Once in a Lifetime Experience Past Review
By Katheryn P (Architecture, SUNY - College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State University)) for
Sant'Anna Institute: Sorrento - Live, Learn and Immerse in Italy
So many cultures are different and it was nice to learn a different culture and see a different way of living. The people made the experience completely enjoyable. I would have to say the experience was so amazing because of the location in a smaller city. I would love to come back to Sorrento someday, and possibly do a lot more traveling.
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 work load was an average amount, and the teachers were always willing to work around the schedules of other classes when need be. Overall the classes were a lot of fun and very educational. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was very knowledgeable and helpful for anything we needed. They were very friendly and always available if we needed help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was provided through our college. Our neighborhood was very safe, and our apartment was very nice. It was in a perfect location, only a 15 minute walk to class and only a 5 min walk to town. We were equipped with everything we needed to get started. |
| * Food: |
There are so many restaurants within walking distance that serve many different things. Eating out every night costs a lot of money though so we often bought food and made a dinner at our apartment as a group. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took many trips through Archaeology. Some of the trips included Baia, Cuma, Pozzuoli, Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Sorrento is very safe, I have not once personally felt unsafe while walking around sorrento. The healthcare system is very helpful. I personally have not had to go to see a doctor but I had friends that needed allergy shots and the doctors seem very helpful and friendly. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
We were taught a lot of Italian in class, it was hard using it though because when speaking to people in Italian they would often answer in English. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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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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? | The program is a once in a lifetime experience. The culture is completely different and you not only learn inside the classroom but in every day interactions with the citizens of Sorrento. The semester goes by fast so enjoy every second of your time here. It is something I truly enjoyed would encourage many other students to study abroad for a semester as well. |
