Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Unexpected Yet Splendid Milanese Adventure Past Review

By (Supply Chain Management, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/06/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

Bocconi University: Milan - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Although certain aspects of your study abroad may not be exactly what you expect or want, those things teach you important lessons that can develop skills which are applicable throughout life. I learned to embrace and savor the positive times and phenomenal happenings. More importantly, I learned how to examine negative experiences, realizing the amazing things that otherwise would not have happened in the wake of the event and evaluating what personal discoveries I made in light of the situation.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The rigor at Bocconi was certainly less than that of courses I have previously taken at UT Austin. Despite receiving good instruction in certain classes, I did not feel as challenged as I do at my home university. Although I had to adapt to the different learning styles and understand the underlying cultural differences, I found the teaching methods quite archaic. There was almost zero initiative to involve students in the courses through projects, homework assignments, case studies, etc. Besides going to lecture, I read the book and did exercises independently to prepare for the tests. In addition, only one of my classes had a teaching assistant, constituting another resource that was lacking.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I have very mixed reviews to give about my professors. Some I found unorganized, incompetent, and unwilling to help, while others were enthusiastic, accessible, and had an ample knowledge of the material. However, one professor boosts the overall rating to 4 stars: Armando Cirrincione, my marketing professor. His ability to explain and clarify concepts during lecture greatly aided my comprehension of the material. However, it was his enthusiasm for the subject material that sparked my interest in the course and his kindness and accessibility that made me want to succeed in the class. Professor Cirrincione did a marvelous job of involving students during lectures by creating dialogue and presenting us with mini cases. He made every student feel comfortable asking questions and asserting opinions. He was by far my best and favorite professor in Italy, if not of my college career thus far.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I independently found an apartment in which I lived alone. The rent was very reasonable and the living conditions were comfortable.

* Food:

You can't go wrong with Italy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I am fluent in Italian and took my courses in Italian, so adapting to the local culture in Milan was relatively easy. However, I felt very excluded by the Bocconi students as many of them have extremely narcissistic attitudes about the university and themselves.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Milan. However, one should take great care when dealing with traffic; crossing the street can be a bit scary at times.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

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

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Host Country Language
  • Friends (mostly other international students)
* What could be improved?
  • Student involvement
  • Professor accessibility
  • Welcomeness of local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have been more informed of the teaching and grading procedures at Bocconi.

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!