A Wonderful Experience! Past Review
By Frances Praet (Belmont University) - abroad from 08/27/2017 to 12/16/2017 with
SAI Study Abroad: Sorrento - Sant'Anna Institute (SA)
I learned so much about myself and travel! It was life changing in the best way.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors are so kind and genuinely try to get to know their students and make sure they have all the resources they need! There is also a very broad range of classes to choose from. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
So helpful and available at any time! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the newly built dorms, and they are wonderful! There is a weekly cleaning service, and this semester we were able to have cooking classes in the community kitchen pretty regularly! The air conditioning didn't always work, but the staff is ready to help whenever needed. |
| * Food: |
I mean, it's Italy! |
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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? |
The school gave us the name and telephone number of a doctor that speaks english. I called her one time, but she just told me what to do over the phone. Another girl and I also got a stomach virus and the staff was extremely helpful making sure we were okay with medicine! |
| * Safety: |
I never felt like I was in any danger in Sorrento! People say Naples can be pretty scary, but if you're smart you should be fine. Be mindful of what time you book flights and trains because you have to go through Naples to get anywhere. It's not a big deal, but you don't want to be stuck at the train station all night (like one of the girl's here was!). |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I know other study abroad students that chose larger cities and they did not have the same experiences I did. Sorrento is such a beautiful place and the Amalfi coast is just a short bus ride away. I much preferred living here because it forces you into an Italian lifestyle. In bigger cities, you can easily stay in an American bubble and never speak Italian. |
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) |
I didn't have problems with money because I budgeted on the high end. I think that's a smart way to go into it. You can easily spend a lot of money if you want to, but if you plan and stick to a budget it's very doable! Groceries weren't extremely expensive here, but eating out a lot can definitely add up. |
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? | 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? | Advanced |
| 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? | Meet people and talk to them in Italian! Don't be afraid to try to speak to locals in their language. They are generally happy to speak slowly if they know you're learning. I've had only good experiences! |
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 been more open to meeting locals and speaking with them in Italian earlier. They are so kind and want to help you learn their language! |
