An experience to remember Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Having smaller class sizes means a more personal education experience. I thoroughly enjoyed having such a personable approach towards my classes. I absorbed a lot more information than I have in some of my courses at home.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really loved my apartment. Our landlady brought us new sheets and took our old ones once a week, she also came by on wednesday's to take out our trash as well. Our apartment had everything we needed (minus AC), and was nicely furnished. Having a washing machine was great because I was under the intention that I wouldn't have one! The only thing that was bothersome was the wifi. It is spotty sometimes and slow, but that just requires some adjustment from your own personal American standards.

It's Italy, you can't really complain. Cheap and tasty food is certainly easy to find in Sorrento. Don't eat in Piazza Tasso, it's very overpriced. I suggest finding a restaurant in an alley way or a mom and pop place! Also, explore outside of Sorrento too for different variations of foods. Every town has their own specialty.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Finding locals at the collegiate level is hard here, seeing as there is no university here. However, it is not hard to find a friend here locally though. We had plenty of friends from local cafes and bars that we made friends with! Sorrento is a very safe town and it is not hard to feel at home after first settling in. I fell into routine and lived my life by Italian standards :)

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Going to the pharmacy is very easy, as most of the pharmacists speak English. They can give you over the counter medicines (which are technically behind the counters here) after telling them your symptoms. I suggest the pharmacy in Piazza Tasso. They have the widest variety and most English speaking people who work there. Be sure to shop around for prices though, I overpaid about 10 euro on ear drops while I was here. I had bronchitis while I was in Sorrento, plus ear infections. The school was helpful in putting me in contact with an English speaking doctor. Unfortunately you will have to walk to the doctor, but she isn't too far. Save your receipts for prescriptions, etc so you can be reimbursed when returning to your home country. A visit will cost you 20-30 euro, you pay the doctor right after your appointment so bring money if you have to go!

Sorrento is a very safe and small town. As always, use your best judgement and be aware of your surroundings, but I didn't find it any different than walking around in my hometown in the US.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I spent about 200 euro per two weeks, which tends to add up. Sorrento is not a very cheap town as it is on the Amalfi coast, but if you eat in a lot and come here with a budgeted plan, you can survive if you stick to it. I created a budget before I got here and had to make some adjustments, but I am still going home with excess money.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The school at first mostly spoke to us in English, but as time went on they would ask us something simple in Italian first, then in English if we didn't catch on. Unfortunately we were supposed to have a tandem program with locals but it never happened.

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• Host Family
• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• location
• language opportunity
• learning outside the classroom (field trips)

• Structure in program/ courses
• interaction with locals/events for students
• communication

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