Economics Study Abroad Programs in Milan, Italy

I greatly enjoyed my experience abroad with the Umbra Institute. The institution was super helpful in preparing to leave the United States and provided lots of information as well as a pre-departure module that gave us important information and a “what to expect” page. Umbra also has a super up to date webpage with blurbs from past student’s which was helpful for me to see others’ experiences. Upon arrival and throughout the semester, the staff made themselves readily available to help during the adjustment period and beyond. They encouraged us to travel and experience our semester to the fullest. The staff gave us recommendations and were hands on throughout the semester. Our professors are simply the best of the best and are super knowledgeable about their fields. The school environment is welcoming and comfortable for all students which allowed me to feel equipped for learning and experimentation. There were endless ways to get involved throughout the semester through community engagement classes, volunteer opportunities, and small group involvement. I was apart of the Umbra Reps program which was a small group of six students who helped with student activities and involvement throughout the semester. I felt like I have been able to really immerse in the culture of Perugia and experience many places this semester. I will truly miss this place and this staff so much!!

Studying abroad in Milan with IES Abroad was an absolutely incredible experience that I will cherish forever. Before applying, I always thought I’d end up in Paris or London, but I am so glad I chose Italy! There were moments throughout my time in Milan when I couldn't believe I was actually living in such a vibrant, culturally rich city. The courses I took were amazing and truly enriched my academic journey. From delving into the power of storytelling to exploring Italy's cinematic history, each class sparked my passion for both business and film. The Italian language class was especially rewarding, as it allowed me to immerse myself in the culture even more. It was a perfect blend of academic rigor and personal growth. I also loved how my commute around Milan was never a hassle—public transport was easy to navigate, and I got to enjoy the beauty of the city on a daily basis. Being exposed to Italian culture and customs made me feel like I was truly living the Italian way, from the food to the fashion to the interactions with locals. Milan itself was a stunning backdrop for my studies. From the unforgettable experience of catching celebrities at Fashion Week to discovering new areas around the city, there was always something new and exciting to explore. And it's true what they say, gelato is better than ice cream!