Alumni Interview with Haley Stevenson

What inspired you to go abroad?

I have always had a passion for learning about other cultures and seeing amazing sights, and there is no better way to do that than to go experience one firsthand. Living in suburban Indianapolis, I had increasingly felt trapped by the monotony of my surroundings: flat land, cornfields, and houses. By contrast, living in Milan was like a breath of fresh air. It is a city full of interesting people, beautiful buildings, and delicious food. Getting to explore northern Italy was a dream come true—I came away feeling like I had learned a lot about myself and feeling extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to communicate with Italian people. When I came home, I had a new appreciation for the beauty of my own home. I had come to miss the flat cornfields, and realized that just because you get used to your surroundings does not mean they aren't beautiful.

Why did you choose IES Abroad? 

IES offered a music program in Italy, a country that has always been at the top of my bucket list. I could not pass up the chance to bring my viola to study in a country so full of musical history.

What was your favorite part about Milan, Italy?

There are not enough words in the English language to describe the beauty that is Italy. The sights, both man-made and natural, are like nothing I have ever seen before. Sprawling vineyards, statues as tall as buildings, buildings as tall as one can imagine—it really made me think about all mankind has accomplished and how passionate we are as a species. The art, food, and lifestyle just scream "alive!" in Italy, and people really make the most out of every day. I can't just pick one favorite thing above all else! (Except for perhaps the parmesan risotto....)

What made your experience abroad unique?

Having never been abroad before, the entire experience was unique for me. But in comparison to other people's study abroad experiences, I only traveled within Italy for the most part. It made my time feel entirely devoted to the country and culture of Italy, rather than seeing everything I can see abroad and leaving my home in Milan behind. I played music often and felt connected to the musical community. Milan, though a city full of innovation and construction, still very much clings to its roots of being Old Country. I saw both legendary human achievements—works of Leonardo Da Vinci, the Duomo cathedral—and current events—the Italian election, visiting a TV station, seeing an opera performed live.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The IES Milan staff made themselves as available as possible and responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had. My teachers were incredible and I learned so much from them.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I had tried to do an internship abroad. I did not realize that I would have the time, and the internship staff would make sure I had a perfect fit, even as a music student.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

On a class day, I would wake up in my apartment in the morning and make my own breakfast—usually coffee and a muffin or orange. I would walk to the metro and take the red line to the nearest station to IES and walk about 15 minutes to the program center, a very pretty building hiding right in the middle of a normal Italian street. I would be in my Italian class for about two hours, then go to a café down the street before my next class. I would have a viola lesson or my media class for about an hour, and then have time to explore the city. The Sforzeco castle was very close to the IES center and is a perfect place to walk around outside or be right in the center of the action of the city. In the evenings I would practice, and then perhaps meet a friend for dinner. Every day felt like I really had time to enjoy where I was.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I best liked to go to a new place. It could be a bit exhausting, but the metro line made it easy to get from one side of the city to another. There are countless shops and museums to go to in Milan, and far too many for me to see in my short time there. I tried to see as many local music performances as possible, and there were SO many! On weekends I liked to take day trips to other Italian cities.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

I lived in an apartment in the city center with six roommates. I loved how homey it was, and it was in a perfect location close to the metro.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Don't waste your time being homesick. You will be home soon enough! But going abroad can be very lonely and hard at times. I spent more time being homesick than I would have liked—more for my family and friends than anything else. Seek other people, and spend time with them. Your classes are certainly important, but almost more important are the memories you will have with the people you meet and the places you experience.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

Now, I am more intentional in my musicianship and I feel far more confident on my own than I did before. I now have the self-reliance to be by myself making my own way. I didn't know what to expect from going across the ocean for four months, but I what I got was the chance to literally live in a foreign country by myself and enjoy it. I had the support I needed, but it was a test for me to see if I could really handle the journey. Not only am I confident on my own as a person, but as a musician—Italians have a huge amount of respect for music and those who practice it, rather than in America where it is treated as a difficult profession with few rewards.

Would you recommend IES Milan to others? Why?

I would definitely recommend this program. Going to Milan as a music student is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have so much love for my instrument and the chance to take it to a musical country was immensely gratifying.