IES Abroad Milan – Italy Today

My time in Milan was unforgettable, thanks largely to the experiences I sought out on my own. Being proactive truly brings out the best in the program. Exploring Italy's wineries, cities, and vibrant culture was incredible, giving me the chance to experience Italian life firsthand. Attending three operas for free and enjoying countless live classical music shows enriched my appreciation of the arts. Each trip, performance, and discovery made my time in Italy an experience of a lifetime, and I’m deeply grateful to have had this journey. I am also really grateful for the lifelong sisters I found during my time abroad. I will always be thankful for them x

I really enjoyed my experience with IES Milan. While sometimes I wished the program had more resources (i.e. a greater variety of more challenging courses), I consistently found the professors and admin to be kind and welcoming—especially because I always spoke to them in Italian. Two things I really valued which were somewhat unique to my program: 1) getting an internship, which took a fair amount of my time but was well worth it, especially because I insisted on getting an internship which would be valuable to my professional development; 2) living in Collegio di Milano, a honors student dormitory that I can never say enough good things about for the many wonderful people who live there.

My experience with IES Abroad Milan this spring has been nothing short of remarkable. The program offers a perfect blend of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and community outreach, providing students with countless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. One of the highlights of the semester was the community outreach programs facilitated by Professor Resnik, particularly our involvement with the local soup kitchen and Don Bosco High School. These initiatives gave us a chance to engage directly with Milan's local communities, broadening our perspective on service and making meaningful contributions to those in need. It was a humbling and rewarding experience that complemented our academic studies. Beyond the classroom, the program organizes a wide range of activities and field trips that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in Italian culture. From exploring Milan's art and architecture to discovering smaller towns and historical landmarks, every trip deepened our understanding of Italy's rich history and vibrant present. The staff at IES Abroad Milan went above and beyond to ensure we were supported throughout the program, whether through academic resources, cultural events, or personal guidance. This holistic approach, combined with the exciting city of Milan as our backdrop, made for a truly unforgettable semester.

Last semester, I had the incredible privilege of embarking on a transformative journey in Milan with IES Abroad. This experience profoundly broadened my perspective, enabling me to immerse myself in a new culture and forge meaningful connections. Studying in Milan proved to be a pivotal chapter in my life, reshaping my outlook and fostering a deep appreciation for the diverse experiences I've been fortunate to encounter, courtesy of IES. My heartfelt gratitude extends to their program for the invaluable opportunities it has provided. Residing at the Collegio di Milano offered me the chance to engage with both Italian and international university students, enriching my educational venture. Throughout my time there, I delved into various disciplines such as Art History, Italian history, and Transcultural Psychology, while also delving into the intriguing rehabilitation model at Carcere di Bollate. The vibrant local culture further enhanced my academic pursuits, creating a truly immersive experience. Beyond academia, my time in Milan allowed me to hone my Italian language skills and deepen my understanding of global history through travels to nine different countries. Each journey enriched my love for world history, leaving an indelible mark on my personal growth. As I reflect on this remarkable chapter, I am profoundly grateful to IES Abroad for facilitating this life-changing opportunity. The memories, friendships, and mentorships I've acquired serve as treasured souvenirs of an unforgettable experience.

Studying with IES Abroad in Milan was an exceptional experience that exceeded my expectations on every level. The program seamlessly integrated academic rigor with cultural immersion, allowing me to delve deep into Italian life and learning. The faculty and staff were incredibly supportive, offering personalized guidance and enriching experiences both inside and outside the classroom. The city of Milan itself served as the perfect backdrop for exploration, with its vibrant art scene, historical landmarks, and bustling streets. IES Abroad provided numerous opportunities for cultural engagement and experiential learning, from visits to iconic landmarks like the Duomo di Milano to immersive language exchanges with locals. The housing arrangements were comfortable and convenient, fostering a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. Overall, my time with IES Abroad in Milan was nothing short of transformative, leaving me with cherished memories, newfound insights, and lifelong friendships. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking an enriching and rewarding study abroad experience.

As a student in the IES Milan program, I have a few insights that most students feel is helpful. First, the structure of the program was great. I arrived in Italy a few days before the program start day for fall 2023 with my family, just to get a feel of Italy. On the actual program day, I was met by two IES advisors at College di Milano (where I resided throughout the semester). They helped me put away my luggage, get integrated into Italian culture by taking my group out to different restaurants and set up my class schedule. I was also introduced to a group of other IES students that would become some of my closest friends throughout my stay in Italy. So when I say these mentors helped me throughout my stay...aaahhhh I appreciate them so much. I also like the way most classes were set up so that we had more free time to shop, go to museums, meet other IES students and explore Milan and beyond.

My study abroad experience in Milan was everything I wanted it to be and more. I got to see and do things that I never thought would be possible. I had a few mishaps while I was abroad and I genuinely don't think the staff at IES could have been more helpful. I think that if I were to do it all over again and start from the beginning, I would still choose IES Milan a million times over. I actually went abroad by myself and I was so scared that I wasn’t going to make friends but with the orientation that IES held and the way they do housing, by the end of the first week I had made so many lifelong friends. IES has a class schedule where most weeks you dont have class on Friday’s so not only was I able to experience Italian culture, I was also able to travel to SEVEN different countries in the three months that I was in Europe. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who loves fashion, big cities, and pasta/pizza.

Choosing to go to this program was the best decision I could've made!! The classes I took were super intriguing, the professors were super supportive, and the arranged field trips were so fun and financially incredible. Living in Milan also gives you so many great opportunities, like attending food festivals, going to Milan Fashion Week, going to a wide array of concerts, and having quick access to everywhere else in Italy and Europe. The people you will meet are super nice, and you will be so happy if you choose to go to this program!!

My experience studying abroad was life-changing. I think back to all the doubts and hesitations I had initially applying to study abroad. I was afraid of leaving my friends and family in home, I was afraid to immerse myself in an unfamiliar culture, I was afraid that I would not meet any new people, I was afraid I would be homesick...Oh, I would have never forgiven myself if I had given into these fears and did not study abroad. I made an entire new group of friends: we travelled together every weekend, we studied for our classes together, we went out to eat every night and tried new foods together (CACIO E PEPE IS NOW MY STAPLE FOOD), we explored beautiful art and architecture together (I GOT TO SEE THE LAST SUPPER IN-PERSON), we grew and developed together. We are still spending almost every minute together as we all go to Penn State (who knew I would meet new people abroad who went to the same school as me and who I never managed to meet on campus before!) And I can't forget about our guy friends who we met that are back at IU right now - they were always good sports when we would make them take tons of pictures of us. My younger self saw the Lizzie Maguire movie when she went to Rome, Italy with her class. It was in that moment that I wanted to follow her steps and go abroad to Italy. And yes, I threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome! Not only did I explore Italy (which by the way you must go on a gondola ride through Venice & go on a wine tour in the vineyards of Tuscany), but I had the opportunity to travel to 10 different countries in the span of four months (thanks to our 3 day weekends through IES Abroad). I got to live my Mamma Mia moment in Greece, go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, live in luxury at an all-inclusive (that was actually very cheap) in Menorca (an island off of Spain), ate at the oldest restaurant that was built in the 1400s in Vienna, Austria, go to afternoon tea in London, go on a tour in a vintage car through Prague, explored on a catamaran boat in Lisbon, Portugal, and experience so many exciting other opportunities. Let's not forget about the "study" part of study abroad. I actually got to learn a ton of Italian, which made it fun to converse with the locals. AND, I got to participate in a Language Exchange Program with a local Italian student, who I am still in touch with today. I got to take classes that were not offered at Penn State and were also so exciting (tons of fun field trips). I am SUPER into fashion and merchandise, so I was thrilled to take classes such as Visual Merchandising (all about retail window displays) and Managing Luxury Goods (I got to go to the Armani museum for this class). I also got super immersed with the enriching history and culture through my History of the Great Italian Cities class (because Europe has such an incredibly deep history that America does not have as we are babies compared to the age of other country's cultures). I even still got leadership experience through participating in the IES Abroad Student Council, in which I was able to collaborate with other students and provide my feedback, which was always taken into consideration. In terms of my housing, it was so cheap (like less than half the amount I pay at Penn State), and it was gorgeous. I was in a very modern apartment (and yes, there actually was AC) with my own bedroom and bathroom. It had a big kitchen and a balcony (also a super fun rooftop). There were also plenty of amenities like a gym at my apartment complex. I ended up making most of my friends at the apartment complex. So don't get too worried about not having a good living situation...Trust me, it will work out. I grew so much as an individual and developed more confidence and independence through this opportunity. I got to explore so many parts of the world. I would have never been able to do any of this if I had not studied abroad. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (not to sound too cheesy). PLEASE DON'T LET YOUR FEARS STOP YOU FROM HAVING A LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY. I am living proof that studying abroad is absolutely worth taking the leap of faith.

Studying abroad with IES was a truly life-changing experience. I had the opportunity to explore Milan and learn about the Italian culture while having fun and meeting incredible people. This was an incredible way of stepping out of my comfort zone, and I will always be grateful for this. The support that IES staff provides before and after arrival in Milan is one of a kind, they truly help you get through everything and answer any questions one may have about anything. I really appreciate their support throughout this amazing experience.

For four months, I studied and lived in Milan, Italy. I arrived in January, and as I write this, I have just completed midterms - meaning that I have completed the first half of this experience. I adapted to the Milanese way of life and embraced the culture entirely. I entirely fell in love with Milan, grown significantly more comfortable in my Italian language skills, and met so many wonderful people. Most weeks, I traveled on the weekends to other European nations; during the week, I made sure to visit a new museum or place of cultural significance. As an Italian major, this experience allowed me to finally be immersed in the subject that I have been studying for years. Although I have been fortunate to study Italian prior to my time as a student at Penn State University, I believe that being put in real-life situations has challenged me to develop my Italian skills significantly. At the doctor's office or the hair salon, I have surprised myself finding the correct Italian words, when under pressure to describe an ailment or hair color shade. Being in an Italian-speaking environment has allowed me to utilize my textbook education towards real-world application.

Four months abroad in Milan totally transformed my life. Though I am already an international student at Penn State, studying abroad again with IES brings me an entirely different experience that changes me at another level. IES has great educators with expertise and willingness to transfer their experiences and knowledge to us in a way that we can easily absorb. Overall, I love the faculty at IES and the courses they offer, I 100% enjoy them and learn so much from them. The place where I stayed for four months was kind of far but it's definitely commutable to many places in Milan.

IES Abroad did a phenomenal job of managing students amidst the pandemic to ensure we continued to be safe and continued to learn. In the 2 month period, I was able to be in Milan, it was an enriching cultural experience. I would highly recommend this program and this city to anyone who wants to learn how another part of the world lives.

Everything in Milan is so much better! The food, style, culture and language are so interesting in a way that made me want to continuously learn and experience more. My time abroad through IES has put me at peace with myself in a way I didn’t know was possible. Give me a couple of years and I’m moving to Milan! I really enjoyed the IES classes that I took like Italian and Media Communications where we went on field studies that allowed us to really immerse in the culture and learn outside of the classroom. These hands-on experiences which included a cooking class at Eataly, having conversations with students at an Italian highschool, going on set of a live Italian TV show and more, helped me to feel connected with Italian and Milanese culture beyond the surface level. I was also able to take a woman’s patternmaking/design class at a partner institution which has always been my dream and gave me a look into the Italian teaching style as well as the fashion industry. IES did a great job of ensuring that I had an internship somewhere that aligned with my experience and with what I was interested in doing. Although it had its ups and downs, I learned so much from my internship about the field it was in and about working within a different culture. I lived in the Collegio di Milano Residence Hall which gave me a completely different experience than many other students studying abroad. I lived with other Italian and foreign students, and 6 other IES students. The residence hall made my experience so much of what it was because of the incredible people I met. In the Collegio I was exposed to a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds everyday. I can proudly say that I have friends from all over the world now! 10/10 would recommend IES Milan

My experience IES Italy Today was absolutely incredible. As I arrived in Milan, I was extremely apprehensive to move to a new city especially one where I didn't speak the language or know anyone. I couldn't believe how quickly Milan became my home away from home. Milan is probably my favorite city, from the gorgeous walk from classes to the duomo, the best gelato places, the most charming neighborhoods, and of course the sandwiches at Panini Durini (a chain coffee and panini shop that is the best- think of Panera but so much better). IES does an amazing job of having events for students to get to know each other especially in the beginning which was really helpful. I can't imagine my life without this experience and the incredible friends that I know I'll be close to forever. I really enjoyed my classes while abroad and loved the field trips and extra activities outside of the classroom to really gain exposure to the area and culture. IES also has amazing trips organized, I went on the Venice and Verona trip as well as the Parma trip and absolutely loved the time I spent with my friends. I would absolutely choose this experience over again in a heartbeat.

Study abroad was the best opportunity I have ever taken. I was able to grow as a person, and truly gain awareness of the culture around me. IES did a great job of helping us adapt to being in a new place and made the experience the best it could be!

The opportunity to study abroad in Milan brought about the most joyous 3 months of my life. From the delicious food to the beautiful fashion, Milan's unique charm was unmatched. Having never traveled internationally prior to studying abroad, I was nervous that the culture shock would affect me. Thankfully enough, the IES staff made the process of cultural immersion incredibly easy and entertaining. Whether it be the program sponsored trips, or the relationships developed with CA's and professors, the IES Milan program pushed me out of my comfort zone, and as a result left me with memories that I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

My study abroad experience in Milan was so eye-opening and exciting, I wish I could go back! Not only were the courses unique and authentic to the Milanese culture, but the instructors were what really set my learning experience apart from any other semester I've spent at my home university. The professors tried their best to integrate the Italian culture, economy, and ways of living into all of my lessons, and they really put in effort to ensure their students' success and enjoyment in their classes. Outside of the exceptional education I received in Milan, I was able to hone into my personal passions of fashion and blogging, thanks to the amazing location of my apartment and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to get firsthand experience during Milan Fashion Week and Milan Design Week. The professors, staff, and community assistants also gave us inside tips to make the most of those weeks. Overall, the education, location of the city, and the endless number of things to do around the city and around Italy made this a life-changing experience for me that I will forever cherish in my heart!

My time in Milan with IES was the best four months of my life. It all started with great organization and dedication from the IES staff in Milan. Their main concern was ensuring that everyone had an unforgettable time and their safety. If any problems arose, the staff was ready to address it immediately. My apartment and living situation was great. I was preparing myself for the worst, but it was a large, modern apartment right in the heart of Milan. The selection of classes allowed me to learn about things that I would have not otherwise had the chance to back at my home school. I did not know any Italian before I arrived, but the program required us to take Italian and for that I am grateful. It was a tremendous help at restaurants, asking for directions, and talking to my coworkers at the internship IES organized for me. Many students are drawn to Italy when thinking about where to study abroad because of the food, culture, history, fashion, and climate. However, most choose to study further south in Florence or Rome, but I think Milan is the perfect place. It is a city similar to the other ones in Western Europe and the United States and because of that it is easier to get acclimated. It is also very easy to travel to the rest of Italy in the south and the rest of continental Europe to the north. There is always something to do in Milan, day and night, with green parks, amazing restaurants, and countless bars, pubs, and clubs. When I first chose Milan, everybody always asked me, "Why Milan?" and my answer was because it was the financial capital of Italy and the fashion capital of the world. I discovered the Milan is so much more than that and I cannot imagine getting to call any other place home for five months. Part of me will always be there, and that's thanks to the amazing staff at IES that run this program.

Although I've always known I would study abroad, I didn't know my destination would be Milan. I am so happy that this beautiful city became my home for a semester, with the constant support of wonderful IES staff. I lived in an Italian dorm, which gave me the opportunity to speak Italian all the time and make Italian friends. I highly recommend this option, as the ease of the metro system allowed me to get to class with no trouble at all. I soon gained a community within IES and my dorm, and I was able to experience and understand the Italian lifestyle. Moreover, IES encourages its students to explore the city and the culture; the staff updated us about fun events in Milan, scheduled "bucket list" activities with the IES Italian community assistants, and planned trips to other parts of Italy. Among many other excursions, I was able to see a concert at the famous Teatro alla Scala, visit a cake decorating festival, and explore Milan's quaint Christmas markets. Milan is known as a business and fashion capital, but it is still a mix of old and new Italy; this means that not only did I experience Milan fashion week and traverse the modern business district, but I also saw Roman ruins, had incredible food (especially aperitivo), and discovered amazing cultural centers. With the welcoming IES staff as your guide, you too can uncover the wonderful city of Milan and all of its secrets, practicing your Italian and learning about Italy's rich culture along the way. Buon viaggio!