I found my voice abroad! Past Review

By (Northwestern University) - abroad from 09/02/2019 to 12/13/2019 with

IES Abroad Milan - Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Patrizia (the voice teacher) is caring and very informative in recomending rep. Truly, studying with her infinitely changed my voice-- for the better! As well, there are plenty of performance opportunities, even if you are not in an ensemble or performance class. As well, the Italian classes were informative about Milanese culture and Italian history. The upper level classes are engaging and thought provoking. Some of the classes in other disciplines are very easy and feel like introductory classes, even though they are marketed as upper level courses. The IES Abroad faculty and staff are caring and considerate towards any mental or physical health issues you may run into!

Review Photos

IES Abroad Milan - Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental Photo IES Abroad Milan - Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental Photo

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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? One Year of Italian
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Living with Italian Students
  • Improving Language Skills
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Assistance for students in the Collegio
  • Increase Rigor of Upper Level Courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The students living in the Collegio di Milano were not provided a designated community assistant, so the students struggled maneuvering the city in the beginning

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.'