An incredibly immersive and entertaining experience Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 07/01/2018 to 07/21/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I felt like I gained a lot of local knowledge, a different experience on how others live and I thought it was very worthwhile.

Review Photos

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Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed this educational experience so much. I learned a ton and it's knowledge I'll carry with me and share my whole life.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt as though every single person I interacted with at the Institute was helpful, friendly and could answer any questions that I had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I do wish we could've stayed at the school, but I understand why that wasn't an option. I did enjoy being immersed in the city and staying in an apartment though.

* Food:

The food here was so incredible. It was such an experience in itself to sit down for every meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated being in the heart of the city. Also there is a local cafe that turns into a bar at night right outside my apartment and I felt as though that was very immersive.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues here, but I felt if I did the program would've been incredible helpful in dealing with them if I had any questions. I didn't have to have any vaccines or anything like that.

* Safety:

I felt so incredible safe in Sorrento, especially compared to there places like Naples. I didn't feel uncomfortable at any point.

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

I thought the class was full of experiences I'll carry with me and share forever. It was such a good class to be a part of.

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)

I feel as though I worked a ton to prepare for this but I definitely used a lot of money being here just on meals. I wouldn't say it's unmanageable but I wanted to experience things and I needed the money to do it. so 2

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? at least $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to find more local places that don't charge a ton and you will still get high quality food.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I took Spanish for four years and it felt like a similar concept
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? Definitely look up common phrases and questions

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

  • Americans
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?
  • The food
  • The excursions
  • The town
* What could be improved?
  • The living arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more Italian, I really wanted to interact more with the locals in a way without such a language barrier

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The 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.