Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Perfect location, supportive program, academically laid-back July 27, 2025

By (English, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/01/2025 to 07/04/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to experience a new culture, immerse myself in history, and connect with really great people.

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.

Sant'Anna provided lots of resources, the courses were interesting, and because of the 5-week semester, more fast-paced than a normal semester. On the other hand, the courses were not that challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone who works at Sant'Anna is so friendly and welcoming! I had a great experience with all of the administrators.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The accommodations were very nice, but, fair warning, the apartments do not look like the photos on the website. My room was quite a bit smaller than I expected, and there was no desk.

* Food:

I wasn't on the meal plan, but there were lots of grocery stores close to my apartment that had affordable food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Sant'Anna provides opportunities to connect with local culture, but because of the touristy nature of the city, students will need to actively seek opportunities to integrate themselves.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed to visit a doctor in the first week of my program. The information to schedule an appointment and find the office was easily accessible in the program's app. In the doctor's appointment, I was able to get what I needed, but it was a very short (less than 5 minute) meeting.

* Safety:

Sorrento is very safe.

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

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)

Because much of Sorrento is tourist-oriented, it can be expensive, but there are cheap transportation and food options (which Sant'Anna will help you find, if you sign up for their information sessions).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €150

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?
  • Location
  • Supportive
* What could be improved?
  • JU interface
  • Academic rigor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the apartment-style housing varies from location to location. It doesn't look like the photos on the website.

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.