Sant'Anna is a perfect place for study abroad first-timers! Past Review

By (Jacksonville University) - abroad from 05/26/2019 to 08/03/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Confidence, independence, learned a new culture, some Italian language, how to be my best self, and experienced a deep love of travel.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Wasn't very intense. Perfect amount to learn some new things, but also not too stressful. The most learning comes not from class time, but time immersing yourself in a new culture. The classes aren't as hard to ensure you have time to travel and experience all there is to experience in Italy!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always very helpful at Sant'Anna, but sometimes a bit disorganized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dorms were great; clean, new, and cozy! I stayed in a dorm room for two months with different roommates and had little to no complaints!

* Food:

No dining plan or anything like that, but Italian food is amazing in Sorrento!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I integrated very well with the local culture! The locals embrace Sant'Anna students and generally take care of us.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had no health issues so no complaints!

* Safety:

I always felt very safe at Sant'Anna, no matter the time of day.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

there's no place I'd rather have spent two months!

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)

If you want to travel and stay busy in Sorrento, plan on saving up! It is expensive to be in the area if you have a lot you want to do. However, I will say, if you plan to spend time in class and the beach and eat cheaply, you could do it! Because I had so much time in Italy, it was essential for me to travel around, which of course adds to the cost.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On average, probably $350/week including travel expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat light, grocery shop, and plan trips in advanced. The sooner you book flights and accommodations in different countries, the better the deal.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Location
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • More staff
  • Class schedules
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I'd miss home! Very grateful to be going back to America, but I still enjoyed my time so much!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.