Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing! Past Review

By (Business Finance, Bentley University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Take advantage of all opportunities, explore the city, and immerse yourself into the culture!

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.

The courses were fair in the amount of work, but it seemed that at the end of the semester there was an uneven amount of work. We barely had any work or assignments in the first half of the semester and then at the end there was a span of 2 weeks where there were several presentations, projects, and exams. It was not balanced very well. Class lectures were also very dry and not very engaging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All the administrators were very friendly and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was in great condition and location. The only problem was the neighbor below us who was very rude and unreasonable. We were very respectful, not loud, and were always courteous but the elderly man was always complaining that we were walking around our apartment too loud. We had to wear slippers at all times! I was afraid to walk by his door.

* Food:

Food in Italy is excellent! Everything is extremely fresh.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is what you make of it. If you want to integrate then you must talk to the Italians, but since Milan is not a very touristy city I felt that it was easy to mold into the Italian culture because there is barely ever any english spoken. Even though most Milanese people know english, they usually only speak in Italian.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues.

* Safety:

I always felt safe in my neighborhood. As long as you are with a friend or two at all times then there is not much to be afraid of. Be smart because Milan is a city, but it is a safe city if you go to familiar areas.

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)

For me it was easy because I had enough money saved and had help from my parents. But my friends who were on tighter budgets were able to buy food and enjoy the lifestlye of Milan as long as they were aware of their expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't always go out to eat at the most talked about restaurants and locations. There are plenty of hidden gems in the city that you can get more affordable meals. Apertivo (happy hour) can be a meal and that is about 8 euro for a drink and as much food as you want. And the food is excellent, not your typical buffet spread at all!

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

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? i had never taken italian, but did know some spanish.
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? Talk with the locals! They appreciate it when you speak italian to them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Milan, great city, and great location to travel from.
  • My community assistant who lived with us and told us about all the great things and helpful hints to live in milan.
  • the food it is fresh the markets are great!!!!
* What could be improved?
  • Classes and lectures are very boring.
  • wifi!!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pick a few cities/countries you want to visit ahead of time and see which ones can be day trips or weekend trips so you get to visit everywhere you want to go. Also, dont forget that you are studying in Milan, soak it up !

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.