Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Semester of My Life Past Review

By (University of Puget Sound) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/13/2016 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much confidence. I now have no fear about traveling by myself, and I learned so much about how other cultures live and about others' perspectives. It was definitely worthwhile. I learned lessons that will help me throughout the rest of my life.

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.

I loved the variety of classes that IES offered, and the academic rigor wasn't too high. There was time to explore new places outside of class because the homework load was really light. The professors were local Italian professors, all very qualified and wonderful resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administrators were all fantastic. They were all so open to helping and were so friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a wonderful part of Milan, just a 10 minute walk from the Duomo and even closer to the main fashion streets of Milan. My apartment was very safe and large, too!

* Food:

The food in Milan can't be beat. I lived within walking distance of several grocery stores so that I could cook for myself on the nights that I wasn't eating out at a nearby pizza restaurant or going out for aperitivo!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of my classes were with other students from America, so it was a bit difficult to get to know other Italian students. However, living with an Italian Community Assistant helped me meet more locals!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick a few times during my time in Milan and every time it was so easy to see a doctor - and it was free if I went to the health clinic at the partner university just across from the IES building. The program made it easy to access cheap health care abroad.

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking around by myself during the day and in most places at night. I recommend people stick in groups at night just for general safety, but I didn't ever feel like I was in a dangerous situation in Milan. The overall crime rate is pretty low, but pick-pocketing is VERY common! Be very very careful and make sure no valuables are in easy to access locations.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Milan is a wonderful city with so much to do. It's also incredibly easy to travel to other locations from Milan for fairly low prices. IES itself provided me with a lot of support and helped me feel comfortable.

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)

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None in 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? Practice it with your community assistant and when you go out to restaurants! No one will judge you for trying to speak Italian to them.

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 culture of Milan
  • The variety of classes
  • The people: my roommates, professors, and the Milanese
* What could be improved?
  • Classes are too easy
  • Class registration process
  • Communication about what will be included at the living situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? No one is immune to pick pocketing!! Be very very careful about where you store your valuables. However, even when obstacles come up, each road block is a learning experience and it all works out.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.