Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Interesting Past Review

By (Marketing., Bentley University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live and work in another culture.

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.

Classes were not stimulating at all because they were basic and elementary. Coursework was minimal, teaching methods were not prime and final only had about 4 weeks of material incorporated.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The community assists (the Italian RA's) were much more helpful that the administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was beautiful but below us was an older man who banged on the ceiling, harassed in the halls and would pound on our door when he deemed necessary. We had to wear slippers at all times because "our feet were too loud." Unfortunately, it made me feel very unsafe and uncomfortable in my apartment.

* 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? No

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)

Milan is a very expensive city to live in.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50Euros

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? N/A

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Community Assistants
* What could be improved?
  • The classes
  • The instructors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Milan is very expensive and the program was rather lackluster.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.