IES Abroad Milan

Milan's music program is something to be envied. Though the program usually comprises about 20 students, I was in a group of only 7 musicians, which honestly only improved my experience. Because of our small group, we were able to take advantage of incredible musical opportunities such as performances at La Scala (including the premiere of Berlioz's Les Troyens for only a 25 euro co-pay), Scuola Civica, il Conservatorio G. Verdi, Auditorium di Milano, and other smaller venues around the city.

Though primarily a student of music history and theory, I was also able to take voice lessons for no additional cost with an incredible instructor, Patrizia Zanardi, and audition for Milan's LaVerdi Coro Sinfonico, with which (whom?) I performed Benjamin Britten's War Requiem in a performance space comparable to Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall - by far the most challenging piece I've ever attempted, and in an all-Italian environment.

In addition to my music classes and extra-curriculars, I took two Italian classes - language and literature. Both were challenging (especially the literature class) but ultimately were the best language classes I've taken (after two years of Italian back home), and while I'm not fluent, my language skills improved greatly across the board.

Bottom line: if you're a musician and you are motivated, the IES Milan staff (especially the director, Roberto Andreoni) can help to make whatever you need or want to happen. If you're only going abroad to take a break from school and go to a different club every night, you're in the wrong place. It's a great music program but you need to take the first step.

I had the absolute best time in Milan thanks to IES. Everyone who worked there helped to show me an amazing side of Milan that made it such a wonderful experience. I got sick once and one the CA's, Lorenza, was incredibly sweet and walked me to the university's health clinic and she made me feel completely comfortable and I didn't feel like I was sick in a different country where I didn't speak the language that well, she made me feel like I was sick at home.
In terms of academics, I took a film class which really helped me understand Italian culture and politics. The professor was so passionate about it and always made time after class for any discussions or questions. My favorite memory from my classes was probably this extra credit outing where I was the only one who could make it. So it was the professor, the guest speaker (an art historian), and me as they lead me through this secret museum in the fashion district where the paintings show the history of Milan. They showed me all the cool little secrets of Milan and the weird quirks of Italian culture.
The housing is also unbelievable! I was in an apartment with four other American students and our Italian CA, and I know I really lucked out with my roommates and my CA, but in terms of our living situation all of the other apartments I saw were the same amazing quality as ours. I also heard great things about the homestays. My mother was so impressed with my apartment she wrote a letter to the housing coordinator, Manuela Nigrelli, to thank her for doing such a fabulous job.
I really cannot stress how wonderful everyone was! I would choose the IES program every time.

My experience abroad was amazing. I had the opportunity to travel, try amazing food and live as a local. Every day after class I would find a new lunch spot, or try a new thing at my favorites so I had the opportunity to try everything the area had to offer. Some times it didn't work out to well and I would end up with a roll full of anchovies but it was all part of the experience. You can eat peanut butter and drive your car for the rest of your life so go our of your comfort zone! I lived with a host family and I was able to become a part of their family. It was so great to get to see how they went about their normal life and to discover the stark differences but also the similarities.

I absolutely loved my study abroad experience in Milan. Milan is an amazing city with so much to offer and IES did a great job of giving students information and opportunities to explore the city and different regions of Italy. I took 2 courses at the IES center and 2 courses at their partner institution-Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. The courses were interesting and provided cultural and academic information about Italy, which was extremely helpful! IES also helped me find an internship at an international non-profit organization in Milan, which taught me a lot about Italian and European culture and history.

Studying in Milan was the greatest experience of my life. I learned so much about myself, Italy, and the world. The best parts of IES Abroad - Milan, in my opinion, are:
1. The community assistants
2. Living in a non-touristy city
3. Italian food, culture, language, etc.
4. Ability to intern at a real Italian company
5. Having every-other Friday off of class to travel
6. Field trips for classes
7. IES-sponsored trip to Sicily and Tuscany in the fall

The professor and staff at IES Milan were so wonderful and they made my transition so easy. My classes were exciting yet challenging. The city of Milan has everything a student could every want or need. There is so much to do and see. Eating and shopping are both amazing. I made some wonderful friends during my time in Milan who I am still great friends with today.

This was the best experience of my life! The IES program is very flexible in that it allows students to either have a lot of assistance or not much. I opted to take classes at a local university and live in an Italian dorm. But the IES staff were always available to answer questions, if I need them. I really feel like I lived like an Italian during my time there. I will always appreciate IES for such an incredible experience.

I absolutely loved my experience in Milan and learned so much about the culture, language, and people. I was paired with an amazing host family who were so loving and happy, and taught me so much. I improved my Italian immensely, and my cooking skills! The classes were challenging, but not impossible, and I learned a lot about fashion, cooking, the Italian language, and photography.