Milano, Concrete Jungle where Dreams are Made oh Past Review

By (Political Science & International Relations, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/13/2014 to 05/05/2014 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I truly matured and reached a new level of independence, living in such a beautiful and engaging city

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very nice people but there was a slight lack of communication between the IES home office and IES Milan which led to confusion

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

IES apartments are beautiful and in great locations

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I busted my knee in a bike accident and the onsite medical services at our host university helped me immediately

* 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)

Milan is expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? easily around 150 euros a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400 level
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? Find someone who speaks it and speak with them

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?
  • Constant activity
  • Milan is wonderful
  • Milan is a hub between many countries
* What could be improved?
  • IES home office communication with abroad office
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have planned more trips to outside countries

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.