Milan was an amazing, eye opening and life changing experience! Past Review
By Samantha D (International & Global Studies + Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/16/2014 with
IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I learned a lot academically, socially, but mostly about myself. I learned a lot from the different professors I interacted with, and I learned the most from my boss (internship boss). More than anything else, I learned not to sweat the small stuff, to be adventurous and open to new ideas especially if I had never considered them before. I learned that I could truly achieve anything I set my mind to it. What I learned most from my friends from Milan was that I could truly achieve happiness always - it doesn't just happen, it's a frame of mind and an attitude towards life that makes a difference.
Personal Information
| 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. |
The courses at IES Milan were very interesting and the professors were always attentive to student's needs and interests allowing them to gear the syllabus towards our field of interest. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES Milan was EXTREMELY well organized. They already had the answer to every problem and question you could come up with. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment in the East side of the city was supremely well located, right above two metro lines, in a safe, modern neighborhood. Near the main sboppongn attractions, main restaurants, and great parts of town. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy, need I say more ? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We lived with an Italian roommate who was fantastic ! She introduced us to all of her friends and brought us along for the ride. This allowed us to integrate ourselves with local Italians. I also took courses in Italian which greatly improved my language skills |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had one health concern but I was in Sicily at the time so I never had to utilize IES Milan's resources. But friends of mine who did thought they were very helpful |
| * Safety: |
Milan is a safe city, just don't be stupid. Like every major city there are safer and less safe parts of town and these vary at night, don't walk alone, always have a phone, and just be street smart. If you do that you will do very well in Milan and other major cities. |
| 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) |
Milan is not the cheapest European city but it all depends on how you choose to live. If you want to go to the fancy restaurants every night, you will go way over budget. If you mix between cooking and eating out at 'normal people places' you will do fine !! I recommend going to aperitivos, the Milan way to do happy hour and dinner , it's an absolute must for little money and a lot of fun |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | €100-€200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook at home! Go to farmers markets or local food places. No need to spend on extravagant restaurants every night but don't be afraid to go out. More than anything stay healthy so either buy good quality food at the supermarket and spend a tad more or go out and eat well. Don't be too stingy because part of the experience and cultural integration cones through food . |
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 |
The program can encourage you all they want through courses, it's entirely up to you to speak only in English or just the host country's language too. |
| 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? | Italian 30 |
| 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? | JUST USE IT! Don't be afraid to use the language, even if you are nervous or have limited vocabulary. The only way to learn is to practice. Locals will understand that you are making an effort and they will like you more for it |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | Always go with the flow! Never say no, within reason but don't forget to take time for yourself. |
