Milan: A Look at Modern Italy Past Review
By Christopher C (Biochemistry/ Plan II, The University of Texas at Austin) for
IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
The program was worthwhile because I felt it offered the means to become integrated with the Italian people. This integration is possible in cities like Rome, Venice and Florence, but difficult without the proper guidance and timing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload is not too heavy. Hour-wise there is plenty of exposure to Italian speakers. You go to class everyday, and there are not nearly as many English speaking tourists in Milan as there are in cities like Rome and Florence. The teachers are more laid back, but not pushovers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Extremely nice administration and staff. They picked wonderful sites to tour on weekends, and had extensive knowledge to share about the area. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment itself was impressive. It is difficult to attain safe, nice, and well located apartments in cities like Milan, Paris, or Rome. Most apartments in the program were above peoples' expectations. However, I was disappointed I did not have the option of a home-stay. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy. There are diverse food options of amazing quality. Keep in mind that eating out is extremely expensive, however, so I suggest cooking in an apartment as often as possible. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The stereotypes of the working business class and of the Milanese and the lack of attractions are in most cases not true. Everyone was amiable and the scenery in nearby Liguria was beautiful. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The administration kept safety a top priority. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Taking a summer program is definitely helpful, and a better option than taking a crammed summer class at the university. However, most of the students in the program have little to know Italian language experience, so it is hard to avoid speaking English with those around you. This program would be much better if it had a home-stay option. Still, you could easily find situations that would demand practicing Italian if you put in the effort. The program was extremely valuable for those just starting Italian. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Milan will provide you one of the best looks of how Italy really fits in with modern society. The green scenery and Mediterranean coast are indeed beautiful sights you should visit, but the bustling city of Milan provides a different and important perspective of Italy. |
