Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Milano has my heart! Past Review

By (University of Illinois - Chicago) - 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?
independence, how to live in a European city, patience with locals and myself.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Really nice apartment with lots space to cook, study, and live comfortably.

* Food:

Italian food is truly the best

* 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

Milan was the perfect city for studying abroad. It is a mix of old and new Italy, with an amazing culture of fashion, food, and art.

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? 70, weekend trips anywhere from 70-230 depending on where you traveled.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? save more than you think you need, and track your spending abroad at all times.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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
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? lots of practice with locals

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The city and location in Europe
  • The fashion
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • more IES funded trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? try and learn a bit of Italian before leaving, Milan is less touristy than other Italian cities like Rome and Florence, so not everyone can speak English/English menus etc.

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.