The Lasting Benefits of Spending a Summer in Milan

On the last day of classes for our High School Language and Culture students, one of the CIEE high school interns interviewed a student to get her insight on her time spent abroad with CIEE in Milan!

1. What has been your favorite part of studying abroad?

My favorite part of studying abroad has been the people, especially the people in the program.  I feel like we spent everyday together, and go through the same things.  So we can really bond and make connections based off of that.

2.  What is a lesson you've learned from your time spent here?

I think one lesson has definitely been like to not take the things I have for granted.  Because here, just as an example, the washers and dryers.  People here only wash their clothes once a week and they choose a select amount of clothes for that wash.  Whereas at home, we can quickly throw in a wash whenever we want, since it doesn't cost much.  Where as here, my host mom said has to pay for each time she uses the washer and dryer.  So I've been really mindful about what I'm wearing, and hand washing things that I really want clean fast.

3. What will you miss the most about living in Milan?

I will say the scenery, because in America, all of the things are kind of the same. In Milan, it's not.  There's so much history here, like the way the buildings were constructed, it's so beautiful to see and learn about.

4. Do you think you've grown or changed at all since coming here?

I think I've grown.  I say this because of, going back to the not taking things for granted, I feel like I've become really grateful while staying here.  The things that I've learned here I'm going to start doing those things at home.  Such as a simple thing like walking everywhere, I think it's really peaceful.  That will be something really nice to start doing more of when I'm home.

Want to experience the culture, beauty, and personal growth that comes with spending a high school summer abroad in Milan? Apply today for CIEE’s Italian Language and Culture program in Milan!