Brava Sorrento! Past Review
By Morgan O'Hara (Susquehanna University) - abroad from 08/26/2018 to 12/15/2018 with
Sant'Anna Institute: Sorrento - Live, Learn and Immerse in Italy
My experience abroad was worthwhile! I learned so much about myself and I learned to fully immerse myself into another culture and language. I broke out of my comfort zone and was able to succeed academically, socially, and also in a work environment. Sant' Anna Institute and Sorrento will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Professors and academics at the Sant' Anna Institute are excellent. The staff is always more than willing to accommodate and help students to succeed. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Sorrento, Italy is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been too. It is a perfect little coastal town! All of the local people are very nice and friendly. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Residence Halls at the Sant' Anna Institute are wonderful! In addition, the housing is right above the school so it makes all of the classrooms and library easily accessible. |
| * Food: |
Molto Bene! The food in Sorrento was delicious! You cannot go wrong! Every dish is super tasty and homemade with fresh ingredients! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The culture and social aspects of Sorrento are amazing! It is a much more friendly and laid-back atmosphere. People take the time to talk to one another and socialize on a daily basis because relationships are the most important thing! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health issues while abroad, and therefore did not experience the health care system first hand. However, the staff at Sant' Anna Institute are always willing to accommodate students when they are sick, and often help them to make doctor's appointments. |
| * Safety: |
Sant' Anna Institute made students feel safe at all times by providing a night guard who worked the desk at the entrance of the Residence Hall. All in all, Sorrento is a very safe town and all of the local people are really great! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Sant' Anna Institute and my time in Sorrento, Italy has been one of the best experiences of my life. I will never forget my time here in Italy and I will never forget all of the fun memories I made. This program has given me the confidence that I can make it on my own. I have met so many amazing people and I have had the opportunity to take part in an internship at the Hotel Mediteranneo! My time at the Hotel Mediteranneo was worthwhile and I have met some really special people there. I will always remember and cherish the wonderful memories of the Sant' Anna Institute and the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento! I look forward to returning to visit in the future ! |
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) |
I was able to live comfortably in Sorrento while maintaining a minimal budget. Groceries and meals at restaurants are not that expensive in Sorrento. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | N/A |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would suggest trying to work the summer before studying abroad so that you may save up some extra money. Then when you go abroad, make sure to budget your money so that you can take trips to other places for breaks. (i.e. fall break or spring break). |
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 |
Sant' Anna Institute is known commonly throughout the town of Sorrento as Sorrento Lingue. Study abroad students are required to take an Italian course as the Sant' Anna Institute itself specializes in languages. In fact, many local people will send their children to Sant' Anna Institute for English courses! |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 200 |
| 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? | I came to Sant' Anna Institute and was placed into a beginner Italian course. I had never taken or learned Italian before. Instead, I took Spanish in both high school and college. My advice is to just immerse yourself in the culture and the language will come easier. Try to have conversations with people in their language. |
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I have no regrets about my abroad experience. I feel as though I had an amazing time and it is something that I will never forget. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
