Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Intern In Italy Past Review

By (Sociology., University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned so many things that I do not even know where to begin. I am currently an intern in Italy, which is an opportunity most students do not gain when they study abroad. My school offered me an internship in the town of Sorrento, but I happened to become an intern at the school. Here, I get to work closely with the faculty, speak with the president of the school, and really feel al part of the family that my school obtains. Being an intern in Italy allows me to compare and contrast my experiences working in American with my experiences and an intern in Italy. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in expanding their resume and learning to work in a different country. This is a once and a lifetime experience and it is preparing me for years of my professional and interning life ahead.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Public transportion is a very smart choice over taxi fares and always ask the locals what the best to travel around the area.

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? beginning Italy
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? Speak with the locals- you learn so much more on how to pronounce the language and the certain words and ways they speak to each other. You do not learn this way of speaking through a book.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Speaking with the locals
  • Comparing Italy with America workplaces
  • Having a voice as an intern in Italy
* What could be improved?
  • communication
  • organization
  • hours
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know that I wish I knew I had more opportunities to have an internship outside of the school and in the town. Other interns are working at hotels, and taking fewer classes, which I think I would have preferred. However, I really enjoy and am grateful for this experience each day as I intern in Italy!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.