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IES Abroad Milan

IES Abroad Milan

IES Abroad
IES Abroad
4.92 · 100 reviews
Community Choice Award Winner
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IES Abroad

 4.92 · 100 reviews
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Location
  • Italy
    • Milan
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Subject Areas
Art History Business Communications Cultural Studies Fashion Design Film History International Business International Relations Literature Music Political Science Psychology Sociology +4
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety
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Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

What's Included
Accommodation Classes Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Visa
Feb 19, 2026
Nov 04, 2025
Wish List
52 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Ciao e benvenuti in Italia! Milan is a wonderful blend of classic architecture and Italian culture as well as a global center for finance, education, commerce, design, and fashion.

With a wide range of majors to choose from, students can enjoy the flexibility to choose what program will best fit their academic goals. This study abroad opportunity welcomes students of all Italian language levels, whether they speak no Italian whatsoever or are fluent. Featured programs include Art, Music, Business, Engineering, Italian Language, Design and Fashion, as well as Social Sciences.

Milan will be your classroom. Only in Milan can you marvel at the grandeur of the Duomo, see the artistic detail of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” in person, and find classical manuscripts at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana. In addition to the academics, students will also enjoy the ability to participate in field trips, ranging from a weekend in Tuscany to a ski weekend. Welcome to study abroad!

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Students praise the program’s strong support, immersive housing options, and rich cultural experiences in Milan.

AI-generated summary from verified community reviews Read reviews →

Video and Photos

Student poses in front of Duomo
Study Abroad with IES Abroad in Milan
Students walk on the tarmac in front of the mountains
A student poses with their IES Abroad Milano tote bag
The state-of-the-art library in the new Milan Center!
A student poses excitedly with her pizza!
A music student plays the piano in the Center
Students hang out in the lounge in IES Abroad Milan
IES Abroad Milan Center

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

At IES Abroad, we believe that studying and interning abroad is not just for a specific type of student, it is for everyone, no matter how they identify. We're excited that you've already taken the first step and started looking into your study abroad options, but we know that as a student of color, or as a non-American student, you may have a few other concerns. What is it like being a Black student Abroad? An Asian student abroad? A Latinx student abroad? A non-American student on a majority-American student program? We've got you!
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Today, and every day, we celebrate who you are and who you will become. We take pride in simply getting to know you, and look forward to adventuring through this incredible world with you.

Studying abroad as part of the LGBTQIA+ community can present unique opportunities and challenges in exploring a new culture, so we have compiled resources to help prepare you and support you along the way.
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Going abroad, whether this is your first time or your umpteenth, can be a trip both literally and figuratively. Seeing something new or being someplace unfamiliar has its own challenges, especially when it comes to mental health. With IES Abroad, you won't handle these concerns on your own.

We have not only compiled resources on mental health and self-care to help prepare you and support you along the way, but we also have a dedicated Student Affairs staff that are available for you to contact from the United States and once in your host country.
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We understand the complexities of navigating a new city when physical accessibility feels uncertain. With IES Abroad, you won't handle these concerns on your own—we have a dedicated Student Affairs staff that are available for you to contact from the United States and once in your host country so you can prepare for the adventure of a lifetime and live it to the fullest once you’re abroad.
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Impact 🌎

As part of IES Abroad's Global Good Commitment, IES Abroad employs sustainability measures in the following ways:
- Moving toward more sustainable Headquarters and Centers abroad
- Producing printed materials on 100% recycled paper with soy-based ink and in fewer quantities
- Hosting events and conferences in LEED-certified buildings
- Purchasing carbon offsets for staff air travel
- The formation of the IES Abroad Sustainability Team—a dedicated group of volunteers responsible for implementing sustainable practices across our organization. The team comprises of members across our Centers, departments, teams. It is truly a global effort, and we are better for it.
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Program Highlights

  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere, charming culture, and delectable foods native to Milan.
  • Choose to live in a homestay, local apartment, or dormitory; all three of which provide a unique cultural experience and connections to Milan residents.
  • Take an Italian language course (included) and explore optional internship opportunities and subject-related field trips.
  • Enjoy trips that highlight the true beauty of Italy, such as excursions to Tuscany, Sicily, the Alps, and Lake Maggiore.
  • Climb to the top of Il Duomo, stroll the fashionable streets of Via Montenapoleone, or wander the grounds of the Sforzesco Castle--all quickly accessible from anywhere in the city.

Popular Programs

group of smiling with city skyline behind them

IES Abroad Milan – Engineering, Math & Science

You will have the opportunity to take courses at the IES Abroad Milan Center while also enrolling in local partner institutions— including English-taught classes at Politecnico di Milano (Spring only), one of Europe’s most prestigious engineering universities. Through this program students can also study at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, one of Italy’s most prestigious universities, with over a century of academic excellence in the heart of Milan.

student poking her head into view on a balcony on top of the Duomo di Milano

IES Abroad Milan – Business Studies

We provide one-of-a-kind courses that explore the world of business, as well as a wide variety of courses focusing on contemporary issues in Italy. Take an elective in Art History, Political Science, or Photography to create a diverse course load. Round out your study abroad education with the required Italian language classes that are tailored to your skill level. You can also enroll in a local university course to learn about international business alongside Italian and international students.

two students performing, one singing, one playing the harp

IES Abroad Milan – Music: Voice, Comp & Instrument

As a music student in Milan, you have the opportunity to work with world-class musicians, soak up the local music scene, perform at a variety of venues, and attend a wide range of performances. At the Center, there is a full range of opportunities for instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, and performance majors, and partnerships with the Civica Scuola di Musica, the Conservatorio G. Verdi, La Verdi Symphonic Choir and Orchestra and more!

student standing in front of a rack of clothing in a sunlit room

IES Abroad Milan – Fashion Design & Merchandising

Our Fashion Design & Merchandising Program offers a holistic fashion experience. Encounter the sources of global trends in business, design, tailoring, fabrics and materials, modeling, and marketing. Learn about the business of fashion from local experts and professors from the best universities in Milan. Join the Milanese design and tailoring scene through practicum courses at professional fashion institutes offering hands-on lessons in clothing and accessory creation.

Students posing with celebrity in Milan

IES Abroad Milan Summer - Business

Experience Milan like a local student this summer, in one of Europe's iconic hubs for global business and finance. What better place to bolster your business studies than in a city that’s at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship—home to world-renowned companies like Giorgio Armani, Bugatti, and Pirelli?

Program Reviews

4.92 Rating
based on 100 reviews
Leave a Review
  • 5 rating 92%
  • 4 rating 8%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.25
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.8
  • Housing 4.8
  • Safety 4.85
Good for Students, Foodies, Adventure travelers
Showing 89 - 96 of 100 reviews
Hannah
33
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Milan, you stole my heart

Apr 16, 2014

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.

106 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Jewel
33
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living La Vita Bella

Apr 10, 2014

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.

91 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Julia
33
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

La bella vita

Apr 8, 2014

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

What would you improve about this program?
I would've liked to know my housing, class registration, and academic calendar information sooner than they sent it out.
101 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Read my full story
Kate
33
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AMAZING

Mar 28, 2014

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.

What would you improve about this program?
The living costs in Milan are very expensive.
100 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Read my full story
jortizquezada
33
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Da togliere il fiato

Mar 26, 2014

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.

What would you improve about this program?
I would probably have offered more help for the students who didn't take courses at IES as managing the Italian university system on my own was difficult.
102 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Kimi
33
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IES Abroad Milan

Mar 26, 2014

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.

What would you improve about this program?
My biggest problem was that the program was advertised as a business studies program, but only provided one class that was through IES.
96 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
mmalon11
33
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Phenomenal Experience

May 31, 2012

Studying Abroad in Milan was an unforgettable experience and amazing opportunity. Especially since Milan is not a popular tourist destination, you are able to fully immerse yourself in the city and Italian culture. Milan is a thriving city in Italy and offers plenty of things to do. It has a deep cultural roots, especially in design, art, and fashion. Not only is the city great, the IES staff is absolutely wonderful. While it may seem intimidating at first, the IES staff does a great job allowing the students to become independent, responsible adults. They do not "hold your hand" through the process, which allows for personal growth. The program offers a variety of classes, catering to the student's needs. I would highly recommend the program to students interested in studying abroad. My studies in Milan served as both excellent educational and cultural experiences that I will always remember.

111 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
tdemet01
33
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Italy was awesome

May 27, 2012

Milan was great and the program was one of the best and I had a lot of fun with both the people that were part of the program and also the student that were in the program.

Bonus tip: Definitely check out a soccer game in Milan. The atmosphere alone is amazing!

110 people found this review helpful.
Helpful

Questions & Answers

Is it possible for high school students to take up this program?
Answer this question
Is it difficult to make friends if you do not know anyone going? How does the roommate and living situation work?

For my particular program, there were a few different options for housing - homestay, apartment (with other American students), or Italian dormitory. I chose the Italian dorm, since I wanted to meet Italian students my age and be completely immersed in the language. I didn't have to worry about roommates, since I had a single room, but everyone shared the kitchen and other dorm facilities; it was...

By Lindsay Hexter on January 29, 2018

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Kathleen Blehl

Program
IES Abroad Milan
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Why did you choose this program?

I chose IES Abroad Milan based on three reasons: academics, internship opportunities, and housing options.

Foremost, I choose this program because I liked that the program offered classes which I couldn't take at Villanova, such as Luxury Fashion Management, and Photography. Additionally, I really liked that the program offered students the opportunity to take classes at local universities in addition to IES. Through this, I was able to take classes at both Bocconi and Cattolica.

Secondly, I chose this program because of the internship component. While abroad, I wanted to continue to develop my professional skills in a global setting and participating in a fashion internship in Milan allowed me to do just that.

Lastly, I chose this program because I really liked the wide variety of housing options. I was able to choose between an apartment, dorm, or host family. This was very important to me because my apartment placement greatly impacted my experience.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The IES Abroad staff in Milan was unbelievably supportive and eager to make Milan feel like home by setting up our housing arrangements, organizing cultural events, dinners, and trips, ensuring our classes aligned with the requirements from our home universities, and being there for us whenever we had a problem or just wanted to talk.

It is important to note that while IES abroad did organize 2-3 weekend trips, the students were responsible for organizing any other outside trips.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I think my best advice for someone going on this program would be to remember the importance of getting to know your host city. This important point is often overlooked as students are so eager to travel and explore other countries that they forget what's right in from of them.

You can always travel to other countries in the future, but you may only have one opportunity to truly live and immerse yourself in a foreign country for an extended period of time.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

For me, there really was no "typical" day or week in Milan, aside from attending class and working at my internship.

I don't like routine, and therefore, was always trying new restaurants and exploring new places in Milan. At the beginning of each week, I would make a list of restaurants, bars, and cultural activities that I wanted to do that week. I did this because I didn't want to leave at the end of the program and say, "I wish I had done more".

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Since I studied abroad in Milan for an entire academic year, my biggest fear was leaving my family for such a long time. This fear was even greater for me since my dad is 92-years-old (yes, you read that correctly).

Since I had never been away from them for so long, this was definitely an adjustment for me. Despite missing my family, I was able to overcome this fear by focusing on being in the present moment, surrounding myself with people who became my "family" while I was away, and reminding myself that my family back home was proud of me for following my dreams.

In the future, if and when I go on another similar adventure, I have confidence that I can overcome this fear and any others that may arise.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

I really enjoyed working on my fashion blog during my free time as this encompassed observing trends, shopping at local boutiques, exploring new areas, and connecting with photographers. I say this encompassed so many tasks because it truly did!

Each morning before class, I would sit in a bar or at a park with my notebook, and observe styles and trends that I liked. The streets were like a personal runway, filled with inspiration at every corner. After I jotted down styles I liked, I would pick a different neighborhood in Milan and go shopping at the local boutiques there. I really don't like shopping at mass, fast fashion companies like H&M and Zara, so this allowed me to find unique pieces, and even practice my Italian by talking to local shop owners.

Additionally, by picking a new neighborhood to shop in, I was able to explore the many different areas of Milan and find hidden gems in each one. Lastly, and quite arguably my favorite part of this process, was connecting with photographers. Whenever I traveled with students from IES, I would see if anyone had a professional camera. I found two students who did, and we were able to collaborate and create content that we were both proud of.

About IES Abroad

IES Abroad provides opportunities for students to thrive abroad with program options that fit majors and interests—backed by a high-quality, immersive experience, on-site support, impactful financial aid, and an inclusive community. IES Abroad experiences are: - Priced for quality - Fully supported 24/7, including time-saving visa support and...

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