Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IES Abroad Milan - Spring 2024: A Transformative Experience October 01, 2024

By (St. Olaf College) - abroad from 01/22/2024 to 05/16/2024 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From my experience studying abroad with IES Milan, I gained invaluable insights into both myself and the world around me. Immersing myself in a new culture and navigating life in a foreign country taught me independence, adaptability, and resilience. Living in Milan challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, from learning the language to understanding cultural nuances.

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:

Self-catered (no meal plan options)

* 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? i'd say around 50 euros per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You get a student pass for all public transport for 22 euro

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? Beginner
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? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural immersion
  • Housing
  • Field Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Wellness Resources
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how important it is to learn basic Italian before arriving—it would have made adjusting to everyday life and connecting with locals much easier from the start.

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.