Program Reviews

My time in London was super fun!

I was interning at an independent social media and digital marketing agency called The Social Shop. I was able to learn so much about curating content properly for clients’ social media, how to do search engine optimisation for blog posts, and how to research and write blog posts that consistently reflected their clients’ brand image.

Being apart of the Global Experiences program, I was able to meet some really cool people that were super fun to hang out with and talk to.

In the program, they took us on these really fun and interesting day trips during the weekend so that we got to see London outside of the city! There was, of course, to explore the UK too and those were equally just as enjoyable because I was able to socialise with other students who were in the program with me.

The 8 weeks of this program went by so fast which still surprised me even though Global Experiences did say that it would speed by.

The program makes it easy to match you to an internship. Once on-site, your advisor checks in with you throughout about your internship. They also offer fun activities included in the program that allow you to see more of the city. On the other side, this program is on the pricier side and living in Sydney is expensive. The city is a great place to explore from the markets, beaches, and surfing to the surrounding national parks and wildlife, there is always something to do. One thing I wish was different about the internship placement process is the clarity in the roles/tasks of the internship specifically for the period you are interning for, where I noticed with mine as well as other interns that it was not what they expected in terms of the assigned roles. Overall, I had a great experience and would not trade it!

I met the most amazing friends during this experience, and also got to travel a lot which was top of my list. I personally felt like I had a really good match for my internship and was satisfied. However, I hesitate recommending this program due to the number of girls who were unsatisfied with their internships and were not able to get new ones. The communication in general is not the best, however Lucy Boscan who is the location coordinator for interns in Rome was extremely helpful. She truly cared about helping us even if she didn’t always have the power to make the decisions.

My summer abroad in Milan was a great opportunity and an experience I will always be grateful for. I’ve made memories traveling around Italy, eating delicious foods, seeing amazing sites, and spending time with the other students in my program. Thanks to our program coordinators we had a variety of group events that allowed us to meet each other. Although my internship placement wasn’t what I was expecting, living abroad allowed me to gain independence and immerse myself in a culture I have grown to really enjoy.

I had such an amazing time being an intern in a foreign country. This big step into independence at the entry stages of adulthood has helped me to understand an international work environment and has allowed me to immerse myself into new opportunities that I am forever thankful for. The people that I have met during my time abroad helped make my experience what it was. Having known none of them coming into the program, it was amazing to see how close we all became after sharing these unique experiences and moments together in Italy.

My time in Florence was an extraordinary chapter of my life, enriched by an incredible learning experience at C-YourCulture. Having the best boss imaginable, I delved into a world of knowledge that expanded my horizons. The team's warm embrace fostered a sense of belonging, and in a remarkably short span, I absorbed a wealth of knowledge from their expertise.

The AIFS team played an instrumental role, their swift responses and warm reception smoothing my transition into a new culture. Their meticulously curated events were nothing short of spectacular. The enchanting wine tours stand out vividly – a delightful symphony of stunning landscapes, sumptuous food, and an array of fine wines. An unexpected gift of a bottle of exquisite white sparkling wine from a winery added to the enchantment.

One of the highlights was a serene boat ride on the Florence river, accompanied by champagne – an idyllic scene that etched itself into my memory. Sharing two exquisite dinners at charming restaurants showcased the city's culinary prowess, leaving a lasting impression.

However, it was the people who truly defined this experience. From the kind-hearted companions on the journey, we transformed into a close-knit family. We explored the city, prepared meals, and shared laughter during wine nights. Nights at bars and nightclubs were a blast, cementing memories of joy and camaraderie.

Reflecting on this journey, I wholeheartedly advocate for anyone considering studying abroad. It's a rare, irreplaceable experience that not only broadens academic horizons but also instills a profound appreciation for different cultures. Florence will forever hold a cherished place in my heart, and the bonds formed are a testament to the magic of venturing beyond one's comfort zone.

I really loved my experience here in Milano between going to museums and going out with my new friends! The no AC was a bit hard at times, but with a fan it was doable. I spent the weekends reading in cafes with a caffe doppio (of course) and walking around the city. Also, meeting new Italian friends was for sure a big highlight. The flea markets in Navigli on the weekends were so comforting to walk through and I ended up getting a digital camera which I use all the time! I hope to keep in contact with the people I met in this program and those from Italy!

I'm so happy I decided come here! for my last year at UC Davis. I did have major culture shock coming into this, and I feel like it took me at least 5 weeks to finally get used to everything, but it was all worth it. I think if I started learning the language prior to going on this trip, it would have helped a lot because communication is what I struggled the most with for both my internship and everyday life. Overall though, there's never a dull moment in Milan, and the main area of criticism I have would be to have AC or fans in the houses for when we arrive.

I had a lot of ups and downs but ultimately I came away with a lot of amazing memories and life experiences I never thought I would have. I feel as though I have grown a lot as a person because of the opportunities I had. We were given a lot of freedom and a lot of chances to challenge ourselves personally and professionally. The 8 weeks felt both long and short. In particular I appreciated the days in which we had opportunity to travel and explore Italy and its amazing culture and scenery. I would do this program all over again if I could.

Cons:
- apartment had no AC, we were given money to buy a fan, but it would’ve been better if it was included right from the beginning. Had to compare fan prices, buy a reasonably priced one, then had to carry it home on a hot day

- maintenance took weeks to fix hot water problems, didn’t provide every bedroom with a trash can from the start, didn’t communicate with us effectively

- a classmate who arrived to Milan before me took my room for the whole summer and didn’t inform me before hand

- Milan can be difficult for POC to get used to, was the only Asian in my internship, finding authentic authentic Asian restaurants was really challenging

- had to figure out public transportation on our own, would’ve appreciated navigation instructions to and from the Italian school

Pros:
- Amanda was amazing, responded quickly, helped me locate my missing luggage

- my internship placement was a good fit, learned a lot, very rewarding, helped me decide career paths

- coworkers were super nice at A-Tono

- lots of beautiful places to visit

- lots of personal growth thanks to this program