Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Illinois Wesleyan University) - abroad from 01/12/2016 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 worked with some very talented instructors. Some of them have had books published in several languages. Others taught at the conservatory in Milan such as the music theory instructor and our vocal instruction. The acting coach had a residency at the Piccolo Theatre in Milan. In addition, La Scala was only a 15 minute walk from my apartment so we had access to performances of some of the best performers in the world. Also, IES provided several occasions to attend performances of ballets, operas and recitals at La Scala.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was super friendly, and ready to help in any way they could.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

You are in Italy, so the food is going to be phenomenal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you take the time on the weekend to explore the city of Milan and the country of Italy you will have a stronger sense of integration. By going to see movies at local cinemas and interacting with locals in their native tong, you will have a fuller experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking around by myself in areas that I was familiar with, even at night.

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

The staff that I studied with was incredible. Also, the city was the perfect place for vocalist to study music.

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)

If you don't eat frequently while in the city and you cook most of your own food, you will save lots of money that can be used towards your experiences abroad. Such as live performances, authentic gelato, and souvenirs.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to use cash where you can, it is easier to keep track of when you know how much you have taken from the Bancomat (ATM). Be careful how many accounts have your payment info on such as iTunes, those small expenses add up quickly. While the foreign transaction fees do add up, carrying cash helps to manage your money.

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

I used the language whenever I could, in addition my language professor encouraged us to use the language through various field studies while in class.

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? I had completed two semesters of German language.
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? If you go out to eat or interact with the locals try to use the language when possible. Also listen to the people speaking around you and signs on the streets. You may find some interesting events are taking place around the city.

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?
  • Instruction
  • Opportunities to travel and perform
  • Support of the staff
* What could be improved?
  • I wish that the language course had not been required.
  • The language course is very helpful, especially when you're surrounded by the language. However, there needs to be more of a balance of vocabulary and grammar.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The only thing that I wish I knew before going was more Italian. Prior to studying in Italy, the only language course that I had ever taken was German. So, that was a bit of a change and very different from the language that I was used to.

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!