The timeless memories will always remain close to me Past Review

By (Radio, Television, and Digital Communication., Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC)) - abroad from 09/01/2011 to 01/10/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Milan - Exchange Program at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot more about myself and how to deal with different situations. It was life experience I could not have received otherwise. And yeah, it was totally worthwhile.

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.

The courses were challenging, but rewarding at the same time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The advisors were helpful and I received my transcripts from the host university quickly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was actually disappointed that I didn't have the opportunity to live with european or italian students because I was from North America. That was weak.

* Food:

C'mon I was living in Italy. The food was definitely 5 stars.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt connected, I just wasn't living with Italians so I didn't feel fully connected.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city was safe. I think that you always need to be wary of your surroundings though, because if you leave something lying around for a while then somebody will snatch it.

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)

Very difficult! Milano is expensive. Save up before going.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out every night. Pick your party nights, and also make your lunches to bring to school. Don't eat lunch out.

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

All the time.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Italian
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? Make friends with host country people and be bold. They like it when you have a sense of humor about yourself.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • host food
  • international students
  • weekend trips
* What could be improved?
  • american/european integration
  • closer campus housing
  • more lunch coupons
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew to practice the host language more.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'