Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing semester in Milan! Past Review

By (Math/Music, Williams College) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/18/2014 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I felt I grew more as an individual, developed my Italian skills, and got better as a singer (I was doing the music program, and I had a really great voice teacher).

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Milan - IES Abroad in Milan Photo

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.

Great program with great staff, professors, and resources, and the city has everything you need.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I found the staff very helpful in trying to create a curriculum that I wanted to follow. They are also very outgoing in helping you out with every part of your life if you need it, while also staying behind the scenes if you don't.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family, though I could've lived in an apartment with other American students. My host family was very welcoming and helpful, and I learned a lot by talking to them in Italian and learning about the differences between American and Italian culture.

* Food:

The food in Italy is great, I don't think anyone can disagree. The program itself doesn't provide food, though there are a couple bakeries nearby the program center as well as a grocery store. Additionally, because I lived in a host family, they provided breakfast and dinner for me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After three months, I could speak relatively fluently and could definitely understand and participate in most of the parts of the culture, which included going to the various fairs and visiting other parts of northern Italy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

IES Milan has an arrangement with the Univesità Cattolica that's right across the street whereby IES students can go to their health center. Sometimes there are doctors who speak English, but if you don't feel comfortable, IES will send one of their Community Assistants (Italian students who also act as RAs for the program) with you. I went a lot to the health center, as I had this really weird cold that we figured out by the end was probably allergies. The health center was very helpful, and I was able to pick up the inexpensive medication from any of the hundreds of pharmacies in the city.

* Safety:

I felt that Milan was very safe.

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)

Because I was staying with a host family and only paying for lunches, I was able to live pretty easily on a small budget. I imagine those who lived in apartments had more expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy in bulk and pack your own lunches as opposed to going out to a bakery or sandwich shop every day.

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

We had an intensive Italian course for the first month which met everyday, and people were encouraged to speak Italian out in the world.

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? I had completed three semesters before going abroad.
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? I find Duolingo to be very helpful.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • My voice teacher
  • My host family
  • The community assistants
* What could be improved?
  • Course specific communication before the program began
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I understood better what courses were available at outside institutions in Milan before going to there.

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!