A truly unforgettable eye-opening experience July 01, 2022
By Anthony C (Business, Western New England University) - abroad from 06/11/2022 to 07/02/2022 with
Sant'Anna Institute: Sorrento - Live, Learn and Immerse in Italy
This was the greatest travel and learning experience i have ever had, and i highly recommend to anyone to partake in it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was truly eye opening to dive into a completely new culture and the site visits we had really aided and immersing ourselves in the day to day lives of the locals here in Italy. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Olga Stinga was extremely accommodating to our program, especially when she had to work around our little COVID outbreak. They constantly were checking up on us and making us always feel thought of. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I fell in love with my apartment the day i moved in. It was in a small gated complex with a park and courts to play many sports. Not to mention the beautiful terrace with breathtaking views to soak in every morning and evening. |
| * Food: |
I loved the food here so much. Just being able to have something fresh every day makes you appreciate it much more. I do need to lay off the pasta when i go home to the states though. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being able to just be thrown into a different country makes you have to adjust much quicker and it forces you to learn. This is the best way to do it because you have to learn Italian or the way things go about to really make your way around which is all apart of the experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The health care were was immensely appreciated. When we had our COVID outbreak we were able to find some medication with ease to help us ease through the rough patches. |
| * Safety: |
The cities here were very safe, obviously you have to be aware and attentive as if you were anywhere. We had no experience were we felt in danger or worried. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It was a bit tough with the budgeting but money is temporary and memories are forever was the thought process to justify some of the spending during the trip. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 300€ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Some tips i would say is most of the things you see in the more luxury cities and towns can be found in smaller markets for much cheaper prices. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We tried our best to use the language at every moment we could get. I found i was using it many times in shops and restaurants. |
| 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 5 |
| 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 online language classes helped a lot but just walking around and forcing yourself to learn was the best way for me personally. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | a bit more Italian haha |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
