Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Authentic Italian Experience Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a whole new group of friends across the world and got out of the "American Bubble".

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.

Classes aren't overly difficult, but professors do a good job of getting students outside of the classroom and learning about Italian culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was fantastic, knew English very well. Only issue is that I lived far from the city center

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety was great, although I knew a few people who were pickpocketed

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

Compared to other cities in Italy, Milan is more under-the-radar and doesn't receive the large influx of tourism like Rome or Florence. Because of this, it can be difficult to find English speakers and communication is a little more difficult. IES does a fantastic job of offering degree specific courses, planning trips, and organizing activities for students. All IES staff was supportive and available if any questions or concerns arose.

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)

Since I lived with a host family I was able to eat breakfast and dinner with them.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent a lot of money traveling every weekend, at least $150.

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? I had 3 years of Spanish
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? Try to study the language when traveling, as there can be a lot of downtime on flights/bus/train etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Diversity of students (all over U.S.)
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with students during IES sponsored trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have brushed up on Italian a little before I left.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.