A semester in Milan Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/08/2016 to 05/31/2016 with

Bocconi University: Milan - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worth it! I learned so much about traveling, local cultures, myself, etc.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very connected to other international students but not as much to locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Just be smart and you won't have any issues. A money belt is very helpful while you travel.

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

It was perfect! I wouldn't change a thing!

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? 50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? when traveling, stay with friends. Go to the open outdoor markets for food, it's cheaper and fresher

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? None
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? no italian prior
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? buddy programs

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
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Traveling
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • communication with home university
  • interaction with locals
  • language help
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? bring copies of everything you needed for your visa- like 5 of them.

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.'