Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great Milan study abroad. October 01, 2026

By (Business Administration and Management, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2026 to 05/09/2026 with

IES Abroad: Milan - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learnt a lot about the Italian culture and Industrial system. I also travelled around Europe and have made memories that will last forever.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

During my time abroad, I learnt quite a lot about finance and the Italian industrial system for its economy. I am very appreciative to my program and the trips within the classes I took and the hands on experience from those trips.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program really took care of all students and I feel was very accommodating especially for specific religious needs. I, a modern Orthodox Jew, felt that the program went above and beyond to make sure I was able to participate and stay on tract and practice freely.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I highly recommend the location I stayed at. The studio apartment building I lived in was staffed with people who I have made long lasting relationships with.

* Food:

Sincerely, I made a lot of my own food and frequented the kosher restaurants in Milan. They were amazing. My cooking was also pretty good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I tried to assimilate to the Milanese culture and so dressed and acted like a typical Milanese person. I also speak Italian with an accent nearly fluently and so I had an easy time getting around and making friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick a few times. The insurance I had was amazing and when I had food poisoning for over a month I was well taken care of.

* Safety:

To be honest, the program was safe. They warned us that there are pickpockets so be vigilant. I was lucky but many of my friends had things stolen. As well it is not the safest to be an outwards presenting religious jewish man. There is some antisemitism, however much less than other cities in Italy and Europe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I felt very heard and made many friends. I would not trade it. I also have made connections with professors.

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)

UHHHMMMMM So I am not the best example. I kind of spent quite a lot of money. However if you are a person who keeps kosher you will probably need double whatever the minimum is/was. I would say at least 100-200$ a day which includes future trips and food/travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It varied a lot but on average around 100-150$.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan trips way in advance and with multiple friends that you will make on the program. As well plan to budget food slightly more especially if you have a dietary restriction.

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

The program was very encouraging on using your language skills. I was in one of the two higher level Italian language classes and we all had a great understanding of the language prior. We learn and strengthened our skills. I use dit everywhere. I even use it for a job now.

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? 1 intermediate level course.
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 as many people as you can and force your self to use the language. Also try to translate in your head what people say to you in your home language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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 Classes
  • The location
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • More access to Kosher food because it was expensive on my own.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should have brought a little bit more money.

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 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.