The Rediscovery of Myself Past Review
By A student (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/11/2012 with
IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I learned the language very well and a lot about myself and my future. It was very worthwhile.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
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 |
Everyone at the IES Milan Program is really friendly and really helpful. If you have a problem, it will be taken care of swiftly and with ease. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with one Italian student who works for IES Milan and other American students. The apartment was one of the most beautiful apartments in Milan. |
| * Food: |
The food was very good (the food in Italy in general is very good), but almost nothing was provided by the program in that respect. Food was not very costly, but it proved to be another expense. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had the opportunity to meet with local university students everyday at the university right across the street from the program headquarters. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any serious medical issues in Italy, but any problems I had were resolved. |
| * Safety: |
There is always the fear of being robbed or pickpocketed wherever you go in Italy, but it is simply a matter of staying aware of your surroundings and being aware of where your belongings are. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100Euros/week = $130/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's easy to save money if you don't drink very often. |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | ITAL 3000 (Literature Course) |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | It's easy to use the language if you already have a background in the language. Also, it's about not being nervous about making mistakes, and finding every opportunity to speak with native speakers. |
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?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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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? | N/A |
