Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Past Review

By (Austin Community College) - abroad from 07/10/2016 to 08/05/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was valuable on many levels. The placement and guidance from Sant' Anna Institute were exceptional. The length of the program allowed for time to immerse one's self into the culture of the city and I felt that I made new friends at the bakery that I worked at.

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 internship position was a perfect fit. It was exactly what I was looking for.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sant' Anna was very helpful is resolving any issues or concerns. It was obvious that the students' learning experience was first and foremost in their priorities.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved our apartment and would stay there again if I returned to Sorrento.

* Food:

The food was fabulous.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The cultural excursions were excellent.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have issues, but my fellow students did and they were quickly resolved

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in Sorrento.

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

I felt that the internship placement was excellent. I got one on one guidance from a highly skilled pastry chef. The chefs and business owners were extremely good to work with.

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)

Since our trip was a culinary study abroad program, I allowed extra funds for food. If you can eat at home, the food is very reasonably priced/

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Watch the extras on the excursions.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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 internship placement
  • The location
  • The kindness of the people
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of any way to improve the experience.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had had more time to study the language.

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!