Graceful trip to Italy Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 07/02/2018 to 07/20/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned about Olive oil, wine, tourism, Italian culture. It was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was an amazing trip. I got the opportunity to learn Italian culture and some products made in the country. Sorrento to be more specific.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied!

* Food:

Food was good. I think it should be included in the trip next time. It was not clear that we would not have it included.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local culture was great. The people were very welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe. People were everywhere out in the streets at any time.

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

Everything was great!

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 was not bad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? over $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food and cook at home and not eat out every single meal.

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

We did not have to speak but the Italian speaking people greeted us in Italian language and used some words that we learned. Gelato instead of ice cream for example.

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? n/a
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? speak with Italian speaking people and listen to Italian music and look up what the words mean.

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?
  • Visit to Pompeii
  • Visit to Capri
  • Visit to The wineries
* What could be improved?
  • Mozzarella factory
  • Il Bucco Restaurant (Tasting)
  • Food to be Included in trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Italian people are nicer than what people think.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.