CIEE College Study Abroad in Milan, Italy

I loved studying abroad with CIEE in Milan. Milan was a fantastic homebase to travel around and explore the urban lifestyle. CIEE staff was extremely supportive throughout the experience. Group excursions were a really fun way to explore the Italian culture and make new connections with other students. There was a lot of opportunities to experience all different aspects of Italian culture, and learning to work in another culture was extremely enriching. I would definitely recommend this program!

Spending my summer in Milan as part of a global internship program was one of the most impactful and exciting experiences of my college journey so far. I interned at Stecca 3, a community-focused organization that works with different groups across Milan to promote cultural, educational, and environmental initiatives. Through my role, I got to contribute in multiple ways—interviewing people from diverse backgrounds, helping plan activities for kids, and assisting with translating content into English for their website and social media platforms. It was meaningful work that challenged me to think creatively, adapt quickly, and communicate across cultures.

This internship gave me a better understanding of what it’s like to work in a nonprofit setting and confirmed my interest in a career where I can help people and make a positive impact. I developed important skills like time management, teamwork, and public speaking—all in a different country and language, which made it even more rewarding. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I also learned how to work independently and manage projects with minimal guidance, which gave me a new level of confidence in my abilities.

Outside of the internship, living in Milan was an adventure in itself. Milan is a vibrant, fast-paced city with incredible architecture, fashion, and history around every corner. I loved exploring the Duomo, walking through Brera, grabbing coffee in quiet courtyards, and having aperitivo in Navigli at sunset. I even picked up some Italian just from being immersed in the culture. On weekends, I had the chance to travel to other parts of Italy, including Lake Como, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre. Each place had its own unique charm and gave me a deeper appreciation for Italian culture and history.

This summer was not just about professional growth—it was about personal growth too. Living abroad helped me become more independent, open-minded, and adaptable. It taught me how to balance work and life in a new environment, how to navigate public transportation in a foreign city, and how to stay present and make the most of every moment. I met amazing people from around the world, made lifelong memories, and came home feeling more inspired and motivated than ever.

I’m so grateful I took this leap and spent my summer in Milan. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that helped shape not only my resume, but also my perspective on the world and what I want for my future. I would recommend a global internship to anyone looking to gain valuable experience while immersing themselves in a new culture—you won’t regret it.

I had a great experience abroad, the housing was wonderful and close to transportation. There were many activities and trips to nearby cities involved throughout the program especially during Fashion week. I liked the emails sent to us every week with activities we could sign up for and notifications of anything going on it definitely helped me know what was going on. It was easy to meet other students as we were all together upon arrival and in the same housing. The ciee staff were always really sweet and helpful I definitely enjoyed my time and wish I stayed longer!

CIEE is a wonderful organization as a study abroad resource. While attending the Milan study abroad program, the staff was resourceful in messaging and information. They hold an introductory meeting and cover all your questions the first day abroad. They were there for me whenever I had additional questions or sought recommendations. Their internship program was the one I completed, and they did a good job of reviewing my interests and aspirations and pairing me with an appropriate employer. The outings they hosted were fun and were mostly engaging. As it was the first semester they’ve held in Milan, they did a pretty great job, and still have much room to improve.

As someone who isn't a fashion major, I took this class as a chance to grow personally and expand my knowledge. I have always been fascinated by Italian culture, and exploring it through the lens of fashion seemed like the perfect approach. This course in Milan offered me profound insights into Italian culture, rituals, fashion, history, and lifestyle. We went on numerous excursions around northern Italy and within the city itself. It was a fantastic experience where I learned a great deal while enjoying visits to various fashion exhibitions.