Sorrento is a dream, the food is incredible Past Review
By A student (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 07/02/2018 to 07/20/2018 with
SAI Study Abroad: Sorrento - Sant'Anna Institute (SA)
I learned that I am independent and that it is so empowering to be able to get around on my own and figure things out. I have minimal overseas travel experience without my family, but I think it is an incredible experience to be independent and immerse yourself in another country and culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I absolutely loved all of the hands on experiences that we had. The tour guides were wonderful and I feel as if I got the full Italian experience that I was looking for and I have learned so much. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Serena and her staff were very approachable and helping us at any step. They gave us all their contact information, making it easy to touch base and ask for assistance with any problems. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment we received was exactly what I expected for a small European town. I was pleasantly surprised to have air conditioning and I really felt like I was going home every night. There were a few small hiccups with water issues, but overall it was extremely pleasant. |
| * Food: |
With this being a food and wine tour, I was expecting wonderful food and wine options and I have not been disappointed once. Everything in Sorrento is fresh and all of the restaurant suggestions we received from Sant' Anna staff have all been great. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The structure of this course allowed us to immerse ourselves in the culture of Sorrento. I really enjoyed all of the free time, especially paired with informational tours and visits to local wineries and factories. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally did not have any health issues, but I know that if I had, the school would have helped me in any way. We were shown where the hospital was and how the health care system works, so if I did have a problem I would know where to go. |
| * Safety: |
Sorrento was an extremely safe place and I never felt uneasy walking around, even at night. It is easy to navigate and a really welcoming place. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Everything about this trip exceeded my expectations. In talking to my family, I can't wait until I have the opportunity to bring them here and show them all of the things that I have experienced. I am so sad to be leaving. |
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) |
We did eat out a lot, but I can do think that it would be very easy to purchase groceries and cook at home each night. The food in town is not overpriced at all, making it very easy to go and eat out comfortably. |
| 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? | Avoid drinking out often, this is where markups are put on products, making it very easy to spend a lot of money on alcohol. Drinks at the grocery store are fairly cheap if you are close enough with your roommates to enjoy drinking wine together at home. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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 knew a little bit more about the transportation process from the airport to our apartment. That was a little crazy late at night, but once we got there, everything has been absolutely perfect. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
