Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CISabroad made my Experience Unforgettable! Past Review

By (University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa) - abroad from 05/25/2019 to 06/29/2019 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer on the Italian Coast, Sorrento

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much cultural insight. Living not just in Italy, but in a small coastal town I learned to value what's right in front of you. Yes, it was most definitely worthwhile

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site director for CIS was absolutely amazing, and so helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Thanks to CISabroad, I was completely immersed in the local culture! They planned a lemon garden tour, a breakfast at a local cafe, and a day trip to Napoli!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Thanks to CISabroad, I not only went to Italy, I experienced the culture! CISabroad had a staff member on-site that would lead scheduled events to teach us more about living in Sorrento, Italy. We had events such as a lemon garden tour, a coffee/pastry breakfast at a local cafe, and a day trip to Napoli! If I did not study with CIS, I would not have had the experience I did. Overall the experience was beautiful and fulfilling, enriching my life with culture.

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)

It depends on how you spend your money! I was able to go to the grocery store every week to supply and only went out on occasion!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out to eat every night, though it is compelling! Sometimes it's fun to go to the local grocery and see what you can make yourself from the host country's food!

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

  • 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?
  • Cultural Experiences
  • Food
  • The Location
* What could be improved?
  • Pick-up at the Airport
  • Drop-off at the Airport
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Expect nothing, and you will never be disappointed.

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!