Summer Session in Southern Italian Coastal Paradise Past Review

By (Art History, Written Arts, Italian Studies, Bard College) - abroad from 06/29/2014 to 08/02/2014 with

SAI Study Abroad: Sorrento - Sant'Anna Institute (SA)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can live and lead a productive life in a foreign country on my own!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family. A lovely mother and daughter who made me feel so comfortable and welcome.

* Food:

You're in Italy...of course the food deserves 5 stars!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In the summer, the tourists overwhelmed the city, however, I did become friendly with locals. I frequented gelaterias, markets, and restaurants, and the staff recognized me and engaged in conversation!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not have to deal with anything health related but there is hospital in town and resources from the school.

* Safety:

I received so many warnings from friends and family of pick-pocketers and gypsies, but really Sorrento had little to no safety issues. I felt safe at every hour of the day. Perhaps in the bigger Italian cities like Rome have bigger problems. I felt like a local and was never scared.

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)

The dollar to euro conversion is a bit rough. Its 69 euro for every 100 dollars. Budget your money!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 kindness of the faculty
  • The location
  • The structure of the school day
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'