Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The sun, the beach, and trains August 08, 2023

By (Italian Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/28/2023 to 08/04/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a multifaceted appreciation of southern Italian culture as well as honed my language skills. It was absolutely worthwhile due to my interest/minor in Italian studies.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

The professors at Sant'Anna were all lovely and very obviously excited to be there and to work with the study abroad students.

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? ~100 Euros per week with additional expenses occurring whenever I traveled.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking for yourself is always the cheapest way to save money on food but if that's not an option then try walking outside of the touristy downtown and prices at restaurants drop considerably.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? An advanced, fourth semester language course.,
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? Stay with a host family and if possible become friends with locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Professors
  • Physical/emotional support
* What could be improved?
  • Apartments
  • Dorm kitchen cleanliness
  • Knowledge of class times before signing up
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To always expect delays when working with public transportation.

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!