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Student Voices – A Deep Dive Into Why a Year Abroad Is Worth It

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IES Abroad
 July 29, 2024
Leonardo Hall - Rome

If you love our Correspondent blogs as much as we do, you might remember Leonardo Hall, a blogger from Spring 2023 who studied with IES Abroad in Milan. Leonardo’s overseas journey didn’t end there, as an academic year participant he spent two semesters abroad in Milan. 

Have you been itching to leap right into the deep end with a year-long program? If so, this one is especially for you! After taking some time to reflect on his experiences, Leonardo was eager to dig into everything he learned and share his wisdom. 

Leonardo Hall - Headshot

Studying abroad in Italy for a year formed the bedrock of what I hope to be an international career and global future. 

 

Time flies; especially while studying abroad. One moment leads to the next and before you know it, your bags are packed and waiting by the front door the night before your flight home. My time abroad in Italy served as the crux of my college experience and, like many, was a journey that will be reminisced on forever. From attending football matches with a local Italian family to learning how to cook risotto from scratch; a full academic year studying abroad provided an unparalleled cultural journey. After a year of studying, interning, and living in Italy I was confident navigating foreign environments and fully immersed in the Milanese lifestyle. 

With study abroad being an experience that meshes in seamlessly with the college experience, I was fortunate enough to extend my time in Europe beyond a single semester; a decision that paid dividends in my professional and personal life. The additional five months I spent in Europe profoundly influenced my future career aspirations and goals. Ultimately, my time abroad in Milan provided me with the opportunity to acquire international work experience, expand my global network, and further develop my proficiency in foreign languages. 

This piece will outline some of the (real) benefits I noticed from spending an entire year abroad and why prospective students should consider extending their international stay. 

More Time (Abroad), More Opportunities

Interning abroad was something I never imagined having the opportunity to do. My first semester in Milan, I took classes at Bocconi University; a highly reputable partner institution in my host city. Despite the academic rigor and initial culture shock, developing international work experience was still something I wanted to pursue. Fast-forward to the beginning of my second semester overseas, I landed an internship at a venture capital company. The firm, PranaVentures, was not only an incredible opportunity to gain experience in my field; but also, exposure to working internationally. During the 12-week program I learned from investment analysts while immersed in the world of Italian venture capital. 

For me, more time studying abroad meant access to more opportunities. The most important decision you’ll have to make while abroad is sorting out your priorities amidst all these opportunities. Which experiences will have the most enrichment in the long run? When I first stepped foot on European soil in January 2023, I asked myself this question. Interning abroad is simply something that wouldn’t have been possible for me had I only stayed in Italy for one semester. I would strongly recommend that students (whether you’re considering a single semester or full year) ponder the same question to reach your goals. A longer program grants more flexibility and the opportunity to add similar, valuable experiences to your resume. 

Building International Connections

“Your network is your net worth.”  I found that during my time overseas it’s not what you know but who you know. The connections you’ll forge abroad are just as valuable as the ones you build domestically. The opportunity to build a global network was something that stood out to me when I first enrolled in the program. While four months is enough for some, a full year abroad allowed me to cultivate deeper connections with locals, peers, and professors. With Milan being such an international city, I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the globe. From Italian roommates to neighbors from Columbia, a full year allowed me to continue building my international network. 

Leonardo Hall - Football Match

Learning to Live & Speak Like a Local

Learning a new language is a precious process that takes time. It will not happen overnight. Typically learning a language compounds with everyday activities. Living in Italy was tremendous when it came to learning Italian. Speaking Italian daily at grocery stores, coffee shops, and in class meant by the conclusion of the program I was comfortable with the language. Additionally, unique situations were always present to practice the language in real-world contexts. 

One time, I was running late for my train in Sicily and needed directions. I had to rely on my Italian to ask for help since no one spoke English. Combined with trips to other cities in the country like Rome,  Verona, and Venice; my time abroad provided extensive opportunities to accelerate my proficiency  in foreign languages.  

Experience A Year of Cultural Immersion

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”  This proverb is attributed to the late Saint Ambrose, which highlights when visiting foreign lands, it’s best to follow the customs of those who live there. 

Leonardo Hall - Host Family

This ideology is beneficial for students studying in foreign countries, as a successfully integrating and experiencing your host city like a local led to a more enriching experience. With superstores like Walmart and Costco dominant in America; nothing of that magnitude exists in Italy. Instead, the alternatives were smaller boutiques and medium-sized grocery shops within the city. For me, massive grocery hauls became less frequent and found myself shopping in smaller increments like a local. With multiple grocery stores and markets within a half mile from apartment, grabbing something or prepping meals with roommates became quick and manageable, which was a new experience for me. 

Transportation shares a similar note. Back home in the United States owning a car is almost required to get around the country whereas, in Europe, I was conditioned that walking and effective public transportation supersedes all. Food is another topic on itself I could easily write an article on. The adjustment to eating cleaner food, reduced portion sizes, and late dinners were all welcomed changes. 

As you sit back and reflect on your journey home, prepare to bear witness to all the psychological and physical effects of a year’s worth of cultural immersion. By the end of the program, you will certainly notice changes in both your attitude and worldview. One change I experienced was my style. Milan is a very fashionable city, and one of the four fashion capitals of the world. The city is dominated by famous luxury brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Dolce & Gabbana; making it a hub for models and home to fashion week. As a result, the locals in Milan are naturally fashionable, and their style gradually influenced me. Enjoy it! From changes in your habits, perspective, and (in my case) fashion; you will slowly pick up new habits from locals in your new international space. 

One change I experienced was my style. Milan is a very fashionable city, and one of the four fashion capitals of the world. The city is dominated by famous luxury brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Dolce & Gabbana; making it a hub for models and home to fashion week. As a result, the locals in Milan are naturally fashionable, and their style gradually influenced me. Enjoy it! From changes in your habits, perspective, and (in my case) fashion; you will slowly pick up new habits from locals in your new international space. 

It Can Come with Challenges

Just like you’ll undoubtably be challenged in your first semester abroad, the second one will still come with its own situations that may arise. A popular concern for students is getting a year’s worth of credits abroad while fulfilling major requirements. While most credits transfer seamlessly, keep in mind that there may be a course that doesn’t convert exactly as planned and may be marked as excess. If major requirements are stopping you for going abroad for a year, I would implore you to look into courses offered by local partner universities that IES Abroad has partnered with. 

Your study abroad office should be able to help you with course credit transfer equivalents. Local partner universities in your host city can offer an even more diverse catalog of course catalogs, many of which are tailored to many different areas of study. I studied at Bocconi University to help satisfy some of my upper division requirements for my home school. Being among the world’s top research institutions in economics, Bocconi was the perfect partner institution for me to meet graduation requirements for my home school, not to mention it’s great to have featured on a resume!  

Leonardo Hall - Internship

Keep in mind that some credits will inevitably be worked in as general education or excess — it’s okay. Aside from courses focused on Business and Italian during my time abroad, I also took a cooking class and even a history course on fascism! These classes constituted as elective courses, but that’s the purpose of being abroad — engaging in opportunities you wouldn’t have access to in your own country. Don’t write off a program right away because you’re worried about not having enough course options to sustain the credits you need for a full year. Things like Partner Universities, part-time internships, etc. offer tons of options for you to stay on track! In essence, partner institutions were an effective strategy for me in nailing courses I needed that the IES Abroad Center didn’t offer.

If you’re in need of extra flexibility with your coursework, you might benefit from looking into programs that include a partner institution. Other than academics, being in a new and unfamiliar environment for an extended period of time can lead to feelings of homesickness. Stay connected with loved ones through technology and be sure to establish a routine; these actions will help alleviate these feelings over time. 

Additionally, keep in mind that friends and family are able to visit during the program; so, you can personally give them a tour of the Eiffel Tower if you’re studying in Paris or the Colosseum if you’re studying in Rome. On top of that, full year students have the added benefit of breaks between programs which can be used to return home, recharge, and reconnect before resuming your studies abroad. 

By now, it’s clear that I strongly believe studying abroad is a valuable experience. Hopefully, you’ve also come to recognize the benefits that come with committing to a full academic year overseas. Four months isn’t enough time to fully explore and take advantage of all the opportunities without missing out. Treat yourself to the full experience and consider studying abroad for an entire year! 

Even after a full year in Italy, I can't wait for my next trip back! 

 

Leonardo Hall - Palermo

Leonardo Hall (IES Abroad Milan, Academic Year 2023) recently graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a B.A. in International Business and Economics. He studied abroad in Italy on the Milan Business Studies program where he took courses on Business and Italian. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in finance after completing his master’s degree. Outside of academics and work, Leonardo enjoys running, traveling, and cooking a variety of pasta. 

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