The summer I found myself and grew as a person Past Review

By (Photojournalism., University of North Texas) - abroad from 05/27/2013 to 08/02/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to meet as many people as possible, because you will never know when they will be your next best friend. This whole trip was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

I have met the most incredible people in Sorrento. They will be forever friends, and I will come back in a few months. I never imagined that I would meet some of my best friends across the ocean from me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It is easy to get medicine from the farmacia

* Safety:

I always felt safe walking around Sorrento, even during late at night.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I completed a 3000 level Italian language class
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? The best tip is to find locals in Sorrento and talk to them in Italian.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved learning Italian with an actual Italian from Sorrento
* What could be improved?
  • The way the notify students about events, sometimes late notice.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew where to go to meet new people, but that is something I had to find out by myself eventually.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'