Pasta la vista Past Review

By Kayla Kroczynski (Indiana University of Pennsylvania / IUP) - abroad from 05/28/2017 to 07/01/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot about taking care of myself and being 'on my own' (without family + old friends). It was definitely worthwhile. Homesickness sucks but it teaches you how to deal with it since you don't have a choice. I loved experiencing the culture first hand, and living in a place so different from my area at home.

Review Photos

SAI Programs: Sorrento - Sant'Anna Institute Photo

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
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Little bit of a walk to the school (~20 mins), but pretty views and nice apartment.
* Food:	So so good. Awesome variety and I loved being able to try new things.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I don't speak Italian but most people at restaurants and such spoke some English which was helpful. Otherwise, it was pretty easy to figure out some of the 'societal norms' and I feel pretty well adjusted now.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I personally had no issues, but my roommate stepped on a sea urchin and waited hours in the hospital before a doctor sent her home to soak her foot in warm water without even looking at her foot.
* Safety:	I felt very safe the whole time I was here. I was able to walk at night if I was put in that position, and I never felt threatened.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Overall I loved this program and every part of it was awesome.

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 definitely spent money during the week on food and personal expenses that I would not be able to spend if I didn't have a job while living here. I went to restaurants very often, and though they were usually very reasonable, they still add up. Nothing was super expensive unless I chose fancy places or clothes, but I definitely would have needed a job to live as comfortably as I did.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Probably about $150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Don't spend a huge amount when you first arrive. It's tempting to buy everything at the beginning because it's all new and exciting, but you have time. Space out your big purchases- like buying gifts. When you get out cash, take the same amount every time to keep yourself regulated, and try to make that amount last a couple of days.

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	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?	Location/proximity to the ocean Field trips/Hands-on learning professors
* What could be improved?	Health care maybe some tips about where to go locally
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	The buses make a lot of sharp turns and you should take anti-motion sickness drug beforehand. They can also be overcrowded sometimes. It's okay to feel scared and lonely sometimes, just know that it will pass and it makes you a stronger person.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Archaeology: Cities of Fire
Course Department:	Arts and Humanities
Instructor:	Ilaria Tartaglia
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class also had multiple field trips to places we discussed in class. My professor was great at teaching and also fun to be around. You can tell she loves what she teaches, and she's very knowledgeable on the subjects.
Credit Transfer Issues:	This class directly transferred to my minor in Anthropology and I had no issues with this class.

Course Name/Rating:	Marine Biology
Course Department:	Sciences
Instructor:	Domenico Sgambati
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course offered some amazing field trips that included sea kayaking and snorkeling, both of which were new experiences for me. We collected and analyzed samples of marine organisms using microscopes, scientific books, and pH/salinity analyses. We had powerpoint lectures, but as stated above, also many hands-on experiences. The professor was very knowledgeable on the subjects, and enjoyed teaching. We had homework assignments that consisted of gathering and comparing information related to climate, organisms, environments, and ecology. We had 2 exams, multiple presentations, and 1 final report.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I was not originally supposed to be in this class, it was a backup choice but my first choice class was cancelled. I'm not positive this class will count directly towards my major, but I believe my department at home is working on getting it to transfer as such. If not, it will count as a free science elective. It was disappointing that my first choice class was cancelled, especially because it had already been confirmed to transfer, but I really enjoyed this class and the experiences will be worth it whether it directly transfers or not.