Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Torna a Surriento! Past Review

By (University of Notre Dame) - abroad from 05/25/2014 to 06/28/2014 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 how to live on my own, to make friends with whomever I can, and to take a new or longer way home whenever possible because it means stumbling across another beautiful sight or meeting new people!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great teachers and interesting classes that do a great job of introducing you to the local culture and history.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always friendly and willing to help with anything!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A little bit removed from the city center and the school, but a very helpful and caring host family.

* Food:

Not a lot of variety, but still delicious and usually fresh. I do wish I had chosen the dinner option with the host family, but at least I have gotten to know a lot of good restaurants in the area!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people here are almost always extremely kind and welcoming, but sometimes it is hard to feel close to the local culture when everyone is so used to having so many tourists.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health issues experienced.

* Safety:

Sorrento is a very safe place, even from the pick-pocketing that is so common in bigger cities. Even walking home at night I never felt in any danger.

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)

With only breakfast provided by the host family, I spent an average of 25 euro per day, not including the many excursions and tours available.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Either pay for dinner with the host family or be prepared to cook a lot in your apartment! But don't miss out on excursions, they are worth the money.

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

One class was entirely in Italian, the other class was in English. The city is so used to tourists that nearly everyone will speak to you in English, but if you try to use Italian they usually really appreciate it!

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Textual analysis
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? Don't spend all your time with your friends speaking English, even though it is tempting and easy. Go out of your way to use Italian with native speakers, even if they talk back in English!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friendly city
  • Beautiful location with lots to do
  • Great classes
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with locals/natives
  • Encourage us to use more Italian
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive everything is.

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!