My Experience Abroad :) Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 08/29/2017 to 12/15/2017 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely gained a different perspective while I was abroad. What really helped me do this and understand Italy and Italians better were my four Italian history classes I took, they gave me a better understanding of how Italy came to be and why it is the way it is.

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.

Definitely given work and expected to go to class, but homework didn't take long.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were amazing.

* 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

Italy was the best country I could've chosen, I had never been so there was a lot to explore. The culture of Italy is amazing and it's so easy to travel to other countries I really feel like I got the full 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you're going to go out to eat food, make it worth it otherwise cooking is a great money saving alternative.

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? 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? Consistently study #nodaysoff

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?
  • THE FOOD
  • The trips IES planned
  • Farewell/Welcome Dinner
* What could be improved?
  • Classes and their structure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Milan is so central that you have to take advantage of traveling. Go out of your comfort zone and choose a place that might be less touristy to get a true feel of the Italian culture.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.