Adopting a new home Past Review

By (Music, Brandeis University) - 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 learned what kind of life I would like after college, as well as practical skills regarding my pursuit of music. Definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed living in the Collegio of Milano with Italian students. I met some wonderful friends by living there and got to practice my Italian language skills.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Perhaps could be more facilitated exposure, especially at the beginning of the program (my housing situation not included)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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

I felt so at home in Italy and Milan, loved my teachers, learned so much about the culture, and made many new friends!

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? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to plan and budget for extra groceries/extra trips, etc before!

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 learned so much from my Italian language course.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had taken 5 semesters of university-level Italian courses.
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? Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Stutter through it!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Teachers
  • Location
  • Housing
* What could be improved?
  • Social support
  • More direction in terms of places to visit, etc
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, I felt prepared.

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!