Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Must go!! March 12, 2023

By (English & Communications, Tulane University) - abroad from 08/30/2022 to 12/16/2022 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be much more independent and how to make decisions for myself. I also became much more aware of my surroundings, and more aware to things I did/did not want to participate in. It definitely was worthwhile and I recommend it greatly!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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:

the best, of course!

* 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 felt so supported by IES the whole time I was there, and I loved all of the people, the food, the academics, and the life I lived there. Highly recommend!

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy cheapest flights possible

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? AP Spanish (so no Italian)
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? coffee shops and restaurants! so easy to practice there

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • support
  • academics
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • more day trip options
  • tell students when construction will be happening outside/part of housing
  • more events hosted as a giant IES group
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How confident I would feel coming back

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!