommend knowing how to get home if you will be out late. |
| 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) |
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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 staff and professors spoke English, which was helpful when I arrived. After a while I would have appreciated practicing my Italian at school. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | Be in 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? |
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 had come with some previous knowledge of the language, but I still would go again without knowing the language. I also would learn how to travel well and lightly long-distancing, not bringing as much as you think you will need. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
