Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Primavera a Milano Past Review

By (Music History, Literature, and Theory., Fordham University) - abroad from 01/18/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My language skills improved, as well as my self-reliance. I grew less scared of speaking and conversing in Italian. I also really appreciated the opportunity to fully pursue music studies for an entire semester, even though as a non-performance major I felt a real gap between the other music students and myself.

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 are challenging but worth it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I cannot stress how great living accommodations are in this program.

* Food:

It's Italy. No food provided by the program (unless you're on a weekend trip), but you would be hard-pressed to find bad food anywhere near your apartment, the center, or really anywhere in Milan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

IES has an agreement with Universita Cattolica in which we can use their health center/student clinic. I went twice by myself to get treated for bronchitis and a throat inflammation. The doctors were able to see me with no more than a five minute wait, and gave me a prescription which I was able to fill at the farmacia down the street. I paid for all medication that was prescribed to me. If you do not know Italian a CA (community assistant) will accompany you to the clinic and translate for you. I went by myself as I do speak Italian.

* Safety:

I live in the Bronx and never once felt unsafe in Milan, not even at night. Pickpocketing is obviously a major problem, as in any major European city, so watch yourself. Also, girls: some Italian men will make unwanted and blatant sexual advances towards you on the subway. It is awful. Unfortunately, there is really nothing you can do but remove yourself from the situation.

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)

I spent a lot of money, but really it was my fault. Most of my money was spent on weekend trips; Milan itself is pretty affordable.

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

Italian is not required to apply for the IES Milan program, but once you are there it is a compulsory class for all students. I was in the second highest language class as well as a literature class taught in Italian.

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 2001 (Language and Literature); exit level Italian
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 practice, it's as simple as that. Also, consider living in a homestay.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Music Program
  • Housing
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Center amenities - printing, wifi, etc.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The whole "growing as a person" thing is really self-motivated. If you want something, you have to ask for it and actively pursue it. It's easy to sit around and waste your time, but why would you do that if you're in Italy for a semester?

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!