Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Most Exhilarating 3 Months of My Life! Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - 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 developed a newfound sense of individuality, and a new outlook on life. The experience went far beyond what I could have ever imagined in terms of fulfillment and enjoyment.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were intellectually stimulating and engaging, without being overly intense.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES staff was highly accommodating, always willing to lend a helping hand.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was clean and cozy, with great proximity to the IES center and the city center.

* Food:

The food was the best food I've ever eaten. It felt as though each new dish I'd try got better and better.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local Milanese people were so genuine and warm, and they made me feel right at home from the start of the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city is incredibly safe, I never felt scared or vulnerable.

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

IES Milan taught me how to appreciate foreign cultures, while deepening my passions for fashion, food, and Italian culture.

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 personally budgeted during the week in Milan so I could afford to splurge a bit on my weekend trips. I spent roughly $250 in Milan during the week,

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money where you can. Cook dinner at home, stay in a few nights, and prioritize what you'd like to spend money on before going abroad.

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 loved the language, as well as my professor, so much so that I'm continuing to pursue fluency back home in the US.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Take what you learn in the classroom and apply it outside. Restaurants, stores, etc. Lead with the language, and if the employee sees you're struggling, they will more likely than not be able to speak a little English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Food
  • Friends
  • Fashion
* What could be improved?
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Little details of Milanese life that affect day-to-day operations (type of breakfast, late dinner time, smoking).

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.