Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I <3 MIlan Past Review

By (Lehigh University) - abroad from 01/13/2019 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 a lot about Italian culture and how to live on my own in a foreign country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were extremely interesting and valuable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was so helpful when I needed to go to the doctor and complete insurance reimbursements.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was beautiful- I was so sad to move out of it.

* Food:

ITALIAN FOOD IS THE BEST FOOD!!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program was very helpful in getting me to a doctor when necessary. It was fairly comparable to service I get at home in NY.

* Safety:

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)

I traveled a lot throughout the semester which got expensive but it was definitely worth it

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? Talk to locals at stores!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Food
  • Academics
* What could be improved?
  • Participants
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more of the logistical things before I went to Milan. For example, how to use the public transportation systems and about the different airports.

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!