Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paradise Past Review

By (Business Finance, University of Notre Dame) - abroad from 05/26/2014 to 06/27/2014 with

Sant'Anna Institute: Sorrento - Live, Learn and Immerse in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. I feel a lot more worldly and independent after this trip. My knowledge of Italian culture has increased exponentially. My appreciation for Italian food has gone through the roof. My language abilities are much greater than they ever were.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably 40 to 70 dollars per week on food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up money before coming. Every dollar is worth it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 3
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? Be confident in your abilities to speak, and do not be afraid of making mistakes.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Location
  • School's staff
  • Classmates
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the best restaurants and beaches and excursions to make before the trip so I could have planned more before. But, the school was tremendous help in recommending all of the best places to go.

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 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

History of the Mafia
Course Department:
Instructor: Alberto Corbino
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was extremely informative for a subject that only reminded me of the Godfather series or Goodfellas. However, the mafia is much more complex than that. Being in Italy, we were able to take very informative field trips, which made the subject much more understandable. The mafia is a very key part of Italian history, I am very glad that I was exposed to a deeper study of the mafia.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, there were no troubles.