Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

THE BEST DECISION YOU WILL EVER MAKE! Past Review

By (Purdue University) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/23/2016 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about many different cultures, but I also learned a lot about myself. I learned to push myself outside my comfort zone, which always pays off in the end.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad 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.

I liked my educational experience because I was able to take classes at other universities thought IES. I think that was important because those classes challenge me as well as gave me exposure to the culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think the administration was organized and well planned. I think they did a great job.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family. I had a great family with 4 host sisters. I also had my own bedroom and bathroom. It couldn't have been a better situation

* Food:

The food in Italy is amazing. Fun fact about Milan, they also have great seafood!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated, but that is because I lived with a host family, and went to an Italian university. If I would have only stayed at IES I wouldn't have felt as integrated into the Italian culture than I did.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while I was abroad so it is hard for me to say. Some of my friends did and it was easy for them to get assistance, especially with IES abroad representatives to guide them.

* Safety:

Milan is very safe, I never felt that I was in an unsafe situation. My only advise is when you are in touristy locations my sure to watch your purse.

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

I had a great mix of Italian students and American. I could take language classes with Americans, but all my other classes with Italians. This helped me feel integrated into the culture, but also not get homesick.

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)

I at with my host family for most of the time so I had a very low food cost. My only major expense was travel. This can be as high or as low as you wish, it just depends on where and how often you want to travel.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You don't need to go out for every meal, make sure you cook at home, even if you are traveling.

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

IES was great about wanted you to speak the language. This helped me have a better connection to the country.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? I complete the 351 language class, which was the second highest.
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? Use the language as much as you can, even if you are with people who speak the language. It will help you improve and make you feel more comfortable in a foreign country.

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
  • International Students
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 city
  • The people
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Integration, if you didnt study outside of IES.
  • Student Activities
  • I was luck to have friends in an apartment, but I think the program could do a better job mixing the students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Study abroad isn't always perfect. There are ups and downs, you will get homesick and that is all normal. But it the end it will be one of the best experiences of you life.

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.