Study Abroad in Milano, memories that will last a lifetime Past Review

By (Trinity University) for

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes I loved it and want to go back! I learned so much about myself, the country, the language. why I the way I am and why Italians are the way they are. I met so many different interesting people and got to visit so many places, was exposed to a wonderful culture!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Even though the classes were not as hard as Trinity they were good and the educational experience went beyong classes, being in a foreign country is an educational experience

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

School was very helpful in helping meet all the requirements in order to apply for the program and were always very reachable

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my apartment! It was in the best area of Milan!!!!!!

* Food:

Depends on the person. Really good place right across the street from IES called Sponttino. The owner loves and knows every single IES students and gives free cookies and pastries sometimes. He is a sweetheart

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A lot of trips and activities to go to throughout the semester

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

They would send emails with things we should not do or be careful with which was very helpful

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Language exchange- IES offers students the opportunity to get a language exchange partner (Italian partner) to practice english and italian once a week. Get one! It is up to you to continue your relationship with your partner

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don´t expect it to be easy. Dont think you´ll get there and everyone will be super nice to you and want to be your friends. That won´t happen. The fact that you go to Italy (in this case) doesnt not imply Italians are going to go out of their ways to meet you. Your life is changing, theirs isn´t so it is up to you to make the best out of it! I had the time of my life and I believe it is possible for everyone but don´t go in with false expectations