Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

If I could do it again, I would in a heartbeat Past Review

By (Santa Clara 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?
Yes, it was very worthwhile! I learned how to be a savvy world-traveler, made great friendships, made strong connections with people from different cultures, and learned how to adapt to a completely unfamiliar environment.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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

IES was so well-organized, the staff was friendly and helpful, and I had the best time. I couldn't have asked for nicer housing or a better location and I learned so much throughout my time in Milan.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking is a great way to save money if you decide to live in an apartment! There are also student discounts for many of the fun activities around Milan so take advantage of those.

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? Nothing
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? Use the language as much as possible whether you're in a restaurant, the grocery store, getting gelato, or just trying to get to know an Italian.

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
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 apartment
  • The organized trips
  • The classes
* What could be improved?
  • Being informed of important information sooner
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In Italy, time moves much slower than in America and you don't always get what you want right away. Patience is key.

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.