Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience of a lifetime! January 22, 2021

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 01/13/2020 to 05/08/2020 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to learn all about a new culture and more about Italian business practices since I completed an internship while I was in Milan. I grew as a person as well and made life long friendships with people I would have never met if it wasn't for abroad! It was definitely worthwhile and if I could travel abroad every semester I would! I had not one negative experience.

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?

* 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

I loved IES! The staff was all super welcoming and helpful. They were able to assist me with any issues that occurred during the program.

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)

It was very doable to live on student's budget with buying groceries every week but if you want to go out to eat a lot and travel I recommend figuring out some sort of budgeting plan before and while you are abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set a goal for yourself on how much money you want to save before you go abroad. Also think about how much traveling you want to do and any activities you may want to do while there.

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? 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? Honors 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? Use the language any chance you can!! When you're at the grocery store, out to dinner, etc. its a great way to practice!

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?
  • Opportunity for internship
  • Class choices for business students
  • Living accomodations
* What could be improved?
  • NA
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't pack as many clothes as you would think. You're going to do a lot of shopping while you are abroad if you plan for it! Also take lots of pictures! You are going to want to remember every part of the trip even what you eat!

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.