Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This has been a shambly, incredible experience that I would never change. Past Review

By (Virginia Commonwealth University / VCU) - abroad from 07/04/2016 to 08/06/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself and how I want to live my life.

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.

The course instructed by Sant'Anna that I took was incredible. My professor was extremely knowledgable and enjoyable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I enjoy this program and would recommend this program but there needs to be more organization and communication between Sant'Anna and VCU.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I am sharing a bed. I was not informed before this program or even before I arrived in Italy that I would have to share a bed with another person for five weeks. Some people have certain religious or personal beliefs that would not allow them to share a bed with another person. My apartment has terrible WIFI. I would have preferred to have paid more money to live in an apartment that would have working wifi. I now understand that Sorrento does not have the most up to date wifi network but I would have appreciated a warning before arriving in Italy.

* Food:

The food provided by the school was delicious. I understand the cost of providing food for large groups but it would have been appreciated if we had received more meals during our excursions.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoy that the apartments are through out the city but I would have preferred another opportunity similar to the gelato making class.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only received a slight cold while here and I was assisted by a local pharmacist. I have not had to go to the hospital.

* Safety:

I feel very safe in this city. I appreciated all the warnings that were given during our arrival orientation.

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

Sorrento is beautiful and the culture is amazing. The only reason I could not give this program a 10/10 is because of my experience with my apartment and wifi.

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)

Sorrento is very expensive and our kitchens are not prepared enough for multiple people to cook in.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the grocery store twice a week so that your food does not spoil and so that you are not stuck with a bunch of food. Local produce is always cheaper than the grocery store.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The school
  • My archaeology class
* What could be improved?
  • Don't make Adults who have never met share a bed
  • Fix the wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was informed about the Wifi situation so that I was better prepared for this trip. I also would have liked a waring about sharing a bed for Five weeks

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.