My Experience in Milan Past Review
By Julia Ferrara (Babson College) - abroad from 09/01/2019 to 12/14/2019 with
IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I gained international work experience since I did an internship in addition to my classes. Understanding how to work with different cultures is something I know will be valuable in future experiences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes I took were very interesting, and the professors were great and knowledgeable about the subject. They were also available during office hours. The courses enriched my cultural awareness and understanding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had a great experience with IES. They were so helpful in getting us settled in our apartments, neighborhoods, and the school. They were so friendly and always willing to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living arrangements were absolutely amazing! My apartment was in a great, centrally located, vibrant and safe part of Milan and the rooms and entire apartment were spacious and accommodating. |
| * Food: |
The food was so good! IES also arranged field trips for food tastings and aperitivos that were fun. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt pretty integrated with the local culture. I give this 4 stars because I do not speak the language; I wish I did. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There were not any prevalent health issues in Milan and I did not need vaccines specifically for this program. I did not experience the healthcare on this program because I did not need it. |
| * Safety: |
Overall, Milan felt like a very safe city to me. I had not been to Europe before, and was very happy with this! IES placed students in safe locations and overall, I had a great experience. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had the absolute best time in Milan. I truly enjoyed the classes I took and the professors who taught them. I am so thankful for IES because the staff was so helpful, kind and understanding, and the events/field trips they planned were so fun and such great opportunities. Milan is an amazing city and I really got to know and appreciate it during my semester there. I already miss it so much! |
Finances
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* 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) |
It is easy to live on a student's budget. The groceries and food at restaurants are not too difficult to afford on a student budget. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget!! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Spanish 4 |
| 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? | Speak the language to locals when you order food or coffee or go shopping! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How helpful the staff would be; would be less stressful over the summer. |
