Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Past Review

By (Cinematic Arts, University of Maryland - Baltimore County) - abroad from 09/12/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Milan - Exchange Program at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I truly can make a life for myself and meet great people far away from home.

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.

Very interesting professors who were actively working in their field. Absolutely no trouble communicating. The assignments weren't very challenging, not necessarily a bad thing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My interactions with the study abroad advisor, Francesca were very good, she was very helpful whenever I needed her, especially when it came to me receiving care packages from home, definitely needed!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very nice apartment in a great part of the city, but I felt it was overcrowded, six people for a three room place where two of the rooms could comfortably fit two people, but one room was basically a large closet, and that room was mine. The electricity went out on a regular basis , troubles with hot water, and strange things like being locked out and sometimes in, the apartment. Also, there was a broken window next to the shower that never got fixed.

* Food:

I missed some of my favorites back home, but definitely embraced the local delicacies!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Many of the people I met, students and otherwise, were very friendly and welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had a bad cold, hard to find medicine, but a care package from home took care of that.

* Safety:

Felt very safe walking at night.

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)

I didn't do too much, going out isn't too bad, some places will offer you a drink with your entrance and even food at apertivos. The cost kept me from doing a few things.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the grocery store instead of eating out. Do not take small amounts out of the ATM, the fees will add up.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I didn't learn any Italian, I didn't suffer too much for it.

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
  • International Students
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?
  • New friends
  • Great sights/architecture
  • ESN & ESEG programs
* What could be improved?
  • Do not charge extra for Italian language classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save up more money before leaving.

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.