Best semester of my life! Past Review

By Lindsay F (Accounting and Related Services., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

Bocconi University: Milan - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so much about different cultures that changed my perception of the world. Studying abroad makes you realize just how small America is in the grand scheme of things. I will never forget all I have learned from living in a completely different country for 4 months.

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.	The courses are very easy to pass. Most are structured where 100% of your grade consists of one final exam which is stressful at the end but allows you to travel throughout the semester without worrying about missing exams or homework
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I chose to live in an apartment off campus instead of the dorms provided. The dorms are located 30 minutes away from campus via public transportation which can be very tedious every day, however the benefit is that you are surrounded by people so it is easy to make friends. Living in an apartment is much cheaper and is more convenient to go places, especially to campus. The only downside is that it is harder to meet people at first but that problem is solved once classes and exchange events begin.
* Food:	Italy has great food! Unfortunately Milan doesn't have as much good food as other places in Italy but if you actively search by reading reviews and asking the locals there are some amazing finds! I recommend Pizzeria napoletana La taverna, very good pizza!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I felt more integrated into the culture since I lived in an apartment and had to open a local bank account, shop with locals and live in close proximity with them. However the main thing preventing me from becoming assimilated into the culture was failure to speak the language. Milan is not very english friendly, don't get me wrong you can get by just fine but it is hard to fully integrate into the culture without speaking the local language. If I spoke the language it would have been much easier to make local friends and integrate more fully.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	not applicable to myself but others found health issues an easily solved problem.
* Safety:	I felt very safe in Milan even though it is a huge industrial city. As long as you are aware of your surroundings and are cautious you will be just fine. There are definitely areas as in all cities to avoid dark alleys at night but for the most part Milan seems to be very safe.
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)	Milan is a very expensive city. Eating out it is difficult to find a meal for below 10 euros but by grocery shopping and cooking I saved a lot of money. If you are careful with your expenses you can almost get by on a student budget but it might be a struggle at times.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	20 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Grocery shop and cook at home! Eating out is a huge expense that can easily be prevented. Grocery stores are still expensive but much more economical than eating out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

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	Local Students Americans International Students
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?	central location for travel great people Italy
* What could be improved?	class schedules were very confusing better assimilation with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had known not to pack so much! You will definitely be buying things (a lot!) so come with a half empty suitcase so you don't end up having to leave things behind like I did. I also wish I realized just how much fun I would have, going home is harder than leaving to come in the first place!

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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Visual Cultures and Media
Course Department:
Instructor:	Andrea Quartarone
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was an interesting course covering media especially the television and how it relates to politics. The professor was very interested in the progress of students and loved American Politics. We focused on Kennedy and Nixon which was an interesting Italian perspective. The final consisted of a 2 page paper and an oral exam, neither which were very strenuous or stressful
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Marketing Communication
Course Department:	Marketing
Instructor:	Arianna Brioschi
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	AWESOME COURSE! She is a great professor and the content is very interesting as well. The exam at the end is simple if you have paid attention throughout the semester.
Credit Transfer Issues: