Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Year of my Life Past Review

By (Bentley University) - 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?
Throughout my time in Milan I was able to study Italian, History of the Mafia and Fashion and Brand Management as well intern twice a week at a tech startup. Not only was I able to take classes so relevant to my host city, I had the opportunity to work there as well. Overall this experience taught me so much about myself. I have become much more independent, spontaneous and open as a result of this journey.

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?

* 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:

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

Studying abroad through IES this past fall in Milan, Italy was one of the best experiences of my life. Although it sounds cliche, studying abroad really does change you for the better. Going to Italy on a plane alone leaving my family and friends behind seemed nerve racking but as soon as I stepped out of the airport into my taxi, I knew I was going to love it there. Milan was such an amazing city to study in; the food was delicious, the people were friendly and the duomo got even more beautiful every time I went to see it. Studying abroad through IES added to my experience even more. I was placed in a traditional Italian apartment in a perfect location in the city with the greatest roommates who I grew so close to over the course of the semester. I was also able to bond with my community assistant who acted as a mentor and friend throughout my time in Milan. She was from Italy herself and was able to help my roommates and I adjust to life in a foreign country. The transition from life in the US to life in Italy went very smoothly thanks to all of the resources IES provided us. I am so grateful I had such an amazing opportunity to study abroad and I hope to return to Milan soon!

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)

Spending was tough because in Milan there is so much shopping so I would suggest future students to budget well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Give yourself a max to spend and try to budget that -- writing/typing it out on a spreadsheet helps!

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? 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? High School Italian -- 6 years total
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? Practice with your CA

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?
  • The housing
  • Classes
  • IES events
* What could be improved?
  • More optional trips
  • More class options
  • Don't assign all major assignments at the end
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had learned to budget my money better.

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.