Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My year in Milan was life-changing! Past Review

By (Marketing, Villanova University) - abroad from 08/29/2017 to 05/12/2017 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I developed confidence in myself and who I am as a person. I am not the same girl that boarded that plane a year ago. I am so grateful for this experience and all that it shaped me into!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I love that I had the opportunity to take classes at IES and local universities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was one of the best parts of my experience. I was located in the design district which was such a great location!

* Food:

I transitioned to a vegan lifestyle which abroad and loved the wide availability of fresh fruits and vegetables at farmer's markets!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After spending a year in Milan, I felt very integrated in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Whenever I had a health issues, the staff was quick to help and get me the necessary help and find a doctor.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Milan.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would choose the same program because it allowed me to explore my passions of photography and fashion, while also immersing myself in the cultural and fashion capital of the world.

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)

To be honest, I found it difficult to live on a budget because I loved going out to eat and immersing myself in the food culture, as well as traveling each weekend.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $250-300 each week which included food, drinks, travel, and some shopping.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend saving up at least $2,500 for travel expenses for the semester.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had no Italian language experience prior to my departure.
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? I would recommend practicing by speaking with the locals as much as possible. I wish I had done this more!

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Diversity in Classes
  • Cultural Events
  • Welcoming Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Language Immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known the importance of learning the language of your host country. If I were to do it again, I would definitely take an introductory Italian class prior to my departure.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!