Real-World Learning September 02, 2022
By Nicole K (History and Italian, Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 01/17/2022 to 05/13/2022 with
IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I have greatly developed my language speaking skills, and grown my appreciation and love of Italian culture. I would absolutely chosoe this program over and over again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I found the course material incredible engaging, and incorproated a lot of field trips and real world experiences. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES Milan administration was very accomodating and entirely understood the process of becoming accustomed to a new country and was incredibly responsive to the needs of their students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My dorm room was incredible - with my own private bathroom and balcony. I was fed delicious meals in my accomodation and also had the pleasure of having cleaning staff come to my room once a week. |
| * Food: |
I enjoyed a croissant and cappuccino each morning for breakfast, and a multi-course dinner each evening at my resident and ate out during the week during lunch. Lunch on the weekends was delicious and well nutritious just as every other meal at the Collegio di Milano. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As an Italian major, this experience has allowed me to finally be immersed in the subject that I have been studying for years. Although I have been fortunate to study Italian prior to my time as a student at Penn State University, I believe that being put in real-life situations has challenged me to develop my Italian skills significantly. At the doctor's office or the hair salon, I have surprised myself finding the correct Italian words, when under pressure to describe an ailment or hair color shade. Being in an Italian-speaking environment has allowed me to utilize my textbook education towards real-world application. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was able to enjoy European level health care and there were English-speaking doctors readily available. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Since arriving in Milan, I have thought heavily about changing my post-graduation plans. Initially, I intended to work in the United States before attending law school. However, since spending an extended period in Europe, I am considering pursuing a Fulbright. I can see myself only living in Europe for an extended time. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Milan is a very affordable city that I would highly recommend to college students. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat locally and enjoy food from small bakeries! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We had a three week intensive Italian language program at the beginning of the program. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 400-level college Italian |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How much fun i would have! |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
