Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Experience Past Review

By (Architecture, Alfred State College - SUNY College of Technology) - abroad from 01/22/2016 to 05/14/2016 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 the basics of a new language, was able to experience the culture first hand, and was able to travel. It was worthwhile, but I'm more than ready to go home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would learn better/ stress less around finals if there were tests more frequently in classes such as Italian, rather than just a midterm and final.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our cleaning lady was awful. She wouldn't show up for weeks at a time and when she did she would just come in and open the windows but not clean. She then complained about everything whenever she did come. We couldn't leave a single spoon in the sink without her complaining. We literally had to make the place spotless for our cleaning lady to come. The location of the apartment was perfect, and the living space was adequate.

* Food:

Most places are understanding when you have allergies, you just have to know how to tell them you have allergies or restrictions. Food is cheap too! A personal pizza is only 3,50 euro at Jhonny's!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in the town itself helped immerse us in the culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The pharmacies are really helpful, there are doctors in each one and there has to be at least one person that speaks English working at all times.

* Safety:

I've never felt unsafe. I have no problem walking around by myself here.

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

It is an architecture program so I'm not losing out on credits or missing any time.

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)

There were weeks that I had spent maybe 5 euro, but there are other weeks that I have spent 400 because of traveling. It really depends on how much a person is willing to travel, spend on food, and how much they want to buy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? There were weeks that I had spent maybe 5 euro, but there are other weeks that I have spent 400 because of traveling.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the Vegetable market to buy salads and such. Use the resources around you. Set up a travel schedule and plan ahead, tickets are cheaper the earlier you can get them. Only buy things as you need them.

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

we had to talk in class but that was pretty much it, most of the locals spoke to us in English even if we tried to speak in Italian.

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? Spanish 2
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? do your best to talk to locals in Italian, listen to what they are saying.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Offers my studio course so I'm not missing out.
  • The staff is extremely nice and helpful
  • It gives you the chance to experience something that you might not have been able to without it.
* What could be improved?
  • Long courses should be broken up
  • Offer an area at the school that students could bring lunch
  • More tests or quizzes in Italian
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Italy is very different from home, if you want something- chances are you'll have to figure out how to make it yourself. They don't have unscented laundry detergent, or driers for that matter. They don't have sour cream, and forget about burritos- it gets expensive.

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!