Wonderful! Past Review

By (International Business., University of North Carolina - Charlotte) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 05/15/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Completely worthwhile. Need to do again.

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.

Business classes were challenging but taught very well by knowledgable professors. A lot of interesting field studies as well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful. Some trouble with responding promptly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a great apartment next to Central Station. Nice to be off campus and take the metro to school.

* Food:

Cafeteria staff very friendly. Had a good selection.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living off campus allowed me to feel more integrated within the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues

* Safety:

Staff gave good advice on staying safe. Overall felt incredibly safe and comfortable while still being cautious.

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)

My meal plan allowed me to buy food throughout the city. I had plenty of tickets and even had some left over at the end of the semester.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up money so you have extra for traveling. Milan is a great travel spot with cheap flights leaving from Malpensa.

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

Teachers encouraged me to use Italian outside of class.

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? French 2. I also took Spanish in high school up to the AP level.
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 even if you think you are making errors.

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

  • 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?
  • Classes
  • Easy to travel
* What could be improved?
  • More class options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To save as much money as possible for traveling.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Reading Milan and Italian Cities: Place Making and Cultural Resources

Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Mazucotelli
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was very interesting and well taught. We studied different areas of Milan and learned things we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn outside the classroom. A final paper is required for the end of the semester where you pick an area of Milan to analyze and research. I learned a lot from writing that paper and appreciate the assignment even if it was difficult.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Political Economy of European Integration

Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Giovanni Massimo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Best teacher I’ve ever had. I’ve struggled with economics in the past but he was able to teach in a way that everyone could follow and fully understand. The class was very difficult (intended to be that way) but I enjoyed actually being able to learn a subject that I’ve had trouble with previously. A good challenge and a great course.
Credit Transfer Issues: No-transferred as International Economics