A great way to Study Abroad at Milan's UCSC Past Review

By Melissa S (Theater Arts, Nebraska Wesleyan University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot about myself, learned so much about the culture and country and loved EVERY minute of being there. I gained more confidence in interacting with other poeple, in differnt situations. I think that people will benefit more with finding others who ahre their passions from differnt countries and parts of the US.I gained a better temperence in dealing with others in circumstances I am not comfortable with. I learned to not be so high-strung about things and learn to calm/relax in life, in gerenal. I kinda found my 'zen', if you will. I think it's a great expeience to learn new things in diffent culturesthat you won't learn from a 'touristy-tour'. I learned how to be self-suffienct and individually stronger.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Universita del Sacro Coure Milano
The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They were very ready to help us. At times it felt a bit unprepared, but for the most part, everything was ready to go on Italian ISEP's end. MIL service was a bit hectic. They were very understanding and helpful. They did as much as they could to help us, but I feel it was 50/50 between the complaints of the students and getting the service. They were very available. Just timing was off in reciprocation I guess. I liked Guilia and Stefano.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	4 rooms, 1 shower, 2 bathrooms, large common/kitchen space, basement. A washer, no dryer (had a drying rack...this is normal), dishwasher, big fridge, couch, TV (we were promised cable, but didn't have it) DVD player, lots of table space, Internet (kind of testy). We had 8 girls living in this apartment, so some things were kind of hit or miss with them. I personally didn't care if we didn't have TV, but we always argued about the internet. <br /><br /> I didn't care very much, but my roommates did. I was just grateful to have a place to sleep and study. Living with 7 other American girls was tough becuase we seemed to want to do the same things at the same time. getting on the internet, watching TV while someone studied, cook, shower or use the washer. in this case, I feel that maybe there should not be that many people to an apartment, unless the resources are big enough. I honestly was fine not gettingon the internet or just going out to eat. I felt that the commute might have been a bit excessive (about an hourvia bus and metro), especailly since public transportation is not very relaible. I think Americans should room with Italians and other foreginer students. It would be more fun and beneficial.
* Food:	I wish I could have eaten there more :) we were given a stipened and meal tickets and I had more than enough tickets left over. Stipened helped over the mothns. Anyways....all the food was sooo good!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	With the help of ESEG, ESN and friends of past students who, I felt that the overall social enviroment was really great. It feels that everyone helps out everyone learn their way about and around.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I went to the doctor once. It was really easy to get medical assistance. Makes you want US healthcare reform! At night, if felt safe with a group. I do not advise ANYONE to go out alone at night.... Ever. there are a lot of creepers at the Piazza del Duomo and shady characters on the buses. two of my roommates got their wallets stolen. Girls, bring purses that zip shut. Don't take purses to clubs. know where your valubles are on your person and keep them in a place that is not easily stolen.
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?	In a week I usually went out for aperetivo (appox 7-9 Euros) about 3 times. I got lunch at Mensa everyday, but dinner about 3 times or less a week. Food is pretty cheap, if you find the right places. you can get a whole pizza and drink for 5E. Groceries are the way to go. I like to cook food and our house expiramented with recipes a lot so that was about 20-30E a week. Personal expenses depend on weather you travel during the weekend or shop a lot. I did some small trips, but i think the most expensive trip I did was about 200E. I didn't go every weekend either and I didn't shop that much either. Bancomats are available, but the overseas charges SUCK.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	PLAN on what you want to do/where you want to go. Hostels or friends are the way to go with housing on trips and if you can, find free sightseeing or the cheapest tour. Most student hostels will have free things like that and food discounts. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	do as much as you can, see all you can. expeierence life there and be positive.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Filmmaking in Milan
Course Department:
Instructor:	Perbellini & Manzani
Instruction Language:	English (some Italian)
Comments:	REALLY GREAT COURSE! you learn a lot about the city. if you are a beginning filmmaker, this is a great class to learn about the industry in Italy and history of italian films. you get a lot of first hand perspective, since Mara and Nazzareno are working filmmakers. they are amazing!
Credit Transfer Issues:	I used the class film project as my senior project; approval needed.

Course Name/Rating:	History of Italian Theater
Course Department:
Instructor:	Sofia Pleczer
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Very interesting course. We has lots of trips to see plays and even went backstage at La Scala. I learned a lot more of history of European theater that doesn't even compare to the history class provided in the states. VERY thoroughly expalined. The final was very hard, but a worthwile class.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Filled Theater history (Part 1) Credit, they dip into comtemporary european theater at the end, full details. One may need to ask if it can cover Part 2.