Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun and Scholastic September 18, 2024

By (Italian Language, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/26/2024 to 08/03/2024 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 speak fluent Italian.

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.

The classes themselves were not too challenging, and the homework was very reasonable, but it is a lot of material to cover in a short time; educational experience was superb.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Italy is wonderful, and the school is located near the water with a prime view of Mount Vesuvius.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was luxurious. I stayed on campus, so I only had to walk downstairs to get to classes. My room overlooked Vesuvius. I had 1 roommate, and we had our own bathroom. Towels were rotated every week, and rooms were cleaned/beds turned every 2 weeks by campus staff. Everything was very clean. The kitchen is very large, and each floor is assigned its own fridges/stoves/microwave/cooking areas. The campus had a lovely garden and a hammock as well.

* Food:

Food is not included (no meal plan), so you can either eat out or go to the grocery store. Sant'Anna has a list of resturants and shops they recommend that accept the student discount card Do Deka is an inexpensive grocery store.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Sorrento is in general a very touristy area. For a more local feeling, visit the little towns along the rail line. The people are very nice though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Sant'Anna staff were very nice and helpful. Sorrento doctors are not the best but not awful.

* Safety:

It is totally safe. Sorrento is busy until 3 in the morning.

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

The courses, teachers, and location were all 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)

I did not really think to set a budget, so I cannot accurately answer this question.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I do not know. I managed to spend $1,000-2,300/month, but I also bought souvenirs, books, train tickets, and a leather jacket
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Groceries can be between extremely cheap to $30 depending with whom you are shopping. Also, if you have a roommate or friends, it is easier to split-up the costs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Classes
  • Traveling
  • Learning about the culture
* What could be improved?
  • some of the field trips overlapped
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Linen is a fabulous material

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!