No matter what level of Italian you speak, we welcome you to study here, all while exploring and living immersed in the rich culture of Milan. You will be placed in an IES Abroad Italian language course that’s been designed for you based on your language level so you can make the most of your time in Italy.
Italy Today
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Fall 2025: September 01 - December 12
- Spring 2026: January 19 - May 09
- Spring 2027: Mid January - Mid May
- Fall 2026: August 31 - December 16
- Academic Year 2026-2027: Early September - Early May
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
Visa Required:
Housing:
Language of Instruction:
Language Prerequisites:
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
About the Program
New Partner University!
Starting Spring 2026, we will be offering courses at Politecnico di Milano! We encourage any Engineering student to view the sample course list and visit the Politecnico di Milano website. Check out our Partner University section below for more information.
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Chrissy Tyndall, Kaylee Brezinski & Rachael Grochowski
Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
About the Destination
Why Milan?
Ciao! Pack your bags and get ready to indulge in the culture of this modern city that is known for its world-class art, architecture, design, business and finance activities, and fashion. Absorb everything that Milan has to offer through IES Abroad Milan’s wide variety of courses, internships, and unforgettable cultural activities.
The Student Experience
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Program Dates
Fall 2025
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Application Deadline:
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
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Spring 2027
Program Dates:
Fall 2026
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Academic Year 2026-2027
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Academics
Partner University Disclaimer
Due to recent changes, we will not be able to offer partner university courses at Istituto Europeo di Design during the Spring 2026 semester. We are currently working with Milano Fashion Institute (MFI) to determine if partner university courses will be available during the Spring 2026 semester. More information regarding MFI will be available later this Fall.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
Partner Institutions
Politecnico di Milano
Founded in 1863, Politecnico is Milan's oldest university and the largest technical university in Italy. One of the top design and engineering schools in the world, notable alumni include Nobel laureate Giulio Natta and renowned architect Renzo Piano. Students will have the option of taking English-taught engineering courses at the Leonardo campus, located roughly 30 minutes away from the IES Abroad Milan center. For a sample of course offerings, click here. For more information, view the website below.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components.
You take 15–19 credits per semester.
- IES Abroad Italian language course at your proficiency level (required, 4 or 6 credits)
- English-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)
- English- or Italian-taught IES Abroad elective courses (optional, 3 credits each)
- Internship and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
- Community-based learning placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
IES Abroad Courses
Architecture (1)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES/AT/US 315 - Urban Design and Sustainability | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution Courses
Enrolling in a partner university course is a great way to meet Italians and experience the Italian education system firsthand. As a study abroad student in Milan, two partner university courses are included in the program cost, provided that you meet the institution’s requirements. Any additional enrollments will carry an extra cost.
Most partner university courses are worth 3 credits. Specific course listings and descriptions are not available on the universities’ websites until shortly before the beginning of the term and may be updated frequently. The IES Abroad staff will assist you with this process.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins - some local university courses may not be available to sophomores
- No Italian required
About the IES Abroad Milan Center
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
Our long-standing presence in Milan got an upgrade in 2024: welcome to the brand new IES Abroad Milan Center. It has architectural history, over a dozen classrooms, a 280-seat auditorium, onsite gym, plenty of study spaces, and more. This cutting edge center will be your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Milan Staff
Housing
Apartment
Live in a furnished apartment located in a safe and lively district. Located on main public transportation routes, apartments are within a 40-minute commute to the Center, and each apartment offers fully equipped kitchens, Internet access, a dishwasher, and a washing machine. These apartments are single-sex. Premium location units may carry an additional cost. Apartment life can be enhanced by a live-in Italian roommate called a Community Assistant (CA). These Assistants can help you improve your Italian language skills, get to know the city of Milan, and integrate more fully into the local culture. Meals are not included, so you normally eat lunch at a local café or a university cafeteria, and prepare your own breakfast and dinner at home.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Milan, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Part-Time Internships
Did you know that, while in Milan, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a mandatory 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Placement Examples
Business
Fashion
Law
Experiential Learning
Community-Based Learning
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Milan is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience first-hand some of the social issues that affect Milan, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution.
A community-based learning placement consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by a weekly academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for
reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community.
IES Abroad Milan partners with the local city government’s immigration department to provide a range of community-based learning opportunities from working to grant asylum to migrants to developing job-training programs.
Program Cost
Fall 2025
Academic Year 2025
Spring 2026
Fall 2026
Academic Year 2026-2027
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
PRO-TIP
Apply for your passport today!
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Contact a Previous Student
Student Ambassadors
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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