Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging, Unforgettable and Life-changing. Past Review

By (University of Akron) - abroad from 07/03/2016 to 08/06/2016 with

SAI Study Abroad: Sorrento - Sant'Anna Institute (SA)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Self-confidence, how to program and look up material for the Italian education system. I have refined some research skills and programming skills. Most of all, I learned how to function independently, see the world and teach its people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was really great to learn more about lesson planning and gaining confidence in teaching! My only setback is that the education system is different here than in the USA.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Not a lot of direction was given but this gave me the opportunity to learn so much more than I ever could have. I learned how to be confident in the decisions I make, stick to my lessons and how to look up information about the Italian education system.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied.

* Food:

Food was AMAZING!! Especially in Sorrento!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not as integrated as I would like to be because I live in a shared apartment that feels secluded and it was hard to get to know the locals because I do not have any background in the Italian language.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did get sick while I was here. So far my cold is going on 3 weeks. The people in the Pharmacy only give about a week's worth of antihistamines and they are quite expensive. Some of which did not work for me and the language barrier was large.

* Safety:

I do feel very safe here although some of the Italian men can be quite touchy feely. It is important to know how to get out of those situations, but I never felt like anyone was going to harm me. I just recieved some unwanted attention.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would choose the Teaching English as a second language internship because it challenged me and I felt like I could help the community and get to know the culture. The only difference I would make is that I would live with a host family instead of an apartment.

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)

Sorrento is a fairly touristy town, therefore some food is more expensive here. Also, the value of USD is less than the Euro so you are spending more money here regardless.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 150$/ week. (souvenirs, food, groceries...)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you have a kitchen, use it! Also, don't be afraid to ask for left overs. Just make sure you actually eat them.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Other
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?
  • Teaching the locals
  • The beautiful sights
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • The cost of living
  • Training for the internship
  • Language preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How important it is to know Italian before you come. You don't have to be fluent, but you must know enough to speak to the locals if you ever want to experience the culture in its true form.

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 Linguist
You 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!