Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I could not imagine studying abroad anywhere else besides Milan! Past Review

By (Butler University) - abroad from 01/14/2019 to 05/10/2019 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so many valuable lessons during my four months abroad. I took myself out of my comfort zone, appreciated many new cultures, made new friends, and tried so many new things. This experience was worth it and I would do it all over again if I could!

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.

Would have liked to receive greater feedback on how to improve on assignments and tests. Also was not given enough detail on materials included on exams. Professors always answered questions and tried their best to help students succeed!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Issues with the apartment, especially wifi, could have been addressed sooner. Location and size of the apartment were great!

* 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

I had the best experience in Milan and the program was much better than I had expected.

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? If wanting to travel on a budget, take trains and buses when possible. EasyJet and RyanAir are also great airline options! Also many inexpensive air bnbs available.

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? Beginner
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? French 300
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 speaking Italian at restaurants and shops when you can to practice.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Amount of preparation given for adjusting to a new city
  • Trips offered by the program
  • Opportunities to meet other students
* What could be improved?
  • The amount of preparation professors gave students for exams
  • Making living arrangements for all students equal
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To push through the initial challenges and know it will keep getting better and better.

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.