Life in Milan Past Review
By Charlotte Seay (Hofstra University) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/15/2018 with
IES Abroad Milan - Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental
Being more independent and learning how much weight choices have in the end.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was at a home-stay, so there were some personal issues that arouse. It can be stressful and challenging living in someone elses home. |
| * Food: |
Amazing! The pizza, fish, gelato, and pasta! Everything is so fresh. Even foods that I don't necessarily eat, I enjoyed because it tasted so fresh. I miss the cuisine everyday. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I feel like just as I got the hang of things, I had to start packing my bags and leave. I slowly but surely became accustom to things and places at the last minute. You really have to explore the area a lot on your own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not need get too sick or injured abroad, but when I thought that i was in need of medical attention, The IES staff was very concern and very helpful giving me the resources that I need. |
| * Safety: |
Always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when going out. That is always a must when traveling. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
i would do something different. The music program is same and very selective with the courses they provide, so if i were to study abroad again, I would choose a different program. |
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 is easy to loose track on how much money you spend abroad. I tired not to spend more than $300 a month. I did not eat out a lot and when i went shopping i would definitely look for bargains. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | no more than $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to save as much as you can before traveling. Try and book your traveling in advance, and don't always go out to eat. Have a balance of going out and staying in to cook. |
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 |
My Italian professor definitely encourage us to use what we learned in each lesson, and as time went on, the little Italian that I did pick up on did help me understand locals and navigate with a more ease. |
| 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? | Spainsh 4 (high school) |
| 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? | Try and talk to locals, most of them will humor your efforts. If you are in a home-stay, do not be embarrassed to try and speak with the family in Italian |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That you have to pay for water! |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
