LA BELLA VITA! Past Review
By Julia C (Gerontology, Miami University) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/19/2013 with
IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
Studying in Milan through IES was the greatest experience of my life. I learned so much about myself and about a new culture, tried so many new things, made so many memories and gained lifelong friends. It was definitely worthwhile!!!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors know what they are talking about, and the field trips help students gain a better understanding of the material and the local culture. The work load is not rigorous, which is great for study abroad, but I felt like I still learned a lot. I especially enjoyed the Italian and psychology classes, and learned a lot through my internship. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
IES Milan lets you choose the type of housing you want. I lived in an apartment with a Community Assistant and 5 American girls from the program. I absolutely loved the whole experience. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy...the food is great. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being friends with Community Assistants definitely helped with getting involved in local culture and getting to become friends with their Italian friends. I found people in Milan to be very friendly, and took every opportunity to get immersed and speak the language (though I was only in Italian 101). I'm homesick for Milan! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The Italian health care system is ranked #2 in the world by the World Health Association...you're covered ;) |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Milan. I know several people who had their iPhones stolen, but they were drunk at the time, so just be smart and you'll have nothing to worry about. |
| 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) |
You can live on a student's budget, but the way I see it, study abroad is a time for sparing no expense. A friend told me to pick two things to focus your time & money on - I splurged on food/wine and traveling, and never regretted it. |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 5 years of Spanish, a couple weeks of Italian Duolingo |
| 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? | Duolingo, talk to locals in Italian (if they reply in English, say that you're trying to practice), talk to IES staff in Italian, etc. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I would've wanted to stay for a full year... |
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.' |
