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

Program Details

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

Pricing

Price Details
Contact IES Abroad or see website for details: www.IESabroad.org/milan
What's Included
Accommodation Classes Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Visa
Jul 07, 2022
Sep 14, 2022
22 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, 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!

Video and Photos

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

No matter what level of Italian you speak, we invite you to study here and experience Milan’s rich culture. You are placed in an Italian language course that’s been designed for you based on your language level. Our Italy Today Program offers you courses in liberal arts and social sciences, all of which address aspects of contemporary Italian society. You can also take courses at a local university—maybe you’ll even make some Italian friends while you’re at it.

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

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

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

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.

Scholarships

IES Abroad Scholarships

IES Abroad Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financial limitations shouldn't prevent you from studying abroad with us. That's why IES Abroad offers more than $6 million in scholarships and aid. IES Abroad offers a number of diversity scholarships and grants to provide opportunities for traditionally underrepresented communities in study abroad.

Value
$500 - $5,000

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating
based on 86 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.02%
  • 4 rating 6.98%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.25
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.8
  • Housing 4.8
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 86 reviews
Default avatar
Max
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IES Milan is awesome!

I chose to go to Milan for multiple reasons, all which held true. First the food. As an Italian food fanatic, living in Italy was heaven. Only the best and most fresh food every day. Second was the location. Milan's central location in Europe and three major airports makes flying to any other European city quick and easy. Lastly, Italy's diverse geography and culture provided for an amazing new destination every weekend. The IES staff were always very nice and supportive, and ensured that I had the best experience possible.

Pros
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Culture
21 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Caitlin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life-changing experience!

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.

Pros
  • Easy to travel from Milan
  • Classes are unique and engaging
  • The food is heavenly
Cons
  • Be aware of your surroundings - there are a ton of pick-pocketers!
22 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alejandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Experience of my Life

Studying abroad with IES was an incredible and life-changing experience. The support I received from the staff before and after departure was very helpful and they were always there if I had any questions about anything. IES made a great job at smoothing my transitioning into living in a place far away from home for one semester. I really appreciate everything that IES did for me as the process for the Italian student Visa as a non-US Citizen was a little overwhelming, and the staff was very helpful and supportive.

Pros
  • very organized
  • planned fun activities
Cons
  • really big group of participants
  • designed specifically for American students
23 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Wan Chen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IES Abroad- Italy Today

I decided to go to Milan because fashion has been my greatest passion ever since I was a kid. I had high expectations before going to Milan, and Milan certainly didn't fall short of them. IES offers so many great educators who are extremely knowledgeable in the field of fashion, and one of the professors who teaches management of fashion and luxury businesses actually inspired me so much and answered so many of my questions regarding fashion. She was patient with me and willing to share her resources with students who are interested in fashion.

Pros
  • Easy transportation to other cities
  • Food is awesome
  • Fashion capital gives you immersive experiences
Cons
  • Petty crimes are prevalent
  • Metro workers sometimes strikes
24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alexandria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of a life time experience!

Milan is a beautiful city and I am so glad I chose to study abroad there! I can't say enough positive things about my experience in Milan and my experience with IES. The program was so proactive about making sure students were ready to embark on this journey and followed through with their support once we arrived. Another one of the huge reasons I chose to study abroad with IES in Milan was because of the opportunity to complete an internship. I knew this was something I wanted to do and would give me a unique experience to put on my resume. The IES internship coordinator was extremely helpful in finding a placement for me that matched up with my career goals and desires. I ended up completing a marketing internship for the British School of Milan. Everyone was so welcoming and always made sure I was comfortable with the work I was assigned, not to mention answered any of my questions. Lastly, I had a great housing experience with IES. I chose the apartment option and had 6 roommates. Our apartment was spacious and in a great location, about a 15 -20 min walk from Duomo! I lived in Brera and that neighborhood and they are known for having superb restaurants! I never had a bad meal while I was over there!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking experience was definitely when I was first landed in Italy and had to navigate through the airport to find IES. There are IES representatives at the airport but I did not travel with anyone I knew so being completely by myself in a foreign country was a little nerve-racking. Try and make friends while your waiting for your flight! Chances are, there are other students who are traveling from the same as airport as you! IF you can find a buddy to look for once you get off the plane it will definitely ease your nerves for sure!
69 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Tolu
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nothing Was the Same!

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!

The faculty at IES Milan also played a huge role in shaping my experience abroad. Each of my teachers truly cared about me as not just a student, but also a person. They went out of their way to offer advice, recommendations and helpful tips so that we could have the best possible experience in Milan.

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!

I love that IES Milan offers so many different opportunities for students to fully engage and connect with the culture. WIthout the classes, internships, living options and trips, my time abroad wouldn’t have been as successful or as life-changing as it was.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take every opportunity to go out of your comfort zone, talk to locals and visit Milan's hidden gems!
58 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kandise
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I found my voice abroad!

Patrizia (the voice teacher) is caring and very informative in recomending rep. Truly, studying with her infinitely changed my voice-- for the better! As well, there are plenty of performance opportunities, even if you are not in an ensemble or performance class. As well, the Italian classes were informative about Milanese culture and Italian history. The upper level classes are engaging and thought provoking. Some of the classes in other disciplines are very easy and feel like introductory classes, even though they are marketed as upper level courses. The IES Abroad faculty and staff are caring and considerate towards any mental or physical health issues you may run into!

What would you improve about this program?
Some of the classes in other disciplines are very easy and feel like introductory classes, even though they are marketed as upper level courses. As well, students living in the Collegio di Milano were not provided a singular Community Assistant, so maneuvering the city was difficult in the beginning
67 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Milanese Adventure

I had the amazing opportunity to study and intern abroad in Milan through IES. I absolutely loved my experience in Milan, and the IES team was extremely helpful in preparing me for my time abroad. I especially appreciated how easy they made the pre-departure experience. They helped with all preparation aspects, from the visa process to packing for 4 months away!

While there, I took classes in subjects I was interested in that helped me learn more about Italian culture and contributed to my major. Through my internship, I expanded my cultural awareness and developed skills I know will be beneficial in future work experiences.

I also had the opportunity to explore the city and other parts of Italy through field trips IES planned. Whether it be taking cooking lessons, touring historical sites in Milan, or flying to the south of Italy, I will remember these experiences forever. I am grateful that IES planned them because I would not have been able to do them on my own, and they made my abroad experience even more amazing.

The apartment I lived in was also great. It was in a safe area and was very secure. The Italian student living with us, called a CA, was extremely helpful and helped me adjust quickly!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers would be to take advantage of everything Milan has to offer. In my opinion, the best way to do this is by just walking around the city. It is a great city to explore on foot; it is also very safe. I spent so much time just walking around discovering small local caffes, where I talked to locals; little boutiques; and beautiful historical sites. I would also advise travelers to take advantage of free art museums! In addition to the larger, more famous galleries, there are vibrant, smaller ones you can find with just a little research.
60 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

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...