Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Awesome and Rewarding Past Review

By (Architectural Engineering., SUNY - College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State University)) - abroad from 01/11/2013 to 05/13/2013 with

Sant'Anna Institute: Sorrento - Live, Learn and Immerse in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learn not to rely on the school for anything, and do research well ahead of time. With the group of students who came, i would say it was defiantly worthwhile.

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.

The school refuses to provide us with a spread sheet of where our money is actually going. The living conditions were ridiculous. they put 10 students on a large 4 bed room apartment, too small for 10 adults. Other than that the experience was swell and enriching, thanks to a welcoming staff.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

produce was fresh and restaurants were delicious.

* 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

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? approximately $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? learn how to cook, food shopping will save you a lot, and buying in bulk will as well

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? Beginner
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? spanish background
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? stay away from large american groups and submerge yourself into the the culture.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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 culture
  • The traveling
  • Enriching experience
* What could be improved?
  • information response from sorrento lingue
  • housing
  • departure.. they were able to pick us up but not able to drop us off!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? i should of paid for the extra luggage ahead of time.

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 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.