Don't have high expectations Past Review
By A student (Indiana University of Pennsylvania / IUP) - abroad from 07/01/2017 to 08/05/2017 with
SAI Study Abroad: Sorrento - Sant'Anna Institute (SA)
I learned that you are very vulnerable in this situation. Something that goes wrong can seem a lot more upsetting than it should be. Also, don't have such high expectations that when you arrive you are disappointed. I wasn't disappointed with the town or the school, just with some locals (especially men) and the students.
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. |
Most students come here for the vacation not the courses |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful staff |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The place was nice but very far from campus |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Not at all integrated |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any problems while there, but I was given a good healthcare plan and it was all done for me |
| * Safety: |
Very safe town |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
It is a wonderful school and beautiful area, I just think my experience was a little altered because I did not relate to the students at this school. They are from all over the USA, however they were not very friendly or willing to make lasting friendships. I think in that aspect I expected too much and it made my time here not as enjoyable as it could have been. |
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) |
If you plan out meals and buy accordingly it saves you a lot on food expenses. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe 50-60 euros |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 3 years of Spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to locals and ask questions |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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 knew that this experience is for you and you alone. If there are others bringing you down, or maybe they don't want to do the same things as you, go and do the things you want to do on your own. At the end of the day this is your experience and you shouldn't be fulfilling someone else's dreams, just your own. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
