Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Heart is in Milan! Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 09/02/2018 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?
From my abroad experience, I gained priceless skills in independence, open-mindedness, and acceptance. I learned about my own strengths and felt myself become the best me I can be. It was incredibly worthwhile.

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.

Our classes were sincerely worthwhile and the Italian experience in each classroom made the classes very unique!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartment was centrally located, with beautiful windows and very nice bathrooms, showers, bedrooms, etc.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt incredibly integrated into the Italian culture, especially when I dedicated myself to learning and using Italian as much as possible.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

The field trips, excursions, and experiences that IES offered- from pizza making, to seeing the hidden treasures of Tuscany, to exploring the Armani Silos fashion museum- made this program unlike any other. The staff was ALWAYS there for me and very supportive, especially when I was feeling homesick. I would do this program again in a heartbeat.

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

We were HIGHLY encouraged to use the Italian language both in and out of the classroom, which was much appreciated.

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? Beginner 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? I would advise future study abroad participants to really dedicate themselves to the language in the classroom, and to put themselves outside of their comfort zone by using the language in stores, museums, etc.

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?
  • City location
  • Friends I made
  • Unique Italian experience from IES field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how important Italian is; while a lot of people speak broken English (at least), it is so important to the culture to speak the language. ALSO, Milan is the FASHION capital of the world- jeans and a nice top (NOT leggings) are an everyday outfit in Milan!

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!