Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Restaurant Experiences Past Review

By (Alfred State College - SUNY College of Technology) - abroad from 02/03/2016 to 05/12/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to make some italian dishes and desserts.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was great, I just wish I could have gotten into a little more even though there was language barrier.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was nice but there were issues with our land lady I didn't appreciate at all. I feel like she was more into finding damages or something wrong with the place to charge us so she could fix up the place, than she was cleaning. Plus, there was still about a month left and she didn't give us time to clean before she complained more. For a couple of weeks our bathroom wasn't cleaned properly, and I had to do it my self. She didn't have more than one towel set, so she would wash our towels and if I needed to shower I couldn't because I didn't have a dry one, so I had to go out and buy one. She took the dovet off my bed without even asking me. I ended having to buy a blanket because I was freezing at night, and couldn't sleep. I feel like she should ask to take things before she does. That was a little irritating to come back and things would be gone that I was using.

* 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

I love being in the kitchen and the people I work with are great!

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)

It was easy just need to know how to spend your money

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-60€ on food
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I made a budget on how much I could spend on certain things such as food, traveling and spending based on the amount I came with

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 1
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? Try and study before coming abroad

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The staff
  • Food
  • Learning experience
* What could be improved?
  • Language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learning a bit of the menu.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!