The Best Thing I Ever Did for Myself Past Review
By A student (English-Writing, Plymouth State University) - abroad from 01/24/2016 to 05/14/2016 with
SAI Study Abroad: Sorrento - Sant'Anna Institute (SA)
This experience opened my eyes to new cultures. I learned so much about myself while living and studying abroad. This exposure to the world has made me want to keep traveling, as much as I possibly can!
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 |
Sant'Anna staff is fantastic! They are so helpful and address and problems or questions you have immediately. They are always available to give you advice or to help you find your way around Sorrento and the surrounding area. The staff is supportive and engaging for all their students! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * 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: |
Sorrento is a super friendly and welcoming city. I never once felt unsafe while living here! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Sorrento is such a unique place to study. Not too many people know that you actually can study here. I loved being part of both a small-town Italian community, as well as an international/tourist community. Everyone here is so welcoming and friendly. Plus, the area is just absolutely gorgeous. |
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) |
Food is not expensive at all in the area, I found it easy to live on a budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan ahead! The further in advance that you plan trips and excursions, the more money and stress you'll save yourself later. |
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 would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Use the local language as much as you can-- at restaurants, in cafés, at the grocery store. The more you use it, the more you'll improve. The locals appreciate it when you try to use Italian, and many of them will help you with it! |
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? | Your time abroad flies by faster than you could ever imagine-- live it up! |
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. |
