The best experience of my life. Past Review

By (Business Administration, Ithaca 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 gained a lot of self-confidence, cultural sensitivity, the ability to be patient, knowledge and maturity. It was 100% worthwhile.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Milan - IES Abroad in Milan Photo IES Abroad: Milan - IES Abroad in Milan Photo IES Abroad: Milan - IES Abroad in Milan Photo IES Abroad: Milan - IES Abroad in Milan Photo IES Abroad: Milan - IES Abroad in Milan Photo

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stop going to bars and buy a bottle of wine.

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? Beginner
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? A 200 level Italian course
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? Watch italian movies! Really..it helps. Also, when you can read the local newspaper. It get you familiar with the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the staff
  • learning italian
  • the field trips
* What could be improved?
  • organization of the program
  • internship coordination
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Planning ahead. There were many places that I wanted to go that I didn't get to because I didn't give myself enough time to plan it out. So do your research before you leave! Get a scene for where you want to go and make sure you save up enough money before you leave. It's crazy how fast your money goes when abroad. Also, there's no tipping in Italy, gratitude is included in the price, so don't let a server or taxi driver fool you!

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 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.