Amazing Past Review

By (Delaware Technical Community College) - abroad from 05/23/2016 to 06/02/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better sense of how that particular culture worked. The cooking experience and realizing that there diet is more vegetable based, rather than meat based like America. I definitely believe this experience was 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were some bumps in the road with our roommates. Also, the stairs were definitely difficult at first, but good exercise.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did have a certain health problem. However, I went to the pharmacy in order to take care of it and what they gave me there worked wonders. However, it was a little difficult trying to explain what I needed since I do mot speak Italian and the pharmacist did not speak very good English. But this was to be expected and overall I got what I needed in the end.

* Safety:

I definitely felt pretty comfortable and safe while in Sorrento.

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)

I feel as though I spent less than I had originally expected to spend.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I took out 320 euros that mostly lasted the 10 days i was in italy.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy only what you need.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4 spanish classes in high school.
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The language classes
  • The cooking classes
  • Being able to adventure around the city with my classmates
* What could be improved?
  • There were some communication issues
  • Some transportation issues. 15 people plus luggage do not fit in a small bus.
  • The layout of the activities, things often seemed rushed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I definitely learned about the way Italians drive and that pedestrians do not have the right away. There is such a thing as called, or as I called it, "Italian time". People take their time getting to and from places where Americans always seem to rush.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.