Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

La Dolce Vita May 26, 2023

By (American Studies and Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2023 to 05/12/2023 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what it truly means to live independently! Studying abroad was entirely worthwhile because I made great friends and I experienced personal growth that I would not have experienced elsewhere!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

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? $300/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a personal study abroad budget with different categories (food, travel, shopping, etc.) and do not eat out for every meal (I know it is tempting but it can add up very fast).

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? ITAL 30
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? Try to use the language in casual environments abroad like your local cafe or favorite restaurant.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • The classes were not too intensive, which allowed for weekend traveling.
  • The different field trip offerings, which allowed students to explore less popular places in Italy and meet other students on the program.
* What could be improved?
  • While the program was not only for business students, business studies was integrated into my academic and internship experience, which I did not like not being a business student. The program should either become more geared towards business students or create more non-business options (especially internships)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The amount of students from the same university who go on this program (Indiana University) and that many students bring their friend group with them abroad.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.