Italian Food: Amazing. Living in Milan: Fun. Summer Abroad: Worth it! Past Review
By A student (Business Marketing, University of Montana-Missoula) - abroad from 06/06/2013 to 07/12/2013 with
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC): Summer Programs in Italy
I learned how to maintain composure while travelling in a foreign country, how to be culturally sensitive, and that I need to spend more time outside of my own country. It was entirely worthwhile, and I am looking forward to my next opportunity to travel abroad!
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Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were challenging, not only in the content, but also in the presentation (taught by Italian professors). The field trips were relevant and enjoyable, and provided a great opportunity to see more of Italy from a business, rather than purely tourist, perspective. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Erasmus students, teachers, and staff at the university were incredibly kind and made the transition into the program so smooth. Laura and Margherita, the two people who we were in most contact with regarding applying/arrival/academics, were beyond friendly and helpful. They were enthusiastic about our experience in Milan and with other students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very relieved to be housed with two US students who had been in Milan for 6 months for school/internships. Their experience with navigation and living in the city was invaluable. As for the flat, I was in one of the older buildings, and the only issue was related to maintenance. Our stove was difficult to light (it sometimes took 4-5 minutes with the dial on 'ignite' for the gas to stay running and actually light the flame.) We also had trouble with the bathtub drain: we didn't have the tools to undo the drain cap, so we asked Maintenance to come and unclog it, but it never got done, and thus, our drain did not really work. |
| * Food: |
I love food in general. And Italian food is amazing! I got to try many different things, my favorite being gelato (anguria was my favorite flavor), and polenta. I'm also not much of a wine drinker, but with Italian meals, it's an obvious addition. The meal and wine from our trip to Valipocella was the best dining experience of the whole trip! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Had I known how to speak Italian before the program, I would have felt more comfortable and easier to integrate into the culture. However, there were plenty of resources and opportunities to discover the local life, and I took advantage of that. Meeting people who could speak Italian and English fluently was a bonus when going to school and around Milan. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A |
| * Safety: |
We were informed both by instructors, fellow students, and the MIL Housing services on ways to keep ourselves and our belongings safe. I was incredibly lucky to not have anything stolen or end up lost and in the wrong part of an area. For general safety, follow common sense: don't go anywhere alone, don't put your wallet in your pockets, don't leave your belongings unattended, and don't let someone buy you a drink if you can't see the bartender make it. |
| 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) |
The costs added up quite quickly. I can't remember the exact amount, but the quoted budget for one month was around $700. Between paying for student IDs, metro tickets, field trips, Erasmus events, and food (and depending on how much of a shopper you are), that amount was gone in 3 weeks. Milan is the most expensive city in Italy, and it's a good idea to plan to spend at least double what you expect to in the US. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $350 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy groceries! The food in Europe is quite a bit healthier than the US, it's cheaper, and it's SO GOOD. Also, go to aperitvo, if you're in Milan. A drink plus buffet in the evenings is a good way to eat out, socialize, and still save some money. Use the public transportation (as available and safe) instead of paying for taxis. If you do use a taxi, keep in mind that they start the meter the minute you hail them. If you take 3 minutes to say goodbye to the rest of the group, that's 3 extra minutes you get charged before you've even closed the door. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Because I was at a beginning level of Italian, we were encouraged to use as much as we could, but were limited in consistent Italian conversation. I do wish the language portion of instruction could have continued for the full program length (my program had two weeks language, 3 weeks business topics), because just as I was getting comfortable with it, we had to move on to a different section of the program.However, our two professors were very supportive and helpful in our learning. |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Learn as much as you can before you go on the trip, and once you get there, DO NOT JUST SOCIALIZE WITH YOUR OWN NATIONALITY. Find native speakers, who can understand your language as well, and practice. Use the language when you order food, when you ask directions, when you say 'please' and 'thank you.' Just the pronunciation of the language will help with learning. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Have easy access to backup funds. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
