Students are encouraged to carefully consider whether they want IES Abroad-provided housing or to arrange their own. Many colleges and universities have specific policies about independent housing, with some not permitting it due to associated risks. If a student chooses to live independently, they are fully responsible for all aspects of securing, vetting, and managing their housing. IES Abroad cannot assist with independent housing arrangements. It is important that we know in advance if a student intends to live in independent housing. Therefore, students requesting independent housing must...

As soon as a preliminary program calendar is available (at least a few weeks before the program starts), it will appear above. However, this calendar is subject to change. Please do not make independent travel arrangements (including visits from family or friends) before you arrive on-site, receive any calendar updates from the IES Abroad Center staff during orientation, and finalize your course registration. Remember that you will not be excused from academic obligations, including final exams or required IES Abroad events, in order to travel independently. You can easily make personal travel...

As soon as a preliminary program calendar is available (at least a few weeks before the program starts), it will appear above. However, this calendar is subject to change. Please do not make independent travel arrangements (including visits from family or friends) before you arrive on-site, receive any calendar updates from the IES Abroad Center staff during orientation, and finalize your course registration. Remember that you will not be excused from academic obligations, including final exams or required IES Abroad events, in order to travel independently. You can easily make personal travel...

Housing Policy information: As you go throughout your housing process, please keep in mind the following factors that are considered when housing placements are made: Students in all housing options are expected to abide by IES Abroad housing policies. IES Abroad only locates housing in safe areas of the city. Cohabitation in IES Abroad located housing is prohibited. You will not be permitted to change your housing arrangement during the first two weeks of the semester. If you intend to have a specific housemate, make sure your friend also indicates your Name + Last Name + University while...

Housing falls into three categories - Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3. These designations vary from center to center. Housing designations can be based on size, number of roommates, distance to the center, amenities such as on-site gyms, etc. Option 2 and Option 3 carry an additional supplemental fee in addition to the base housing fee. Please note the base housing fee will be charged first. Any supplemental housing fees for Option 2 or Option 3 housing are charged after housing has been assigned. Final pricing fees will be available on the IES Abroad Website. Please review the program costs...

IES Global Housing Policy At IES Abroad, we’re known for setting the standard in student health and safety, and that goes for student housing as well. In your host city, we have vetted housing options for our students. Housing might be one of the parts of studying abroad that you and your family are most anxious about. We understand that this experience involves a lot of unknowns and want to help you be comfortable with what living like a local will look like. That also means that you’ll need to keep an open mind and understand that things will be different in your host country. If you do, you...

Orientation Your mandatory orientation program begins on the evening of the official arrival date with accommodation check-ins, housing orientation, and a welcome event. Orientation continues the following day at the IES Abroad Milan center and on at convention centers/hotels around the city, with introductory activities to help you become better acquainted with your peers and with the IES Abroad staff. Example Orientation Schedule (activities, locations, and times will change semester by semester) Hear what some of our bloggers have said about orientation and their first few weeks in Milan in...

Early Departure Policy Early departures are not permitted unless warranted by a documented medical or family emergency and approved by IES Abroad. It is not possible to reschedule a final exam or final paper deadline in order to accommodate early departure for personal travel, including plans to attend events such as a friend or relative's wedding, a family reunion, or a graduation ceremony. Plan ahead and make sure our program dates do not conflict with your personal plans before you confirm your place in the program. You will have to leave your accommodation by noon on the official departure...

Confirm Your Spot & Understand Arrival Instructions Wait until you have officially confirmed your spot in the program and completely read arrival and departure information prior to booking your flights. Once you are confirmed, you will be responsible for booking your own travel. When booking flights, please keep in mind flight times and time differences. In many cases, you may need to depart the day before to arrive in your program host country on the official arrival date. IES Abroad strongly encourages you to book flexible flights and/or contact the airline to determine their cancellation...

Important Initial Steps You’ll Need to Take to Be Prepared Confirm your Place in the Program Submit the Confirmation Form in your MyIESabroad account. Check, Renew, or Apply for your Passport This is even more important than your plane ticket! If you do not have a valid passport, renew or apply for one immediately. Read your Predeparture Information and Student Handbook This Predeparture Guide is filled with nearly all the information you need to know to be prepared to go abroad. Navigate through this Predeparture Guide using the dropdown above. Find the Student Handbook in your Predeparture...