Madrid is sunny and very warm during the summer months. The average maximum temperature in July is 87º F, although temperatures can often reach 100º F in mid-summer. For current weather conditions in Madrid visit www.weather.com.

Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the political capital of the country. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city of approximately 4 million people. The student population is significant with roughly 90,000 students attending the Universidad Complutense de Madrid alone! The city stands within its own autonomous community called La Comunidad de Madrid, located in the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula. The energetic ambiance of Madrid is not limited to university students however. People of all ages contribute to the cultural community of Madrid. Theater productions, concerts of all...

Nestled in the Tuscan countryside 35 miles southwest of Florence, Siena is a relatively small city of about 67,000 inhabitants, 16,000 of whom are students at the Università degli Studi di Siena and the Università per Stranieri di Siena. Although Siena has a large student population, the city has very few permanent American study abroad programs compared to Florence. Living in Siena allows you greater immersion into Italian society and culture, while still providing easy access to the Tuscan capital. Siena is very safe and everythign is within walking distance. Siena is also the gateway to...

And of course, we can't talk about Italy without mentioning the food!! Check out what one blogger had to say about all things Italian food in this post: The Land of Pasta, Pizza, and Gelato

Where do I have something mailed? All of your mail should be addressed to you c/o IES Abroad Milano at the IES Abroad Milano Center: Your Name c/o IES Abroad Milano Via Monte Rosa, 91 Milano, Italy 20149 How long will it take? Airmail from the United States to Italy usually takes one to two weeks. Special delivery airmail takes about 10 days. Surface mail takes at least two to four weeks. Sending mail or packages by private carrier is more expensive but more convenient and can take only two days if sent express. Where possible, we suggest that you have important documentation sent by private...

Milan is the capital of Lombardy, which is the most productive region in Europe in terms of the agriculture and food industry. However, Milan is more than just a production hub! It is considered the fashion capital of Italy as well as an important center for design, culture, education, business, sports, and music. What do IES Abroad students in Milan say about the city? See what Milan bloggers have learned and seen in their new home city: Virtual Tour of Milano! - a photo post that walks you through the highlights of the city Center The New with the Old: The City of Milan A Chronicle of an...

Should the need arise, the city has an extensive tram, subway, and bus system. For more information, consult www.atm-mi.it. Bus tickets cannot be purchased on-board, and must be bought in advance. They are available at newsstands, subway stations, and “Tabaccherie,” which are all-purpose stores that also sell cigarettes and stamps and are easily recognized by the large “T” sign. Bus and tram drivers do not check tickets. There is a machine at the front and rear of each bus or tram that stamps your ticket. Once your ticket is validated, it is considered “used” and is valid only for the...

Milan has a typical continental climate and may be warm in the spring. It is advisable to bring an umbrella, a light jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.

Welcome to the Eternal City! Rome is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city’s famed seven hills offer sweeping vistas of the city. The Tiber (Tevere), Rome’s famous river, offers romantic promenades and this Italian hub has been an important city for close to 2,500 years. The city’s long history is visible on many of its streets and by-ways and is a modern, vibrant city, the seat of the Italian government, and a popular location for international meetings. As an important cultural and artistic center today, Rome has a wealth of cultural treasures. Take a tour around...