Milan l'è un gran Milan! Past Review
By Sergio F (Biology, Haverford College) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 05/15/2015 with
IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I learned an immense amount about the Italian culture - cuisine, language, history, politics. It was a beautiful experience! I also learned a lot about myself - what my strongest interests and passions are, and what I am capable of.
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. |
IES Abroad Milan gives its students the opportunity to study at any of the top-rated universities in the city. I personally did not do that because my credits were not going to transfer back, but the courses at the IES center were some of the most interesting I've ever had. I took 3 courses in Italian so I was really able to learn the language well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was awesome! They helped students settle-in, organized fun trips and events, and made themselves available for absolutely any concern that students may have had. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with an Italian family and I have to say, IES did an unbelievable job matching them up in accordance to the profile they asked me to submit. I also know that the IES student apartments are extremely nice! They are all in great locations and they have ample space for students. |
| * Food: |
It's ITALY. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made strong efforts to integrate myself into the culture and to meet locals, so I was able to truly experience the Italian culture. It really is up to the student to integrate themselves because it is easy to just hang out with the other students from the US. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health necessities but I was able to learn about the Italian medical system in one of my classes and the health services are very good! |
| * Safety: |
Milan is a really safe city. Like many major European cities, you should be aware for pickpockets who may steal your phone or wallet, but you do not need to worry about any major crimes. |
| 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 as expensive as I expected it to be. I lived with a family and had food included so I am not really sure about the cost of food. The nightlife can get expensive if you go out often so be sure to not overspend on that. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent around 60 or 70 euros a week at the beginning. Later on I started going to less expensive bars and restaurants and I probably spent around 30 or 40 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Know about how much you can spend each week; that is, divide your total funds by the number of weeks you will be abroad. This way you can figure out your maximum spending/week. Even if you don't follow it you can keep track of your spending this way. |
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 |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2nd semester elementary Italian |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to everybody you can. Don't be afraid to try or you won't push yourself to really learn the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That I wish I would have studied full-time in Milan. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
