What inspired you to go abroad?
I decided to go abroad to combine academic growth, professional experience, and personal development in an international setting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why did you choose the Milan Summer Internship?
I chose the Milan Summer 2025 Internship through IES Abroad 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.
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.
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.
What was your favorite part about Milan?
My favorite part of Milan was exploring its vibrant mix of history, design, and business.
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.
Each experience blended cultural immersion with professional curiosity, making Milan unforgettable.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My experience abroad in Milan was extraordinary because it blended professional development with cultural exploration in ways I never expected.
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.
From navigating public transportation and budgeting for travel to practicing Italian in everyday interactions, every challenge became a growth moment.
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.
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.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff at IU and in Milan were crucial in preparing me for a successful summer internship.
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.
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.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
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.
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.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day abroad balanced my internship, seminar, and daily life in Milan.
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.
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.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
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.
During my free time abroad, I enjoyed a mix of cultural, social, and recreational activities.
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.
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.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
During my time abroad, I lived in an honors residence hall at Collegio di Milano, in Building L.
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.
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.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
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.
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.
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.
Would you recommend IES Abroad? Why?
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.
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.
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.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
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.
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.
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.
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!
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I’m home, my time abroad has given me a new perspective on daily life and personal independence.
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.
Overall, the experience strengthened my adaptability, resilience, and confidence in handling new challenges, skills that continue to impact both my personal and professional life.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
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.
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.
