You will have the opportunity to take courses at the IES Abroad Milan Center while also enrolling in local partner institutions—including English-taught civil engineering classes, available each spring, at Politecnico di Milano, one of Europe’s most prestigious engineering universities. The program takes advantage of Italy’s rich legacy of civil engineering and technical precision, offering you the chance to explore iconic structures and systems firsthand while deepening your understanding of technical concepts covered in class through a historical and cultural lens.
Milan, Italy
Engineering, Math, and Science
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Spring 2027: January 12 - May 07
Credits:
12 to 19 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$21,415
Visa Required:
Yes
Housing:
Apartment,
Homestay,
Residential Community
Language of Instruction:
English,
Italian
Language Prerequisites:
None
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in Program Fee
About the Program
Program Advisor
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?
Milan isn't just any city in Italy. It is an international cultural, business, arts, and technical hub of the world. Milan is home to Politecnico di Milano, the largest public technical university in the country. That helps make it an excellent location to experience world travels while retaining the academic rigor that a degree in Math, Engineering, and Science demands.
The Student Experience
Advice from People from Home
In my last two weeks at home, I interviewed the role models in my life about what advice they had for those studying abroad.
Program Dates
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
January 12 - May 07
Application Deadline:
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
Stay on track with your graduate requirements while enjoying the opportunity to study abroad in Milan. Our Milan Engineering, Math & Science program offers a range of courses in STEM. You can also be a part of a greater learning community through our unique Global Pillars course; working together with students across academic backgrounds to find solutions to today's most pressing sustainability issues.
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 12–19 credits per semester.
- IES Abroad Italian language course at your proficiency level (optional, 3 credits)
- English-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits)
- STEM-focused courses (in English or Italian) at local universities (optional, credits vary)
- English or Italian-taught IES Abroad elective courses (optional, 3 credits)
- Partner University Courses (English-taught, optional)
- Internship and seminar (optional, 3 credits) OR Community-Based Learning placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
Our Engineering, Math, & Science Program offers a range of courses in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. You can also choose from a selection of Math and Science courses to keep you on track for graduation. These courses are taught at Politecnico di Milano and the IES Abroad Center.
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
Anthropology (1)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/PS330 - Self and Identity in a Post-Modern World | 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
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Current Enrollment at home college or university in a STEM field program (Natural Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Pre-Med)
- 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
IES Abroad Milan
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
Luca Blumer
Student Life, Health and Safety Manager and Student Affairs Cluster Lead for Italy
Amanda Swain
Associate Director & Dean of Faculty
Marta Brambilla
Academic Department & Internship Manager
Giorgia Cima
Head of Advising & Partner Institution Specialist
Giulia Glouchtchenko
Student Affairs Assistant
Teresa Keller
Academic Operations & Co-curricular Activities Specialist
Manuela Nigrelli
Assistant Director of Student Housing in Europe, Housing & Facilities, Project Manager in Milan
Alessia Palmieri
Events & Customized Programs Coordinator
Lorenzo Rossetti
Housing Specialist
Housing
Rooms in shared Apartments will be available to IES Students. The apartment buildings are located in safe areas of the city, within 15-45 minutes from the IES Abroad Milan Center by public transportation. You can expect to live in an apartment with an equipped kitchen, a private or shared bathroom, and a washer available. Towels, sheets, and bed linens are provided and replaced weekly during the cleaning session.
The buildings may include amenities such as a workout/gym area, common lounges to meet with peers, study or work, front desk staff. Apartment life can be enhanced by a live-in Italian flat mate called Italian Student Companion (ISC). ISCs 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.
1 Day ($)
Fall, Spring, & Summer
Lake Maggiore
Visit the charming city of Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Get the full scenic tour on a private boat that will take you to see the three marvelous Borromean Islands, along with their museums and botanical gardens, situated in the heart of the lake.
Luxury Cars & Food of Italy
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Learn what's behind these two cornerstones of the Italian economy. How did Enzo Ferrari build such iconic sports cars and balsamic vinegar become a World-renowned delicacy? You'll find out from the source!
Turin
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Experience the city of cinema, royal palaces, and chocolate. Once the capital of Italy, Turin is a refined, elegant metropolitan city of great historical interest, with a touch of contemporary, cosmopolitan buzz.
Lake Maggiore
1 Day ($)
Fall, Spring, & Summer
Visit the charming city of Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Get the full scenic tour on a private boat that will take you to see the three marvelous Borromean Islands, along with their museums and botanical gardens, situated in the heart of the lake.
Cinque Terre
1 Day ($)
Fall & Summer
Get inspired while hiking the trails of this UNESCO World-Heritage site and visiting its picturesque towns overlooking the Mediterranean sea. If that wasn't enough, you'll also get to enjoy a boat tour to see the colorful villages from the sea.
Verona
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Spend a day exploring Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, famously
known as the City of Love. Admire the breathtaking Arena and wander
through its charming historic streets.
Bologna
1 day ($)
Fall & Spring
Explore the beautiful city of Bologna; home to the most ancient university in the western world. A guided tour with a local guide and a pasta cooking class in the Bologna city center awaits you!
Ski Trip in the Alps
2 days ($)
Spring
Enjoy a three day trip in the charming city of Bormio (host city of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games), Have fun skiing through the breathtaking landscapes on top of Europe! A snowshoeing activity is also included!
Tuscany Trip
3 days ($)
Spring
Tuscany, a region with a one-of-a-kind cultural heritage that has fascinated visitors for centuries. Join us for a Tuscan weekend with special experiences including a winery, farm visit, and the chance to walk up the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
Roman Marvels
3 days ($)
Fall & Spring
An introduction to the remarkable engineering achievements of the Ancient Roman Empire—an early and enduring example of real-world STEM innovation. Through site visits to iconic sites such as the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Cloaca Maxima, and Via Appia...
Part-Time Internships
Kristen W. • Villanova University
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:
- Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
- Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
- Experience what working in Milan is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
- Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
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
Computer Sciences
Mathematics
Engineering
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
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Spring 2027
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7.9 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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