Sorrento was cool Past Review

By (Plymouth State University) - abroad from 01/23/2016 to 05/14/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Leanred to be independent and communite more frequently. was worth it and would do it again

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.

Had some issues with a teacher at first. but they fixed it and got a new teacher but then we had to learn a semester of material in 4 weeks

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DId not do well with fixing apartments and discussing problems with students

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

took a long time to get things fixed in apartment or it never happened. Commented on black mold the first week and it never got fixed. ALso did not have an oven and had to rely on neighbors to have apartment unlocked. Had to do the same with washer. If their apartment was locked we could not do laundry.

* Food:

Italian food was great

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Sorrento is a great town and a great place to live. Living situations can be moderate at time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Sorrento is a very safe town

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would go to a bigger school. Sorrento was a great location. They were growing too fast for their staffing and it made it difficult at times to meet with faculty

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget it from the beginning. Keep track of expenses week by week and create a budget month by month

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? high school
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? practice before you come

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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 town
  • food
  • country
* What could be improved?
  • better apartments
  • better understanding of american college
  • jurisdiction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to live alone and be an independent person and work with people from a different country

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.