Best. Summer. Ever. August 24, 2023
By Berta M (Italian Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/29/2023 to 08/04/2023 with
Sant'Anna Institute: Sorrento - Faculty-Led Programs (FLP)
I got to experience life in Italy which was amazing
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved every moment of it! The classes were fun, the professors accessible and kind, and the topics really interesting |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was extremely helpful and easily reached. They all had an amazing sense of humor and curated activities that were culturally immersive and fun. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing was great, there were other apartments that weren't as good as mine, but I cant really complain. |
| * Food: |
food wasn't provided, but the restaurants in Sorrento are great and there were grocery stores to buy food |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Sorrento is a touristy town so speaking Italian wasn't really necessary, however, I sought out culturally immersive activities so I felt integrated with the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Sorrento is incredibly safe and I felt safe walking around alone even at night |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved the program. I felt like it was a good amount of class and work outside of class where I was able to experience sorrento and other places while still learning. Sorrento is beautiful and I couldn't wish for a better place. Naples is an hour and a half away and it's an amazing city. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Sorrento isn't crazy expensive and neither are the restaurants, however there are things you will miss out on if you don't spend some money. However, I never went over 15 euros for groceries and I bought enough food to last me 4 or 5 meals at a time |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself rather than go to restaurants |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
i took an Italian class so they encouraged me a lot, however i was never asked to speak Italian outside the class |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Italian contemporary lit and film |
| 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? | meet locals and try to speak to them |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Italians don't respond to emails. |
