Student Voices—Balancing Ambition and Adventure in Milan

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IES Abroad
 September 29, 2025
Racheet Shah in Switzerland during his semester abroad in Milan

Are you torn between an internship or studying abroad? With IES Internships, you don't have to choose. You'll gain the professional experience you're craving while calling one of our program destinations home for a term. 

Don't just take our word for it—let's hear from Racheet Shah, an IES Abroad Milan alum who experienced both firsthand this summer. Dive into Racheet's reflection to learn how he discovered that professional growth and cultural exploration aren't mutually exclusive—they're complementary. 

When I first heard about the IES Abroad Milan Summer Internship Program, I was simultaneously excited and terrified. As a junior at Indiana University (IU)'s Kelley School of Business, I had dreamed of an international experience, but I wasn't sure I could balance professional development with cultural immersion—or even navigate what I worried could be a complex application process. 

A picture of the Duomo channel, taken by Racheet Shah during his summer in Milan

My path to Milan started with Brita from the Kelley’s international office, who helped me understand how the program could fit into my academic plan. From there, I worked with Beth from IES Abroad to navigate the visa process, medical forms, and financial aid paperwork. It was a lot to juggle, especially during the school year, and there were moments when I wondered if I was in over my head. Between tailoring my resume for the Italian job market and scheduling my visa appointment, I had to manage my time carefully and stay organized. The support from Brita, Lucia from IU’s Education Abroad office, and the internship staff helped me stay grounded and focused. 

 

What really shifted my mindset was realizing that Milan isn’t just a beautiful city. It’s the business capital of Italy, and I saw it as a gateway to future opportunities in investment banking and global consulting. 

I reached out to past program ambassadors and students who had interned in Milan, and their stories made the experience feel real and achievable. I was nervous, but I also knew I wanted an international experience. The offices, the internship staff, and my advisor gave me the confidence to apply. I also needed the credits, which made it a practical decision as well as a personal one. The internship placement process was probably the most nerve-wracking part. Olivia, my internship advisor, helped me prepare my materials, and Carlotta coordinated sending my resume to host companies. When I got the call about my placement at Gen USA, I immediately told my parents. My dad was excited but also had questions about finances, like how we’d manage scholarships and travel costs. Sharing the news with them made it all feel real, and their support helped me embrace the opportunity fully. 

Preparing for Milan meant being strategic. I packed carefully, balancing formal clothes for work with casual outfits for exploring. My dad helped me find affordable flights, which made travel smoother. Milan surprised me. It wasn’t as large as I expected, but it was bustling, especially around luxury areas like the Duomo. Each neighborhood had its own vibe, and I quickly understood why it’s considered a business hub. The energy, the shops, the pace—it all made sense once I was there. 

Weekend Adventures Build Global Perspective

Racheet Shah and a friend on a trip to Germany during his internship in Milan, Italy

Weekend trips to Switzerland, Germany, and Florence weren’t just about sightseeing. They helped me build cultural intelligence and gave me time to reflect. One of the most meaningful moments was traveling to Bonn to visit my cousin sister. She’s my mom’s sister’s daughter, and we’ve always been close, like siblings. She’s currently pursuing her PhD in astrophysics in Germany, and spending time with her gave me a chance to compare perspectives. She lives in Europe, and I was experiencing it for the first time. That connection made the experience feel even more personal and helped me see things through a different lens. 

Budgeting for these trips was essential. I planned ahead for groceries, transportation, and activities in each city. I highly recommend applying for the IES Abroad scholarship and exploring IU’s overseas aid options. These helped make the experience more accessible and allowed me to focus on growth rather than just expenses. If finances are a concern, don’t let that stop you. There are resources, and it’s worth exploring every option. 

"As I prepare for summer 2026 recruiting, I feel completely different about my prospects. I’m not just another business student. I’m someone who has interned abroad, adapted to a new culture, and worked independently in a global environment. My Milan internship helped me build communication skills across cultures, taught me how to navigate ambiguity, and strengthened my ability to work in diverse teams. " 

Growth Through Challenges

Working at a smaller firm meant less structure. I had to prioritize tasks without constant oversight, which pushed me to be more independent. I remember one week in particular when I was struggling with data automation, fumbling through a client call in Italian, and feeling homesick. I called my parents that night, unsure if I could handle it all. But those low moments were just as valuable as the highs. When I finally figured out the automation or made it through the next client call more confidently, the sense of accomplishment was real. 

Financial stress was part of the journey too. I had to be intentional with budgeting for groceries, transportation, and weekend travel. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me discipline and made every experience more meaningful. I learned to stretch resources and plan ahead, which are skills I’ll carry with me long after this internship. 

How Milan Changed My Career Trajectory

A picture of Racheet Shah at the Gen USA Office during his summer internship in Milan

As I prepare for summer 2026 recruiting, I feel completely different about my prospects. I’m not just another business student. I’m someone who has interned abroad, adapted to a new culture, and worked independently in a global environment. My Milan internship helped me build communication skills across cultures, taught me how to navigate ambiguity, and strengthened my ability to work in diverse teams. The technical skills were valuable, but the soft skills are what really set me apart. 

This experience also helped me shape my elevator pitch. When I talk to recruiters now—whether in investment banking or consulting—I can speak confidently about how I’ve applied my skills in a real-world international setting. I can explain how I managed projects with limited structure, communicated across language barriers, and learned to thrive in unfamiliar environments. These stories don’t just show what I’ve done—they show how I think, how I lead, and how I grow. I believe this experience will help me land future internships and roles in high-impact industries. 

I’m still using the tools I learned, especially Excel and data management. I’m working toward a certification now to deepen those skills. One moment I’m proud of was completing the internship seminar course while navigating public transportation, living independently, and building relationships with my colleagues. I wish I had more research-based projects, but even the challenges taught me resilience. 

Cultural immersion showed up in everyday life. I asked for help on the metro, chatted with residents at Collegio, and tried to speak Italian whenever I could. I didn’t order much at cafes, but I practiced the language and picked up phrases that helped me feel more connected. Six weeks isn’t enough to master a language, but it gave me a foundation I’m excited to build on. 

Advice for Future Students

For students considering this program: yes, the application process is extensive, but every form is an investment in a life-changing experience. Start early with Brita in Kelley's international office. Don't let financial concerns stop you—scholarships through Kelley and IES Abroad made the program much more accessible than I thought. 

Trust the placement process. Everyone involved wants you to succeed, from application through your farewell event. 

"This summer blended professional development with cultural discovery. For any student wondering if they can balance ambition with adventure: not only can you do both, but each makes the other more rewarding."

Grazie Mille, Milano

The IES Abroad farewell event was perfect—signing t-shirts and reflecting on our journeys reminded me of the lasting connections I'd built. Special thanks to Vittoria Mussio and the entire IES Abroad team. 

This summer blended professional development with cultural discovery. For any student wondering if they can balance ambition with adventure: not only can you do both, but each makes the other more rewarding. 

 

✈️ Feeling inspired to study abroad? Check out our program offerings, including both part-time and full-time internships or jump into more stories directly from our students through our Correspondent blogs!

Racheet Shah Headshot

Racheet Shah

I am a junior at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, majoring in Finance and Accounting with a minor in General Music Studies. My interests include playing tennis, performing on the flute, writing personal narratives, and traveling. 

During Summer 2025, I participated in the Milan Summer - Internship Program through IES Abroad, where I completed the IN-395 Internship Seminar course. This experience enhanced my understanding of Italian business culture, communication styles, workplace hierarchy, and leadership practices. I interned at Gen USA, a transatlantic company that helps Italian businesses enter the U.S. market through visa procedures, legal compliance, and market entry strategies. 

On campus, I serve as a Resident Assistant at McNutt Residence Hall and Director of Marketing and Recruitment for the ASK Program. 

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