Not all that I imagined it to be, but a lot more valuable than I ever expected. Past Review
By A student (Creative Industries, Bentley University) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/18/2015 with
IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I learned a lot about myself. Things didn't go quite as I had imagined, but it helped me realize a lot of what i do and do not want in life. It also forced me to face challenges on my own, which helped me grow as a person. It was definitely a worthwhile experience. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were very informative, but not the most challenging. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff of IES was wonderful! They were helpful and made the transition much easier. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I got placed into a wonderful apartment and I got along well with my roommates. The location was incredible! |
| * Food: |
The Italian cuisine was as amazing as people say. Everything always tasted so fresh. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had trouble learning the language adequately enough and even though I got used to the culture, I still had moments of feeling like an outsider. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I needed to see a doctor and my program assisted me every step of the way. The language barrier made the actual visit a little uncomfortable and difficult. I did not need any vaccines in order to visit the country. |
| * Safety: |
The center felt safe and I felt safe in the city. However, I was abroad during the Paris attacks, so the latter half of the program was more worrisome. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved my program. They were great for helping us integrate into the country and new experience. |
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) |
The necessities were affordable, but travel became rather costly. I did have to worry about money to some extent. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $70 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't feel the pressure to eat out all of the time. Make your meals to save your money and splurge when you are on trips. And don't feel pressure to travel all of the time just because other people are. Also, look for free or discounted attractions to check out! No matter where you go when you're abroad, you're going to see something amazing. |
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 |
They encouraged us but also did not force us to use it. |
| 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? | Try to speak it as much as you can, even if you are nervous. Know some common words. Don't be afraid to ask how to say something. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't let the fear of making friends prevent you from making friends. Just be yourself and see who you naturally connect with. Also, things are going to be tough. Studying abroad isn't a vacation. But everything can be handled. |
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. |
