Tokyo Awaits: Your Adventure Begins Now! 

DIBYA DRISTI KOIRALA

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with DIBYA DRISTI KOIRALA who participated in Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program program.

DIBYA DRISTI KOIRALA | Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program

Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program Alumni Interview with DIBYA DRISTI KOIRALA

<h4>What inspired you to go abroad?</h4>
<p>I decided to go abroad to combine academic growth, professional experience, and personal development in an international setting.</p>
<p>I wanted to earn six credits in world culture while gaining global exposure that I couldn’t achieve in the domestic job market. Studying and interning in Milan offered the chance to develop independence, navigate a new culture, and broaden my perspective.</p>
<p>I also wanted to challenge myself to adapt to unfamiliar environments, improve cross-cultural communication skills, and experience firsthand the business practices of a global hub, which would prepare me for future careers in consulting and investment banking.</p>
<p>Traveling through Europe during the program provided additional cultural insight and helped me develop problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience in both professional and personal contexts.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1769587296/images2/interviews/VexvsFgAMyGbwShMHZ2mSquXBlxUpZujRxJuyKGg.jpg" alt="a man and a woman in a restaurant"><div class="caption"><p>This is basically a photo of me with my cousin sister in Bonn, Germany. It was great to have a family connection there and to be able to reconnect with her after a long time. This is us at an Indian restaurant for dinner in the evening.</p></div></div>
<h4>Why did you choose the <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/ies-abroad/programs/ies-internships-milan-summer-internship-128134 rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=4&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3421&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=107" data-ga-client="IES Abroad" data-contentlink=""><ins>Milan Summer Internship</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>I chose the Milan Summer 2025 Internship through <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/ies-abroad rel="" target="_self" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=4&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3421&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=107" data-ga-client="IES Abroad" data-contentlink=""><ins>IES Abroad</ins></a> because I wanted an experience that would challenge me professionally and personally. Milan’s reputation as Italy’s business capital made it the perfect place to gain international exposure in consulting and finance.</p>
<p>I also appreciated the practical aspects, such as the easier visa process and the structured placement. Carlotta helped me secure my internship at Gen USA, Brita guided me through the application portal, and Lucia supported scholarship applications.</p>
<p>This program let me grow my cross-cultural communication, independence, and problem-solving skills while immersing myself in a new business environment, preparing me for future global opportunities.</p>
<h4>What was your favorite part about Milan?</h4>
<p>My favorite part of Milan was exploring its vibrant mix of history, design, and business.</p>
<p>Visiting the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and ADI Design Museum gave me a deep appreciation for Italian culture and innovation. I also loved the energy of San’t Ambrogio, where local businesses thrive, and traveling to nearby cities like Florence and Switzerland expanded my global perspective.</p>
<p>Each experience blended cultural immersion with professional curiosity, making Milan unforgettable.</p>
<h4>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h4>
<p>My experience abroad in Milan was extraordinary because it blended professional development with cultural exploration in ways I never expected.</p>
<p>Interning at Gen USA pushed me to adapt to a new work culture, communicate across languages, and problem-solve independently, while weekends exploring Switzerland, Germany, and Florence taught me cultural intelligence and gave me perspective on global opportunities.</p>
<p>From navigating public transportation and budgeting for travel to practicing Italian in everyday interactions, every challenge became a growth moment.</p>
<p>What made it truly remarkable was how these experiences—both in the office and outside—built resilience, independence, and confidence, helping me see that professional ambition and personal adventure can complement and enhance each other.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1769587297/images2/interviews/q6HMmcCmV8nqvhxIiBoSwARGgAYwMyfmHaEGeI4V.jpg" alt="A man smiles in a museum with framed artworks behind"><div class="caption"><p>Just me posing in front of a painting at the arts museum at Florence when I visited there. Florence is filled with art and history and again shows that I was able to balance my work commitments with travel.</p></div></div>
<h4>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h4>
<p>The local staff at IU and in Milan were crucial in preparing me for a successful summer internship.</p>
<p>At IU, Lucia helped me understand scholarship options, and Brita guided me through the necessary forms, ensuring I stayed organized and on track. Beth walked me through the IES portal, explained the payment process, and clarified the fee schedule, making the program financially and logistically manageable.</p>
<p>Once in Milan, Carlotta supported me throughout the internship placement process, helping coordinate my resume submissions and ensuring I was prepared for interviews. The Milan staff also assisted with practical preparation—making sure I had all visa documentation in order, printing necessary documents, and offering guidance for packing—so I could focus on maximizing both my professional and cultural experience abroad.</p>
<h4>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h4>
<p>One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad is balancing my internship focus with more collaborative travel experiences. I attended the IES trips, learned Italian, and worked to build connections with local residents, but I was so focused on my internship projects that most of my exploration ended up being solo.</p>
<p>While I valued the independence, it meant I missed opportunities to travel with others to iconic destinations like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona. In hindsight, I would have planned group trips alongside my internship responsibilities to experience these cultural highlights while also strengthening friendships, making my time abroad feel even richer and more connected.</p>
<h4>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h4>
<p>A typical day abroad balanced my internship, seminar, and daily life in Milan.</p>
<p>On Mondays and Wednesdays, I attended my internship seminar class from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., taking the metro to IES Abroad. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I worked at my internship from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., commuting by metro to Sant’Ambrogio. During the weekends—or sometimes during the day—I would go grocery shopping and take care of personal errands.</p>
<p>The metro became my lifeline, helping me navigate the city efficiently while balancing professional responsibilities, academic requirements, and day-to-day life, giving me a real sense of independence.</p>
<h4>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h4>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1769587297/images2/interviews/a0A6XZFlsNqSPVCWBJsMXdPA0XUw9j64MfBhigVg.jpg" alt="Man posing with a waterfall behind."><div class="caption"><p>On a metal platform in a lush tropical setting, I pause beside a cascading waterfall. Surrounded by vibrant greenery, the moment reflects calm, curiosity, and connection to the natural world.</p></div></div>
<p>During my free time abroad, I enjoyed a mix of cultural, social, and recreational activities.</p>
<p>I watched the French Open and played tennis with fellow residents, played ping pong, and practiced Italian through using an Italian Assistant service at Collegio di Milano. I also joined IES-organized trips and cultural activities, which allowed me to explore nearby cities and landmarks while learning more about Italian culture.</p>
<p>These experiences, along with casual outings and time spent with friends, helped me build connections, practice independence, and make my time abroad both fun and meaningful.</p>
<h4>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h4>
<p>During my time abroad, I lived in an honors residence hall at Collegio di Milano, in Building L.</p>
<p>I really enjoyed the convenient amenities, including a gym, ping pong table, washing machine, and TV, which made daily life comfortable and enjoyable. The housing process was simple—I just signed up through the housing portal, which allowed me to select Collegio di Milano.</p>
<p>Living there helped me meet fellow students, participate in social and cultural activities, and balance both academic and personal life with ease, making it a key part of my Milan experience.</p>
<h4>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h4>
<p>One thing every future participant should know is that careful planning makes the program much more rewarding. Decide early what you want to gain and which courses to take, and I highly recommend taking Italian to improve communication and cultural immersion.</p>
<p>The internship placement process takes time, so be patient—it can greatly impact your experience. Stay on top of housing sign-ups, follow communications from your program advisor, review the fee schedule, and explore scholarship opportunities to make the program more feasible and enjoyable.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1769587298/images2/interviews/CuwRX2cK3AqRxS7enkJefIZ0KlvYuMkvld2lJxkh.jpg" alt="Man in blue jacket on foggy mountain peak."><div class="caption"><p>Standing on a lookout platform, I gaze across dramatic peaks under a cloudy sky. The vast horizon evokes solitude, reflection, and a quiet sense of adventure in nature’s grandeur.</p></div></div>
<h4>Would you recommend IES Abroad? Why?</h4>
<p>Yes, I would highly recommend IES Abroad to others. The program provides a well-structured process for both the internship and seminar courses, making it easy to navigate each step.</p>
<p>IES guided me through visa preparation, including providing documents and clear instructions, and helped simplify housing selection through an organized portal. Olivia and the staff were responsive to all my questions, which made me feel supported throughout.</p>
<p>Combined with IU’s strong partnership with IES, the program made living, working, and learning in Milan smooth and manageable, allowing me to focus on growth and fully enjoy the experience.</p>
<h4>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h4>
<p>The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the exposure to a global setting, which expands your perspective both personally and professionally. In Milan, I was able to explore iconic neighborhoods, navigate public transportation, and interact with locals, which deepened my cultural awareness.</p>
<p>Through IES Abroad, I engaged in structured internships and seminars that immersed me in Italian business culture, while also giving me the flexibility to balance work responsibilities with weekend travel.</p>
<p>Meeting students from around the world and experiencing day-to-day life in Milan taught me independence, adaptability, and the ability to navigate unfamiliar situations—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1769587299/images2/interviews/vUju4KImgOCKKQRbHuofEa4hu1vbfyJXAvllDlEA.jpg" alt="A man stands by a lake, mountains behind."><div class="caption"><p>A full photo of me basically at the base lake of Mount Titlis and it was a pleasant view and a great day for a photo like this. It was a majestical feel and was great to experience this on a solo trip!</p></div></div>
<h4>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h4>
<p>Now that I’m home, my time abroad has given me a new perspective on daily life and personal independence.</p>
<p>Experiencing culture shock and adapting to life in Milan taught me to navigate unfamiliar environments, manage daily responsibilities like grocery shopping and commuting, and communicate across cultural differences. Simple routines, like taking the metro or bullet train, made me appreciate the convenience and pace of city life abroad, and returning home to Michigan and driving a car feels both familiar and surprisingly different.</p>
<p>Overall, the experience strengthened my adaptability, resilience, and confidence in handling new challenges, skills that continue to impact both my personal and professional life.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>Meaningful travel to me means planning intentionally so that I can enjoy new experiences without stress. It involves creating a travel budget, knowing what to pack, and exploring new places with friends in a way that’s fun and well-organized.</p>
<p>Beyond sightseeing, it’s about learning from each experience—navigating challenges, discovering different cultures, and gaining independence. Meaningful travel blends adventure with personal growth, leaving me with memories, lessons, and skills that stay long after the trip ends.</p>


Racheet Shah

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Racheet Shah who participated in IES Abroad program.

Racheet Shah | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

IES Abroad Alumni Interview with Racheet Shah


<h3>What inspired you to travel abroad?&nbsp;</h3><p>I'd like to become an Italian teacher. So after my studies (in Italian literature and linguistics), in order to be allowed to begin pedagogical school, I had to go abroad for 5 months.&nbsp;</p><h3>Why did you choose <a href="https://www.goabroad.com/providers/istituto-europeo" title="" data-contentlink="80469">Instituto Europeo</a>?&nbsp;</h3><p>I wanted my stay to be something else than just school. I wanted it to be a work experience in a field that has something to do with my language studies to let me see something more than just my idea of teaching. So I decided to do an internship as a journalist.&nbsp;</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/larissa-urfer2-1556855000.jpg" alt="A view of Duomo di Firenze"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Duomo di Firenze, as seen from Palazzo Vecchio</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What was your favorite part about Florence, Italy?&nbsp;</h3><p>It's Italy, it is the best place to be! Good food, good people, good everything! No seriously, I appreciated staying at Florence, most of all for all the cultural opportunities it offers. It's amazing! As a journalist I could even go to some events for free; AND, again thanks to my internship at Stamp Toscana, I got to know about a lot of events I otherwise wouldn&rsquo;t have heard about.</p><h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?&nbsp;</h3><p>Definitely my internship. As a journalist I had the opportunity to get to know stories, places, and people I had never known otherwise. I think it was the right way to discover the life of the city in another way than just the touristic one.&nbsp;</p><h3>How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?&nbsp;</h3><p>Istituto Europeo did a really good job! From the first day (and also before, e.g. organizing the internship and the apartment) until the last, I never felt lost thanks to them. They helped me do the <i>codice</i> <i>fiscale</i> (administration stuff), gave me advice every time I had questions, organized dinners for us students to meet, organized a concert with <i>aperitivo</i> too, and wrote me every now and then to ask how I was doing with my program. Great people!</p><p>The people at my internship, Stamp Toscana, were really kind. We all did home office, so I didn't see them every day, but we were in touch via phone and mail. Every now and then we met up to have a coffee and chat about our experiences. I always had the feeling they appreciated my work and I'm very thankful for their trust in me and all the different and interesting events they let me go to.&nbsp;</p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/larissa-urfer1-1556855023.jpg" alt="Food and drinks on a table"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Enjoying gin and cheese at a bar</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?&nbsp;</h3><p>As I didn't really go to school and did home office, and due to the fact that maybe I'm not the most courageous person when it comes to speaking with people I don't know, I couldn't find a lot of friends and sometimes felt a little alone. I should have asked right at the beginning for organizations like ISF where you meet people easily and can make friends.&nbsp;</p><h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.&nbsp;</h3><p>Actually, as a journalist you need to be spontaneous I think, and no day is really like the others. But still, "normally" I could sleep a lot in the morning and around midday there was a press conference. Then I went home to eat something and write the article, cook and eat dinner, or <i>aperitivo</i> somewhere in town, go out, etc. On the weekends I would go to museums, concerts, exhibitions, and other Tuscan places.&nbsp;</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?&nbsp;</h3><p>I enjoyed taking part in all the cultural possibilities offered by Florence. A lot of events are even free or certainly worth the money. I enjoyed the movies at <i>la compagnia</i>, the museums (can't pick a favourite, they're all really impressive), events at the Fortezza (<i>pitti, danzainfiera</i>), Piazzale Michelangelo with the great view, or on sunny weekends a chill out at the <i>arno</i> near Ponte S.</p><h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?&nbsp;</h3><p>I was in a shared apartment. I loved my very spacious room and the fact that it was right in the center (between the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio).&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 21px; font-weight: bold;">What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?&nbsp;</span><br></p><p>Are you worried about doing an internship and not being paid? Don't be&mdash;you're paid in experiences instead of money. And the more you participate, the more you profit. I don't regret at all having made that choice. Just do it!&nbsp;</p><h3>Would you recommend <a href="https://www.goabroad.com/providers/istituto-europeo" title="" data-contentlink="80470">Instituto Europeo</a> to others? Why?&nbsp;</h3><p>Absolutely. I learned so much about the work of a journalist, and about Florence and its culture. It's a city where it never gets boring!&nbsp;</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/larissa-urfer3-1556855014.jpg" alt="A view of Giardino della Fortezza"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Giardino della Fortezza&mdash;also a nice place for chilling</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?&nbsp;</h3><p>The biggest benefit is getting to know another culture, another rhythm, another lifestyle. There are things you will miss about home because they are different abroad, but there are lots of others you will appreciate because you don't have them at home.&nbsp;</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?&nbsp;</h3><p>Because of my internship, I'm thinking about working as a journalist instead of teaching. I want to attend a lot more cultural events at home as well (even though they're probably not as easy to find as they were in the center of Florence!).&nbsp;</p><h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?&nbsp;</h3><p>To me, it means being open to other cultures and comparing it to your lifestyle, and in this way learning not only a lot about the place you're traveling to, but also about your country and yourself.</p>


Larissa Urfer

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Larissa Urfer who participated in ISTITUTO EUROPEO  program.

Larissa Urfer | ISTITUTO EUROPEO  Alumni Interview

Larissa Urfer - 2019 Program Participant


<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3><p>I love travelling, and have always wanted to spend a longer time in Italy to gain experience in the language, which I am studying as I pursue a master's degree in Italian language and literature.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><figure class="awesome-image centered"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/o4-1547622803.jpg" alt="Students from Cal State Long Beach"><figcaption class="caption"><p>The Master's students from Cal State Long Beach in Recanati!</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>Why did you choose Scuola Di Italiano Dante Alighieri?</h3><p>I won a scholarship to study abroad through my school, as well as the opportunity to work as an intern at ELI publishing, which interests me because I would like to work in translation and I speak several of the languages in which they offer textbooks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3>What was your favorite part about your host city?</h3><p>I loved that Recanati's citizens spoke only Italian with the students and were patient, understanding, and helpful. It created a safe environment in which to practice the language in an authentic setting.</p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 765px;"><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/o2-1547623157.jpg" alt="Eating gelato in Piazza Leopardi"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Gelato in Piazza Leopardi!</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What made your experience abroad unique?</h3><p>The internship was very hands-on, I did practical work and partnered with editors who were interested in my growth. I also gained first-hand perspective of an Italian workplace.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3>How did local staff support you through the program?</h3><p>Both at the publishing house and at the school, the staff were very open and friendly, often checking in with me to see if I needed anything, and to ask me how things were going. It meant a lot to know who I could turn to if I had any concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/o3-1547623189.jpg" alt="With Francesco Capitano"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Last day at ELI with Francesco Capitano</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>Describe a typical day in the life of your program</h3><p>I would typically go to work at 8 a.m., stopping by the caf&eacute; in the piazza for a caff&eacute; and brioche.&nbsp; I would take the bus to Loreto and work at ELI from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., taking a lunch break with the other employees (at a restaurant down the street), and return to Recanati around 6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time?</h3><p>I would through the town, visit the piazza, meet up with friends for aperitivo, take excursions with the school whenever possible, cook dinner with friends, etc.</p><h3>What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?</h3><p>The first year, I lived in an apartment with three women from Argentina. This year, I lived in a palazzo with other American students. I enjoyed both experiences, but I spoke more Italian with the Argentinians, as they knew no English. I felt more comfortable with the Americans, as they were also friends from home.</p><h3>What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?</h3><p>The internship at the publishing house is an authentic, serious environment. There are other people working in your office, but the work (mostly proofreading texts) is very intense and can be tedious if it is not of particular interest to you. It was the perfect job for me, but I can see how it may not appeal to someone not interested in publishing.</p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 765px;"><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/o1-1547623381.jpg" alt="Students arrive in Rome"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Cal State Long Beach students arrive in Rome!</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>I have maintained a great relationship with the people I worked with, as well as some of the staff members at the school. I have also noticed that my Italian has improved quite a bit and I have more confidence in my abilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3>What is one thing you wish you would have done differently?</h3><p>I would have liked to stay longer, obviously, but also I should have saved more money in order to really take advantage of the proximity of nearby Umbria, the beaches, and Italy in general.&nbsp; I would have liked to travel to more towns.</p><h3>Would you recommend Scuola Di Italiano Dante Alighieri to others? Why?</h3><p>This program is great and I would definitely recommend it to anyone trying to learn Italian language and culture. It is a great immersion program in that the town is small enough that you make real connections and speak a lot of Italian.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Joanna Tatro

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Joanna Tatro who participated in Scuola di Italiano Dante Alighieri - Campus L'Infinito RECANATI  program.

Joanna Tatro | Scuola di Italiano Dante Alighieri - Campus L'I...

Joanna Tatro - 2018 Program Participant


<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3><p>I love to get out of my comfort zone. I have always wanted to see Europe and I thought the best way to understand people in general is immerse yourself in a language, culture, and place that is unfamiliar, and learn from it to get the best experience. I chose Florence, Italy for its profound beauty and history to get a better cultural experience.</p><h3>Why did you choose to intern abroad?</h3><p>Interning abroad? That is the coolest thing when you need to have an internship to graduate! I think you need to take risks in life; I already needed an internship to graduate, so I wanted an even bigger challenge.</p><h3>What was your favorite part about Florence?</h3><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-messinger-1526547053.jpg" alt="Arno River, Florence, Italy"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Anywhere you go, the view is beautiful.</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><p>My favorite part of Florence has been the people. It is such a complex and enriching city and the people have been so inviting. This city will forever have a special place in my heart.</p><h3>What made your experience abroad unique?</h3><p>I got to intern at a student tourism company which made my experience unique. Not only was I interning in Italy, but I got to go Greece for my internship to gather marketing material in addition to being able to connect with students who are studying abroad.</p><blockquote>This has been such a rewarding experience and my internship has been very beneficial to my professional development.</blockquote><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p>They have been fantastic. Any time we needed a suggestion or anything, they were a call or email away. Our advisor would check in every week and make sure we were doing the correct tasks and ask us how our experience was going. It was very special because they were there, but let us figure most of the stuff out on our own, like finding the supermarket or pharmacy,so&nbsp; we gained independence.</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</h3><p>To be completely honest, things work out the way they are supposed to. My experience shaped me into the budding professional that I am today and changed me as a person. There is nothing I would have differently because I love where I am after this experience.</p><h3>Describe a typical day in the life of your program.</h3><p>I took Italian class for four weeks before my internship began. During this time, I would get up, get an espresso at the local cafe, go to Italian class, go to lunch with friends I made (from all over the world might I add!), and then come home to study and then out to explore.</p><p>When I began my internship, I would get up and be in the office around 10:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m., stay until 5:00 p.m. or so, and then go explore. Take FULL advantage of exploring with friends and coworkers and the time you have here.</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time?<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span></h3><p>My favorite thing to do was getting lost. Literally go down a road and find your way back home after going down a road you had never been down before. I found the best food, coffee, gelato, and sites by wandering around and then familiarizing myself with how the roads connected.</p><p>Also, make sure to NEVER turn down an invite! You will get the best experience by going out with other people and experiencing everything Florence has to offer.</p><h3>What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?</h3><p>The flat was so nice. We each had our own room, a kitchen area, two bathrooms, and a good view of the city. I liked the location the best since it was a ten minute walk to the train station and plenty of stores.</p><h3>What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span></h3><p>You're going to never want to leave! At first I was "culture-shocked" but now the city will forever be in my heart and I wish I could stay there forever. Luckily, the memories will always be with me.</p><h3>What was the hardest part about doing an internship abroad?</h3><p>The hardest part about an internship abroad was the time difference back home, actually. I found the normal everyday challenges of adapting to a new country and a new environment to be very exciting and the best adventure.</p><h3>What surprised you most about Florence?</h3><p>The thing that surprised me the most about Florence was how historical and beautiful the city was. Every night, the streets are cleaned and the locals take care of the town with the utmost care, which helps to provide tourists and locals alike a more amazing city experience.</p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-messinger-1526546919.jpg" alt="Piazza della Repubblica, Florence, Italy"><figcaption class="caption"><p>The Piazza Republica is a beautiful place to eat gelato.</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>How difficult was it to communicate with locals?</h3><p>Many people in Florence speak English, but the four weeks of Italian was really beneficial. By the end of the four weeks, I could use basic Italian, in addition to being able to order food completely at a restaurant.</p><h3>What is one thing you wish you would have known before doing an internship abroad in Italy?</h3><p>The one thing I wished I knew before doing an internship abroad in Italy was how easy it is to travel to other places! Much likes some states are easy to get to in the U.S., there are so many countries nearby Italy, waiting to be explored with friends on the weekend! I wish I knew ahead of time how easy it was to travel because I would have made travel plans more in advance; however, the spontaneous trips were exciting, too!</p><h3>If you could intern abroad again, where would you go?</h3><p>If I could intern abroad again, I would intern in Milan, Italy. Not only is it comparable to NYC, but it is also full of life and excitement, surrounded by historical beauty. Clearly I cannot stay away from my new favorite country.</p><h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of doing an internship abroad is?</h3><p>The biggest benefit of interning abroad is how the experience changes your life. Not only is my professional life going to benefit since you adapt to challenges and become more culturally aware, but you also will benefit in your personal life which will also prepare you for a future career.</p><p>When you see the world in a new way, in a place you've never been, you see how different people interact and their way of life and way of doing things. Not only has this made me more open-minded, but I also feel like I will understand all people in the workplace and be more patient.</p><h3>Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Italy?</h3><p>Packing tips for interns heading to Italy would be to pack lightly, but pack with a mission. Neutral colors are a good staple to mix and match. I also PROMISE you that you're going to do a little (or a lot) of shopping while in Italy, and you might need to throw away or donate some of your clothes when packing for your return home. I packed a few outfits that I didn't mind donating at the end so that I had more room in my suitcase for souvenirs and other things.</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>I feel more aware of the career choice that I am interested in. Working for a tourism company in the marketing department has been eye-opening and rewarding. I also view the world in a different way. We are all people, no matter how different the culture is. It is those differences that give the world real beauty.</p><h3>Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?</h3><p>For sure! Having an internship abroad is going to give you more preparedness to the adversities and challenges in the workplace.</p>


Victoria Messinger

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Victoria Messinger who participated in Global Experiences program.

Victoria Messinger | Global Experiences Alumni Interview

Victoria Messinger - 2018 Program Participant


<h3>What inspired you to go abroad? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I always enjoyed traveling and meeting people that were different from myself. Before I knew where I was going to college, I knew that I would be going abroad at some point during my time there.</p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-shue-1507873884.jpg" alt="Island of Capri, off the coast of Sorrento, Italy"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Island of Capri - Off the coast of Sorrento, Italy</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>Why did you choose IES Abroad Milan? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I chose the location more so than the organization. I knew that I wanted to go to Italy and Milan had everything I was looking for in host city. IES Abroad was an organization that has worked with my university for many years and was highly recommended by students and advisors alike.</p><h3>What was your favorite part about Milan? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I have nothing but positive things to say about Milan and Italy as a whole. My favorite part would have to be the overall way of life in Milan. It is the financial capital of Italy, so it was very pro-business and at times felt like Philadelphia or New York, but they also had characteristics from the way of life in Southern Italy. While everyone was working hard, they always made time to relax and appreciate the beauty of life in everything from art to fashion and food.</p><h3>What made your experience abroad unique? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>The thing that separated my experience from others in my program was that I opted to partake in an internship as three of my credits. I worked at a consumer packaged goods start-up called Banale. I did everything from marketing, order fulfillment, website design and even new product development. They are currently building a prototype based on my recommendations. Not many people can say they have international work experience before graduating college, and even fewer can point to a product on the market and say that, "I designed that and now people are buying it."</p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-shue-1507873918.jpg" alt="Il Duomo di Milano in Milan, Italy"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Il Duomo di Milano - Milan, Italy</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>The local staff were incredible. We were having problems with the WiFi in our apartment upon arrival and they were instrumental in getting that fixed. They had events planned from the day we arrived to help us get immersed into the local culture. They also organized and led several field trips throughout the duration of the semester. Every Thursday they would send us a weekend update with events going on throughout the city if we were staying in Milan that weekend. The updates also included the location of potential protests and other threats to security in Milan and across Europe and Northern Africa, especially for Americans, and advised us to avoid those areas.</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</h3><p>The one thing I wish I would have done differently was use the <i>Rosetta Stone </i>subscription for Italian, that they provided us for free, more than twice before going to Italy. There were a handful of students in the program that were fluent in Italian and I feel that at times they were able to get more out of situations by being able to communicate with locals, whether they were the local students the program hired to help us integrate into Italian life or tour guides.</p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-shue-1507874064.jpg" alt="Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Cliffs of Moher - County Clare, Ireland</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>Describe a typical day in the life of your program.</h3><p>My typical day in the life of my program was a bit different because three days a week I went to work for about five hours per day. In the mornings we would take the Metro to class, and it worked perfectly. There wasn't one time I wished I had a car because the metro ran so smoothly, as well as trams and buses.</p><p>Midday there would be a break for lunch where students would go home to cook or to nearby cafes and restaurants. Students might return for afternoon classes, depending on their schedules. We would then go home and get ready for the night. We would either cook dinner, go out to a full restaurant, or just go out for "aperitivo" which is appetizers and cocktails. Then each night there was a different club running promotions for international students. Some nights we went to local pubs to watch "c<i>alcio</i>" or soccer matches from across Europe.</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>In my free time it was fun to just explore the city, going to the different districts and seeing what they had to offer. My favorite was Navigli, or the canal district, because of the cafes for aperitivo.It was also fun to go shopping in the fashion capital of the world, even if a lot of the items were very pricey. On sunny days it was nice to hangout in local parks after classes were over. I even made it to a few soccer matches at the famous San Siro stadium, home to both Inter and AC Milan. Again, the nightlife was incredible and each club offered a little something different.</p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-shue-1507874091.jpg" alt="Eiffel Tower, Paris, France"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Eiffel Tower at night - Paris, France</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>We had the option to stay in an apartment, a homestay with a local family, or a dorm room at a nearby university, but I chose the apartment. I stayed in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with four other American students and one local Italian student. We stayed in a very modern apartment that was very spacious. It was in a very safe neighborhood, so that was never a concern. It was actually in one of the wealthier neighborhoods of Milan. The best part was, as they say, the location, location, location. I was only a five to 10 minute walk from the Duomo, which is the heart of the city.</p><h3>What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?</h3><p>Ideally, everyone should know Italian to make the most of their time, but it is by no means a requirement. Like I said, I did not know any Italian before I got there and still had an amazing time. The one thing that everyone should know is that the IES staff will ensure that their time in Italy is unforgettable and that if they are having any issues, do not hesitate to voice your concerns to any of the staff members.</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>I always thought that living and working abroad could be in my future and my time in Milan only confirmed that. I am even looking at moving to Europe after graduation for my first job. Living abroad forces you to interact with people that hold beliefs that differ from your own. I always tried to make friends with people from different backgrounds and my time abroad has only made me do more of that.</p><h3>Would you recommend IES Abroad Milan to others? Why? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I would recommend my program and provider to anyone and everyone. American students are already drawn to Italy for its food, fashion, culture, history, and weather. I believe that Milan is the best city to live in, and it allows for easy travel north to the rest of Europe and south to the rest of Italy. I truly believe that I would not have had as great of an experience as I did in Milan if it weren't for the amazing local staff of IES Abroad Milano.</p><blockquote>Everything ran so smoothly and they did an excellent job of creating a community of the students as well as immersing us in the local community.</blockquote>


Kevin Shue

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Kevin Shue who participated in IES Abroad program.

Kevin Shue | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Kevin Shue - 2017 Program Participant


<h3><span class="s1">What inspired you to go abroad?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Part of the reason that I wanted to go abroad was because I am an art history and religion double major and I wanted to get outside of the classroom and see the works of art, architecture, and the churches and religions that I studied firsthand. And, while that was part of the reason I went abroad, most of what inspired me to go abroad was for personal growth.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I went abroad in the spring of my junior year and I didn't really know what I wanted to do! So, I was kind of inspired to go abroad and find myself and my true passions, and just be open to experiences, people, places, cultures, food, and everything that would be unfamiliar to be in a foreign culture and environment! I guess a large part of why I was inspired to go abroad was to see not just what I've learned in the classroom, but to figure out what my passions are and how I can align those with the skills and strengths that I've gained.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-dillon-1471344019.png" alt="Roman Forum, Rome, Italy"><figcaption class="caption">View of the Roman Forum from above</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose IES Abroad?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I chose to study in Rome with IES Abroad primarily because of my background academically. However, I think that part of it was wanted to explore my heritage. I am part Italian and I had been to Italy in the past with my family and have always thought back to that trip. I knew I wanted to be there, but wasn't sure what city yet.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I thought about Siena and some other cities, however, I chose Rome because the program offered classes more relevant to and desirable to me. Also, Rome is a pretty urban city, and being the capital of Italy, it offered me more opportunity to easily travel both around Italy and Europe.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Lastly, I think I chose the IES Abroad program specifically because they offered a larger variety of classes than other programs, they offer more extracurricular activities and weekend trips, and they offer internship programs in various fields. I also enjoyed having the option to live with an Italian flatmate; having a go to person for all things and questions Italian and Roman was a must!</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about Italy?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">There is no way I could choose just one favorite thing about Italy! Personally, I love the people, the food, the pace of life, and really just the overall culture. I lived with an Italian and befriended many others; everyone I met was kind and inviting! I loved that Italians strike up conversations with each other all the time even when they don't know each other.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The food is superior and IES Abroad offered many cooking classes so I got to learn how to make some of the most amazing dishes and put my own skills to the test in my apartment. My favorite pizza in Rome had Ricotta stuffed crust! YUM!</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The way of life in Italy is a lot more chill and way more interpersonal than in America. I really appreciated being able to spend more time with friends and not spend so much time worrying about my classes or internship. Lastly, walking around Rome is like walking around a museum; it was awesome! You are sure to turn a corner and find yourself in a beautiful Piazza or in front of a beautiful church or fountain.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 380px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-dillon-1471344386.png" alt="Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi"><figcaption class="caption">Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">What made your experience abroad unique?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The most unique part of my experience was deciding to extend my stay in Rome for an extra two months. After living in the city for only three weeks I realized how much I loved Rome, the lifestyle, and the people, so I decided to stay with IES Abroad to further my Italian language skills and participate in an internship.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">During the summer I took an Intermediate Italian class and interned for a small sustainable-tourism company in Rome. I got to work in a collaborative environment with seven others. I worked with not only Italians, but others from all over the globe. I got to learn new skills and developed others into strengths. I got to travel the country and blog about my experiences, and I was able to work closely with professionals to write copy for the website and boost their Pinterest board and other social media presence.</span></p><blockquote><span class="s1">Working in a different country wasn't an opportunity I even thought about, but it is one of the most unique experiences that I think a student could have in another country.</span></blockquote><h3><span class="s1">How did the local IES Abroad staff support you throughout your program?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The IES Abroad center staff were crucial to my experience! We were always told when festivals were coming to town (my favorite were the gelato and beer festivals) or if transit workers were going on strike. When I was sick, the health advisor made me a doctor&rsquo;s appointment with an English speaking doctor and helped me make it to the office. They were all inviting and personally interested in us. I loved being able to form friendships with the staff members and look forward to grabbing <i>aperitivos</i> with them when I return to Rome.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I would have set more specific and meaningful goals for myself. I was required by my university to submit a list of goals, but I did not take it so seriously. I did find meaningful differences in myself when I returned from being abroad; however, I wish I could have set more serious goals and have written them down so that I could see the changes and growth in myself and reflect back on them.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 380px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-dillon-1471344442.png" alt="Basilica of San Francesco in Siena, Italy"><figcaption class="caption">Siena!</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">Describe a typical day in the life of your program.&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p3"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span">	</span></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">A typical day at IES Abroad begins at 9:30 a.m. Walking to the center in the morning took about 15 to 20 minutes. Every class meets twice a week, one session in the classroom for an hour and the second session is two hours and generally is an on-site field study. Italian classes were Tuesday to Thursday in the afternoon, and usually gelato or class outings happened every couple weeks.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Then in the afternoons we were free to do anything around Rome or outside of the city. There are many places about an hour outside of the city, such as Tivoli Estate and gardens, and the Vatican or other museums and monuments in Rome make for an eventful afternoon. For lunch and dinner I usually ate out and cooked in for one of the two meals. Then at night it was always fun to grab drinks with friends around the city or walk to the colosseum. Typically, Thursday evening through Sunday can be spent traveling to different cities or countries.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Every Tuesday IES Abroad would take a group of students out to a "<i>Trattoria </i>Tuesday." At a different restaurant every week, we would go eat an amazing meal with delicious wine and friends. The center was a great place to study or hang out with friends; there is a terrace and library as well as a hang out area with couches and vending machines.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite thing about daily life in the IES Abroad Rome program is that there is lots of free time to hang out with new friends, visit different areas of Rome, or take a half-day trip outside of Rome. And, with the extra time in the day, it is so easy to take advantage of Rome!</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What did you enjoy doing in your free time?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">In my free time everyday I would try to see a new part of Rome! Getting lost in the city was the greatest way to encounter new monuments. In the afternoons we typically had a lot of free time, so I would always grab a drink with friends at aperitivo, and then usually we would cook in together at an apartment or I would go out for dinner and drinks after with some other friends. But, my favorite thing to do in my free time was to hang out in <i>Piazza Cavour</i>, a small green space about ten minutes from IES Abroad. The Piazza never had a tourist in it and was a great area to read a book, have a picnic with friends, or just catch a few rays after class or school.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I lived in an apartment in the Prati neighborhood with five other suitemates (five of us were American and one of our suite mates was Italian). We had three doubles (each with a full bathroom), a common space big enough for entertaining about 30 people, a kitchen, and a washing machine. Our apartments were fully furnished and comfortable spaces to live in. Our Italian suitemate was my roommate; although I had my doubts at first, I am so glad because not only did I make a new friend, but I also had my own personal Roman tour guide. Our apartment was professionally cleaned and our sheets were changed once every three weeks.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I think the greatest part about my accommodation was that my apartment was such a home to me and I immediately felt welcomed. I think it was all around a great living situation and it wasn't only the people I lived with that made it great, but I also got to live in a great apartment and in a great neighborhood.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-dillon-1471344588.png" alt="Study abroad students at the Amalfi Coast, Italy"><figcaption class="caption">IES Abroad Group trip to the Amalfi Coast</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">What is one thing every student should know before participating in your program?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I would recommend being open to living a different paced life. Things work slower in Italy; quality is the same, but it can take a little longer to get business done. I really embraced how deeply rooted Italian culture is in putting relationships before business. So, things really don't get done in the same timely manner as they do at home and sometimes you have to just get used to what we see as inefficiencies.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Being abroad has helped me figure out what I want to do and what kind of work environment I want to be in after college. I have also learned to go with the flow more and to find joy in the little efficiencies that we have here. I think being back I have gotten used to things like driving again, but sometimes I wish everything was more relationship-based like in Italy.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">Would you recommend IES Abroad&rsquo;s Rome program to others? Why?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Yes I would! I loved studying through IES Abroad because both beforehand and on site I was given a tremendous amount of support. Any question I had about my visa forms or other forms were answered within 24 hours and in many cases within minutes! On site I had a lot of support when I got sick and needed to go to the doctor. The director and really every staff member was accessible to students anytime during the week, and they always kept us informed about the different events and festivals happening in Rome.</span></p><p>













































































</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I also loved my professors at IES Abroad. They were able to get us into some pretty cool restricted or hard to access areas, such as the necropolis under St. Peter's Basilica. All in all, if I could do it again I would 100 percent choose IES Abroad Roma!</span></p>


Caroline Dillon

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Caroline Dillon who participated in IES Abroad program.

Caroline Dillon | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Caroline Dillon - 2016 Program Participant


<h3><span class="s1">What inspired you to go abroad?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">A number of my friends, including my sorority big and two of my best friends, studied abroad. I look up to my big and heard my best friends talking about it for months before they went. It had always been in the back of my mind, even before I got to college, as something I want to do. I love traveling and have been to Europe before, but only for vacations. My brother also studied abroad and absolutely loved his experience. I wanted to have that same eye-opening, fulfilling experience of living in another country and experiencing a completely different culture. I decided to go in the spring because it was more convenient for my class schedule.</span></p><blockquote><span class="s1">I wanted to live in another country, explore a new part of the world, and push myself to do what scares me.</span></blockquote><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-donahue-1470996366.jpg" alt="View of Rome, Italy from the Orange Garden"><figcaption class="caption">Overlooking Rome (with St. Peter's Basilica in the background) from the Orange Garden</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose IES Abroad?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I chose IES Abroad because my home university recommended that program, and at our study abroad fair in the fall of 2015, I talked to the IES Abroad representative and really enjoyed her welcoming and open attitude. In addition, IES ABroad had a wide selection of courses that appealed to me! I was looking for a program that had enough courses to satisfy my wide range of interests; I wanted to take classes outside of my field of study at my home university and IES Abroad fulfilled that requirement for me.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about Rome?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Rome is nicknamed "The Eternal City," and it has been said that Paris and Rome are sister cities, because "Only Paris is worthy of Rome, and only Rome is worthy of Paris." I can confirm this. Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The windy, narrow, cobblestone streets covered in ivy, the tiny gelato and sandwich shops on every corner, the world-famous museums, the Sistine Chapel (!!!!), the impressive <i>Basilica di San Pietro</i>, the wide Tiber river, the stunning view of Rome from Gianicolo Hill, <i>Piazza Trilussa </i>at nighttime, the Mouth of Truth, the rose garden, <i>Fontana di Trevi</i> at night time, the trams, warm <i>suppli </i>from the downstairs store, and most importantly, <i>cacio e pepe</i> (an absurdly good pasta dish). I simply cannot name my favorite part of Rome, because I love everything that is is comprised of!</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What made your experiences studying abroad in Rome unique?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My experience was unique because I came in with zero Italian language skills and chose to live in a homestay. My host mother spoke some English, which was great, but that only went so far. I decided to take Intensive Italian, which is the introductory Italian course that covers two semesters of Italian in just one semester! The class met eight hours each week, and even though that sounds like a lot, it was eight wonderful hours.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My professor, Monica, was one of the most dedicated, kind, and helpful professors I have ever had. My italian class was always entertaining as we struggled through complicated verb tenses together, becoming closer each week. As our course progressed, my Italian skills developed and I became able to converse with my host family about more complex and interesting topics. At the end of the semester, my family was very impressed with how adept I had become at speaking.</span></p><blockquote><span class="s1">Being able to take an intensive course with an incredible professor, and apply what I learned to my personal life and activities of daily life in my homestay, was extremely rewarding.</span></blockquote><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Intensive italian was by far my favorite class that I took, and coupled with my homestay, the experience of learning and speaking Italian in Italy was very unique for me.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-donahue-1470996400.jpg" alt="Tivoli Gardens in Italy"><figcaption class="caption">Exploring the beautiful gardens of Villa d'Este in Tivoli, just outside of Rome</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">How did the local IES Abroad staff support you throughout your program?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The local staff did a great job supporting me through the transition of adjusting to life in a big city far away from my friends and family. I struggled a fair amount with remaining too connected to my friends back in the States, oftentimes forgoing opportunities in Rome because I was talking to my friends back home. The health and safety advisor talked to me about this challenge and offered me great advice on focusing more on myself and my limited time in Rome.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wish that I had researched more before leaving for my semester abroad. I had a great guidebook and maps of Rome, but I wish I had planned ahead a bit more. A list of places I definitely want to visit, including cities in Italy, museums in Rome, major and lesser known sights in Rome, and major events happening while I was studying abroad, definitely would have helped. I saw some incredible things but wish I could have done more!</span></p><h3><span class="s1">Describe a typical day in the life of your program.</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">A typical weekday consisted of waking up early to my host mother hustling my host brother out the door in the morning, and then I&rsquo;d roll back over, hoping to sleep for another half hour before my alarm went off. After snoozing my alarm twice, I jumped out of my twin bed and opened the curtains, pushing my windows out and open; they were held open by shutters. I hopped in the shower, surrounded only by a small platform and curtain, so I did my best to keep the water inside.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I would then get dressed, pack my backpack, and say &ldquo;<i>buongiorno!&rdquo;</i> (good morning!) to my host father, Giuseppe. He would greet me and offers me some freshly made espresso. I would politely decline, but smile and begin to make my breakfast. Ten minutes later, I'd be out the door and on my way to <i>Piazza di San Calisto</i>, a large open air square with a daily produce market, to meet my best friend Meredith. We would wave to our friend who sold produce and head on our way to school.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">We would walk to school, but we had to walk quickly as it was a 25-minute walk. We would cross the Tiber River on<i> Ponte Sisto</i>, a quaint footbridge with an amazing view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Classes flew by, with a quick lunch at Imperial Pasta down the street from our center. We would devour our hot, perfectly cooked penne with carbonara sauce on the terrace of our center. After class I would go to the library and chat with friends, print boarding passes for upcoming weekend trips, and work on assignments. I walked home with a friend or two, and we would go a different way, passing by big shop windows and <i>Chiesa Nuova</i>.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I relaxed after school, chatting with my host dad about what I learned that day in Italian class, and sometimes I&rsquo;d go for a run along the Tiber with my friend Cassie. I worked on some homework before dinner, set the table for my host family, and then sat down to dinner around 9:30 p.m. with my host family and various other relatives and friends. We enjoyed a lovely meal prepared fresh every night. The food was incredibly mouthwatering, and I always wanted at least two helpings. We watched <i>The Voice: Italy</i> after dinner together in the living room and dining room, and then I would head back to my room to finish up some homework and study for my exams. I&rsquo;d be exhausted everyday, because I always walked multiple miles around the city!</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What did you enjoy doing in your free time?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I enjoyed going on runs in <i>Villa Doria Pamphili</i>, finding <i>geocaches</i> around the city of Rome, browsing bookstores and clothing shops, eating in every restaurant that I deemed cute or appetizing, attending special museum events, people-watching in <i>piazzas</i>, and talking to my host parents about everything I thought about Italy, asking them questions about what they thought about Americans, and requesting their recommendations on where to travel. I loved cooking meals with my friends in our apartments and watching movies, swapping stories about what crazy adventure or interaction we experienced that day.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-donahue-1470996425.jpg" alt="Tourists at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece"><figcaption class="caption">Friends at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I lived in a homestay with an Italian family. My host family's apartment was located in the Trastevere neighborhood, a lively and quaint neighborhood full of families, a daily fresh produce market, busy restaurants, and multiple piazzas. It was an incredibly busy and fun neighborhood, with something going on every single night of the week until the wee hours of the night! I loved my host family and the location of their apartment. I had a large room to myself in my apartment and shared a bathroom with my host brother, who was always kind to me.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My host family loved talking to me and hearing about what I learned and saw during my time in Rome, which I really appreciated. They always included me and introduced me to the guests at their elaborate dinner parties. They invited me on family outings and were very welcoming to my own family when my own family visited Italy from the States.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">What I liked best was the opportunity to live in a true Italian home and experience what life is like for a typical family in Rome. I also loved that my host father was so welcoming to my questions in the kitchen. He taught me and my best friend how to make Tiramisu, let me help make homemade pizza (the single most delicious thing I have ever tasted), and even came with me to the reception that IES Abroad put on for homestay students and their families!</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What is one thing every student should know before studying abroad in Rome?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Definitely make sure that you consider the area you want to be in very heavily. If you like nightlife and lots of restaurants, find a city that provides that. If you want to be outside, hiking and being in nature, find a city or country that provides that. Definitely make sure you are ready for whatever country and city you choose! It will be a transition no matter what, but prepare yourself for what city you chose. I had never lived in a big city before and didn't really research how large Rome actually is, how the traffic and huge population size impacts everyday life: something you should definitely consider and know before participating in the Rome program is if you like big cities or not!</span></p><h3><span class="s1">Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I am much more easygoing. I am more confident in myself and my abilities to travel independently, make the best decisions for myself independently, and handle new situations. I still enjoy traveling to new places and want to continue to explore places I have never been to in America. I am making more of a conscious effort to expand my post-graduation options to possibly living outside of the United States, and I encourage other students to study abroad!</span></p><h3><span class="s1">Would you recommend IES Abroad to others? Why?</span></h3><p>







































































</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Yes, definitely! I think IES Abroad is a comprehensive program that offers many opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. They care about their students and want to better the program as much as possible.</span></p>


Lauren Donahue

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Lauren Donahue who participated in IES Abroad program.

Lauren Donahue | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Lauren Donahue - 2016 Program Participant


<h3><span class="s1">What inspired you to go abroad?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I think it is so important to learn about other cultures; it gives you perspective and a more global outlook. I wanted to learn what it's like to live in a culture completely different from my own.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-macavoy-1470909456.jpg" alt="Villa D'Este in Tivoli, Italy"><figcaption class="caption">At Villa D'Este in Tivoli</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose IES Abroad&rsquo;s program in Rome?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I knew that I wanted to go to Italy, so I looked at programs in Italy that Fordham recommends. There are only a handful, so I was able to narrow it down to just a few. I ended up choosing IES Abroad in Rome because I wanted to be right in the city center, and I wanted a program that offered a home stay.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about your program?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite part was living with a host family. It was unlike any experience I have ever had and it really helped me immerse myself in the Italian culture, which was my main goal for studying abroad. I looked forward to family dinner, when I got to practice my Italian speaking skills, experience a common Italian practice, and eat delicious Italian food!</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What made your experiences studying abroad unique?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Living with a host family also made my experience unique. Each host family was so different and provided a new and rewarding experience for the students who chose to live with them. The moments in my homestay and the moments with my host family are what truly made me feel like I was in a completely different, and exciting, place.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 380px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-macavoy-1470909248.jpg" alt="Villa D'Este in Tivoli, Italy"><figcaption class="caption">At Villa D'Este in Tivoli</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">How did the local IES Abroad staff support you throughout your program?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">My professors at IES Abroad were some of my favorite professors I have ever had. They supported me in a hands-off kind of way. They encouraged me to explore Rome and take free time to make the most of my experience. They really promoted independence and the value of going it alone.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">There isn't anything that I wish I had done differently; I think it is important to not regret any aspect of going abroad.</span></p>
<blockquote><span class="s1">Everything that you experience while on your own in a foreign country, even the mistakes, is important and valuable to your overall experience abroad.</span></blockquote>
<h3><span class="s1">Describe a typical day in your life in Rome.</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I would arrive for class in the morning, which would either be held in the classroom or at a historic site in the city. I enjoyed taking a lunch break with friends on the outdoor patio or wandering around the city streets in between classes. Our program did not schedule many nighttime events, so my friends and I would set out and explore Rome. There is something new to see every day!</span></p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-macavoy-1470909321.jpg" alt="Girls visiting Cinque Terre in Italy"><figcaption class="caption">At Cinque Terre</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">What did you enjoy doing in your free time?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite thing to do was something Italians call <i>fare in giro</i>; roughly translated, it means to go out and around town. When I had no plans, I would walk around Rome and see what I could find. It is a vast and diverse city so you will always bump into something unexpected and cool. I also loved going to caf&eacute;s with a friend and chatting for hours, a classic Italian pastime.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I lived in a homestay with a woman and her son. It was a loft-style apartment in the heart of Trastevere, one of Rome's coolest neighborhoods. My host mom's apartment was artsy, with an open, modern layout, but it was built in the 19th century, so it still had a rustic, old-world feel. The best part about my accommodation, however, was the wonderful family I got to live with!</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">It is important to know that you do not have to travel somewhere new every weekend or set out to cross as many things off a "Rome to do" list as possible. The best, most memorable moments you will have are those unplanned, serendipitous moments where you find yourself in unexpected situations.</span></p>
<blockquote><span class="s1">Do not stress yourself out with constant planning; go out and let Rome reveal itself to you.</span></blockquote>
<h3><span class="s1">Now that you're home, how has your time in Italy impacted your life?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I was greatly impacted by the laidback Italian way of life. Living in New York, I was not used to such an easygoing approach to life, so Italy really changed me in that respect. Italians value their relationships with their friends and family above all, and they live happily and fully.</span></p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-macavoy-1470909340.jpg" alt="Girl posing in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy"><figcaption class="caption">In front of the Colosseum</figcaption></figure><h3><span class="s1">Would you recommend IES Abroad&rsquo;s Rome program to others? Why?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I would recommend IES Abroad to others because it was a very laid-back, hands-off program. There was always someone available if you needed help, but they really promoted independence and they encouraged us to conquer the Eternal City all on our own.</span></p>


Samantha MacAvoy

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Samantha MacAvoy who participated in IES Abroad program.

Samantha MacAvoy | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Samantha MacAvoy - 2016 Program Participant


<h3><span class="s1">What inspired you to go abroad?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I figured that now was the time to travel to the countries I had always dreamed about. My grandfather has always wanted to go to England because he has researched our family history and discovered our origins in the country. Unfortunately, I am not entirely sure he will ever make it overseas, especially as he gets older and it becomes harder to move around without assistance. Seeing him be unable to fulfill his dream inspired me to take hold of mine at a much earlier time in my life so as not to miss out later in my life.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-vandeveer-1464665220.jpg" alt="







On the beach in Sorrento, Italy"><div class="caption"><p>A new kind of freedom</p></div></div><h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose to attend the Sant&rsquo;Anna Institute?</span></h3><p class="p1">From the very beginning, it was Italy. From there, I started narrowing down the programs. I knew that I definitely wanted a smaller city. Originally, I had looked briefly at Siena, but then, somehow, Sorrento caught my eye. I think it was the location, right on the water across a peninsula from the Amalfi Coast. I am so so happy with my decision.</p><h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about Sorrento?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">To pick one part of either Italy or Sorrento that was my favorite is a hard task to complete. If I have to decide, one of my immediate answers for Italy would be the way the people appreciated your attempts at speaking their language. Never did I feel discouraged speaking Italian to someone who spoke it as their native language. I always felt so encouraged to work and practice and speak with them. For the city of Sorrento, I loved how small it was. I would meet people in other settings and then see them on the street. I was able to say hello to community members and other students in my program just walking along the main streets of the city.</span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-vandeveer-1464665269.jpg" alt="







The Residenzbrunnen Fountain in Salzburg, Austria"><div class="caption"><p>Salzburg, Austria</p></div></div><h3><span class="s1">What made your experience abroad unique?&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My experience abroad was unique in the way I chose to document it. There are several ways I went about doing this. Not only did I do the most well-known method of documentation: photography, but I also started a blog. I absolutely loved blogging about my experiences at home for both my fellow study abroad students and my friends and family at home to enjoy. In addition to those two, I also created a &ldquo;One Second Everyday&rdquo; video mashup using the app. I would take a one second video every single day of my journey and now I can look back and see my entire experience in one and half minutes.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">How did local staff support you throughout your program?&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The local staff supported me by always keeping us informed about events going on in the community as well as through the school. They helped us with transportation and understanding how to travel consciously! They were always willing to answer any questions whether academic or other matters.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Hmmm...if I had to choose one thing to do differently, I would have trusted in the friendships that were being created more early on. I experienced a lot of self doubt when it came to my place in these new friendships we were creating, and I let myself get a little swept up in the feelings of being left out. When I decided to let go of them I realized what I had been missing out, but I was just thankful to have realized it before I lost a lot of time.</span></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-vandeveer-1464665288.jpg" alt="







Coastal ruins in Sorrento, Italy"><div class="caption"><p>At our favorite coastal ruins</p></div></div><h3><span class="s1">Describe a typical day in the life of your program.&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1">In a typical day I would wake up in the morning and drink my tea slowly. Sometimes, my roommate would be doing her yoga as I drank and I either wrote in my journal or finished my homework. Following breakfast I would get ready for the day and head to the school. The walk didn't ever take longer than around 20 minutes (the best time was around 10 minutes if you needed to cut it close). On the way to class I would make sure to look at the view of Naples and Vesuvius from one of the lookouts.</p><p class="p1">The rest of the day would consist of a mixture of class for me and then the English courses I would observe with my roommate. Then after the end of the academic day, my roommate and I would leave and grab supplies for dinner. We would make dinner and just hang out.</p><h3><span class="s1">What did you enjoy doing in your free time?&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">In my free time, when the weather was nice, we would run to the water since it was so close! Before the weather became nicer, I would work on my blog posts, journal, or work on homework in the library. Mostly, I would spend time with the other members of my program.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My accommodation was a very nice apartment. It was always cleaned so nicely by our landlady, who was a sweet sweet woman. I would leave her little gifts to show our appreciation. It was definitely not a host family, but we had a little family just as well. The best part about it was a super pink bathroom. The walls were half painted pink and half tiled in white and pink. One of my roommates really loved it too.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What is one thing everyone should know before going abroad?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">You can generate as many expectations about what is going to happen as you would like, but do not let them keep you from loving and getting as much from your experience as you possibly can.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-vandeveer-1464665241.jpg" alt="







Ciao written in sand"><div class="caption"><p>Say Hello!</p></div></div><h3 style="font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span class="s1">Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?&nbsp;</span></h3><h3></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">It has changed me, I know that for sure. I have noticed a new patience in myself that I did not have before. There are little changes I have begun to pick up on, but for now I am still learning what those changes are. I am interested to see what the others will be.</span></p>


Makayla Vandeveer

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Makayla Vandeveer who participated in Sant'Anna Institute program.

Makayla Vandeveer | Sant'Anna Institute Alumni Interview

Makayla Vandeveer - 2016 Program Participant


<p class="p1"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-drelick-1445584842.jpg" alt="







Eating traditional Naples-style pizza in Italy"><div class="caption"><p>Enjoying some traditional Naples-style pizza!</p></div></div><h3>Why did you decide to intern abroad?</h3><p></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wanted a challenge. I've worked since I've been of age and I was an upcoming senior so I knew I needed an internship. Working abroad in a country where I didn't speak the language was one of the best challenges I could think of to prepare me for employment after graduation. Plus, there is a HUGE world out there with so much to offer. It's naive to think the only opportunities are in the U.S.</span></p>
<blockquote><span class="s1">When you leave [your home country], you truly reflect on your personal life at a much deeper level, which allows you to grow as an individual.</span></blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">They say that your twenties are your selfish years, and they should be; you have to figure yourself out to be the best YOU you can be, for yourself and for others. Going abroad in my opinion is the most fulfilling way to do that.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose IES Internships?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Like I mentioned I was entering into the summer before my senior year and I hadn't had an internship yet, so that was my top priority. Second, I had always wanted to do a whole semester abroad but after seeing the prices I quickly realized that would never be an option for me. The summer program was about $10,000 cheaper, so it was a no brainer. IES Abroad offers a wide range of countries and cities to visit for both semester and summer programs.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">How did you decide on an internship in Milan?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">My second language is Spanish so I originally wanted to go to a Spanish speaking country. I researched a few places, but as an advertising major I really needed an urban, commercial city. London was an option, but another English speaking country wouldn't have given me the challenge I was aiming for.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I settled on Milan, Italy, which was a brand new location for IES Abroad at the time. Milan is a fashion capital, very posh and very urban. I highly recommend Milan for any students in the following fields of study: fashion, business, arts, music, marketing, journalism, public relations, and literature. It's in a great location in northern Italy, making travel very convenient to surrounding countries, and there are PLENTY (France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Slovenia).</span></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-drelick-1445584993.jpg" alt="







SnapChat photo in Milan, Italy"><div class="caption"><p>MaVi and I made it onto the Milan live feed on SnapChat one night!</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about Milan?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite part about living in Milan was the diversity, although my university is also extremely diverse. Indiana University holds 45,000 students and counting, with faculty and students both from all over the world. I prefer to surround myself with diversity and I like to feel as if I'm near to other parts of the world. Milan is home to many different races and ethnicities, and with this comes a wide range of interesting music styles, cool fashion, delicious foods, and unique traditions and practices. There was never a dull moment there and I saw something different almost every day.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What aspects of your internship program made it unique?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The staff at IES Abroad was truly caring, and they were passionate about keeping all of us taken care of so we felt comfortable and happy. My computer actually crashed the second day I got there; TRAGEDY! One of the staff members took it upon himself to get it fixed and had me leave the computer with him. He handled all of the calls to Dell'italia because I didn't speak Italian. Three days without my computer put me behind in my classes and first days of my internship; I was so stressed. But after working on it himself, having the IES Abroad repair man look at it, and finally having Dell provide a new part, he was able to get it running again. He even gave me his Italian charger that plugged directly into my computer and the wall outlet (I was using a converter since American and European outlets are different shapes). He truly went beyond customer service and beyond his job title to fix my computer.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I was so grateful, because being in a foreign country where you don't speak the language or know your way around OR have easy, independent transportation makes it difficult to handle those types of issues when they do arise. I could speak just as highly about the rest of the staff there. All of them were so accommodating!</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">How else did local staff support you throughout your program?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The internship and classroom staff all had a "doors open" policy which was relieving to know you had at least someone to go and talk to. I loved that my language professor taught us survival phrases and vocabulary first to help us get around, such as words to know for the grocery store, restaurants, cafes, and emergencies.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Also, my Italian roommate was fantastic and we're still in touch today! Not only did she know a lot about Italy and was able to teach us things, but she was fun and so kind. She cooked for us, showed us around the city, introduced us to her friends, and was constantly asking us how our internships were going. She was a friend and backbone for all of us.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">	</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wish so badly that I would have lived with a host family! I wasn't able to for my program. But in saying that, I loved the apartment I was put in. It was traditional style, which reminded me everyday I was in Italy and I admired that. In my bedroom were two giant, wooden shutters that I opened every morning when I woke up to let the Italian sunshine in. In our kitchen was a ceiling to floor door that opened out onto a small balcony, also with two giant, wooden shutters that we regularly kept open. It was free, simple, and tranquil.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Even though I didn't live with a host family, I was extremely lucky to work with a supervisor at my internship who lived at home and regularly invited me over for dinners on the weekends! My boss was incredibly nice, caring, and fun! He lived with his parents and brother. I attended many dinners and lunches at their house in the countryside of Milan. Lasagna, steaks, swordfish, shrimp, lobster, pasta, sun dried tomatoes, sausage, even homemade tiramisu one night! His whole family kind of took me in and treated me as an honorary guest every night. I was truly blessed to spend my time with such welcoming and loving people. If you have the opportunity to live with a family I would do it.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-drelick-1445585021.jpg" alt="







American interns at a bar in Milan, Italy"><div class="caption"><p>If you're not working, you're enjoying yourself (aka. Clubs, food, the beach, shopping); take your pick in Milan!</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">Describe a day in the life of your internship.</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In the mornings I would get ready for my day and usually eat breakfast at home because I was tight on money. My roommates would sometimes grab a <i>brioche</i> and espresso at the corner cafe on our way to class. Then we would go to class and most people went home after to eat lunch before heading to work. I would often pack a lunch and just head straight there. I had a little bit of a commute to my job, because I had to take the bus from my classroom to the train station and then take the train to Bovisa, where I had about a five minute walk from the Bovisa train station to my office.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I'd get to the office around 1 p.m. and leave anywhere between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. What I loved about the Italian work culture is they take a lot more breaks than Americans. Even in the short five or so hours of my work day, I would normally take two coffee breaks (espresso of course). Italians love their down time!</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Leaving the office, if I didn't take the train back home my colleagues and I would go to a bar for <i>aperitif</i>, which is casual drinks and food! I wasn't lying about the down time. Then, if I was feeling up to it when I got home, I would go for a jog around the park next to my apartment. Italians don't just jog around the streets like we do in America, only inside a gym or at a park.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite thing to do on your free time?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The aperitivos were my favorite. It was a way to unwind from the day, meet new people, and enjoy great food and drink with good company. Italians are social so a lot of people are out, and most of the time they were outside, which was nice. For me, being a foreigner, it was a great opportunity for to get to know my colleagues and for them to get to know me. We grew really close spending time together outside of the office. And did I mention your first drink gets you all the free food you want? So yes, I spent my time at aperitivos any chance I got!</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What did you like best about your accommodation?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">	</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I had four other American roommates, which at first I was a little upset about because I wanted to be totally immersed in the Italian culture. But from day one I was really relieved that they were with me because it was nice having someone to talk to! I love to talk, so walking to class or getting a <i>gelato </i>without being able to really speak to anyone was lonely. We did a lot of sightseeing together too. There was always a friend to grab and go on an adventure with!</span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-drelick-1445584946.jpg" alt="







Selfie in Milan, Italy"><div class="caption"><p>My boss, me, and our colleague on my last night in Milan &lt;3</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">Now that you're home, how has interning abroad impacted your life?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Oh gosh...my trip has forever changed me and impacted my life in many ways. I would say first that hearing people from foreign countries speak about the United States was extremely interesting and I enjoyed hearing their point of views. I'm someone who believes in the importance of foreign affairs, so interacting with them and just learning new ways of doing things was so rewarding for me. The way they cook, do their laundry, drive, eat, pay taxes, buy groceries, attend school, everything was a learning point. Just seeing that and remembering, "Hey, there isn't just one way to do that!" is so important for people to experience.</span></p>
<blockquote><span class="s1">I can't put into words how much I fell in love with the simplicity of Italy.</span></blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I lived a fairly frugal and simple life at home, but Italy was another story. Sure, they don't have all of the technology we use and not everyone drives a car, but they're still living. They're thriving more so than us because in their lifestyle things are appreciated. When you have to put more effort into things that's an emotional thing. Now back at home I pay more attention to other people's efforts.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I've always had aspirations to travel the world and this program allowed me to travel for the first time out of the country. It was one small introduction to how I want to spend my years to come. I catch myself at times smiling, remembering my time abroad and knowing I was so far away yet so close to where I am now.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Through this program, I was able to see what I already knew: that people are just people. We are all the same, and there are so many wonderful people in this world. My life was impacted through the people I met there. And as I look around at the people by my side at home, I see the same genuine light in them. The thought of all the people in the world coming together for one big aperitivo is maybe too complex of a dream, but it's satisfying enough knowing that no matter where I go, the love will be there. You just have to be willing enough to open your heart and your mind to it in all people.</span></p>


Brielle Drelick

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Brielle Drelick who participated in IES Abroad program.

Brielle Drelick | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Brielle Drelick - 2015 Program Participant


<div class="awesome-image centered"><img src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-wise-1440056983.gif" alt="







Hillside view of Urbino, Italy" style="display: inline;"><div class="caption"><p>On an IES Abroad trip to Urbino</p></div></div><h3>Why did you decide to study abroad in Rome?</h3><div>Over ten years ago, my cousin studied abroad in Rome; she loved it, and I always thought it would be a good experience for me. I also decided to study in Rome because I wanted to experience living in a city and exploring my Italian heritage.</div><h3>Why did you choose IES Abroad?</h3><div>My school, Ithaca College, highly recommended it.</div><div><span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 21px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28px;"><br></span></div><p><span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 21px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28px;">What was your favorite part about Rome?</span></p><div>People always ask this. They may expect me to say the art, the food, the Italian "Momma" culture, but I say the pace. It was a city and it was hectic, but it was never bustling. You could wander and never feel pressed for time.</div><div>







<h3><b>What made your program unique?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">The size; the program was almost a hundred students. This led to getting to know some people half-way through the program! I'm certainly happy for that because when you meet new people, the city opens up to you a little bit more.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-wise-1440057318.gif" alt="







Plants along an alley in Rome, Italy" style="display: inline;"><div class="caption"><p>By my homestay in Rome!</p></div></div>
<h3><b>What surprised you most about Rome?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">I barely looked up anything about the city before going. I only had the very basics and my gut feeling telling me to go. I was surprised about the large amount of outdoor vendors there were. I was also pleasantly surprised at how safe my neighborhood was at night.</p>
<h3><b>What is one thing you wish you would have known before studying abroad in Italy?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">More Italian!</p>
<h3><b>How did the local staff support you throughout your program?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">The local staff was very helpful. They always had information or knew where to find it. I met some of my favorite and best professors at IES Abroad!</p>
<h3><b>How difficult was it to communicate with locals?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Not very difficult. I had some Italian going in and my program required you to take a class while there, so I could speak the native language for small conversation. I found that most Italians did not know English fluently or at all, so I always tried to speak Italian first because I felt that it would be rude to make someone else do the extra work. In many conversations, the local or I would assess who knew which language best and go from there. Many who knew English well liked to practice.</p>
<p class="p1">With that being said, I noticed that my friends who studied in English speaking countries had different experiences than I because there was no language barrier.</p>
<h3><b>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Plan on a bigger budget. After spring break I decided to not hold back as much.</p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-wise-1440057372.gif" alt="







Narrow alley in Venice, Italy"><div class="caption"><p>In a VERY narrow alley in Venice!</p></div></div>
<h3><b>Describe a day in the life of your program.</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Normally on Mondays, I would wake up around 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. Then I would walk ten minutes to the high school I interned at. After helping teach a class English, I would walk about twenty-five minutes down the beautiful Via Giulia to school. There I had two one-hour classes, Rome as a Living Museum and The Italian Mafia. Then I had a couple hours break where I would walk around and grab lunch with my friends before heading to my class about Italy's public systems.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">After school I would wander around on my way home and pick up food for the week or a dessert. Around nine o'clock I would have dinner with my host family for about an hour. From there I would either meet friends, do homework, catch up with family, or plan the adventures for the week.</p>
<h3><b>What did you enjoy doing on your free time?</b></h3>
<p class="p2">Hopping on a train to another Italian destination! I went to many places with my program and with friends: Pompeii, Naples, Assisi, Siena, the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, The Gardens of Ninfa, Sabaudia, and Urbino!<br></p>
<h3><b>What was your accommodation like?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">I stayed with a host family, who I loved spending time with. The location of the apartment was amazing!</p>
<h3><b>Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Rome?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Rome does not get colder than 40 degrees fahrenheit, so unless you normally live in a warm climate, do not bring winter gear. Save that space for all the things you will bring back! Also, I barely wore the couple of running shorts and t-shirts I brought, but I did regret not bringing a light zip-up jacket for chilling in my homestay.</p>
<h3><b>What was the hardest part about studying abroad?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">The hardest part about studying abroad was every now and then feeling that I was not using my time effectively. But then I would just plan another thing to do the next day!</p>
<h3><b>What do you feel the biggest benefit of studying abroad is?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Learning to be flexible and thinking on the go, and with that comes having trust in people. I also think studying abroad lets young people see that the world is so much larger, and that &ldquo;home&rdquo; can have many different meanings.&nbsp;</p><div class="awesome-image centered"><img src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-wise-1440056990.gif" alt="







Port in Venice, Italy" style="display: inline;"><div class="caption"><p>Venice in the afternoon</p></div></div>
<h3><b>Now that you're home, how do you think studying abroad has impacted your life?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">I went to find out how to enjoy life without all the stress I had been living with. In Italy I realized that it was pretty simple: eat food that has been produced with integrity, wander, and learn how to pass time with a couple friends and a bottle of wine. Additionally, I have gained a broader global insight and am more open to travelling the world. I also have a newfound taste for espresso!</p>
<h3><b>Would you recommend IES Abroad to other students?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">I would recommend IES Abroad. Every IES Abroad center is different and has its own expectations. I suggest looking up types of living (dorm, apartment, homestay, etc.) and size of the program to get a sense of the center. Some programs go on big trips and have a specific academic focus. Mine was very large and had general classes, but I still got to see many less known spots of Italy with IES Abroad.</p>
<h3><b>If you could study abroad again, where would you go?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Besides flying right back to Rome, I would go to Portugal or Costa Rica.</p></div>


Kirsten Wise

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Kirsten Wise who participated in IES Abroad program.

Kirsten Wise | IES Abroad Alumni Interview

Kirsten Wise - 2015 Program Participant 

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