the ups and downs of shaping you into a better person and musician June 08, 2022

By (Music, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/17/2022 to 05/13/2022 with

IES Abroad Milan - Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had the new experience of learning more than I ever did under an environment that was supportive rather than competitive. The professors helped us grow, we helped each other grow. This, to me, is the ideal way to learn.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

Lived in the oldest building and smallest room the program offered but had to pay the same amount as the people who lived in the new building of the dorm with bigger and more luxurious rooms. However, everyone was incredibly friendly.

* Food:

* 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

It was difficult fitting in at first, and a few people have given me a hard time, but overall I improved my social and musical skills significantly and I’m much more pleased with myself as a person and a musician. Met many amazing and talented friends.

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? €55

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

Lived with many Italians and they helped me a lot with learning the language.

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? 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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? No other way, simply get out of your shell and speak.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • professors, directors, classes
  • food
  • culture
* What could be improved?
  • scheduling
  • instrument accessibility at the center
  • housing quality/price
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? even just the bare minimum of the Italian language

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

IT 101-04

Course Department: Italian
Instructor: Elisa Castiglioni
Instruction Language: English, Italian
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

MS 391-Piano

Course Department: Music
Instructor: Silva Costanzo
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

MS 375-01

Course Department: Music
Instructor: Silva Costanzo
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

MS 381-01 Music Theory

Course Department: Music
Instructor: Giorgio Colombo Taccani
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: